The Neighborhood Center of South Lake (TNC) is pleased to announce the addition of two new board members to our team, Cathy Bicknell and Justin Allender. 

Cathy Bicknell has served as a finance director with the United Way organization for more than 10 years. Her tenure has brought her to the United Way of McLean County, United Way of Marion County, and currently the United Way of Lake & Sumter Counties. 

Through her experience, Cathy clearly understands the importance of the details of organizational finances, and the value of clean audits for all of the organizations she has served. Compliance, accuracy, and transparency in all financial matters are always the ultimate goal. 

When joining the Neighborhood Center of South Lake board of directors, Cathy also agreed to assume the role of Treasurer. Cathy is dedicated to serving the organization while upholding the highest standards of integrity and quality and brings extensive experience in non-profit finance to The Neighborhood Center of South Lake. WELCOME CATHY! 

Justin Allender is a Florida native originally from Pensacola. After achieving his Bachelor’s in Finance and an M.B.A. from Florida State University, he made South Lake County his home. 

Justin is the Commercial Loan Officer at the First National Bank of Mount Dora and enjoys helping local business owners grow their companies. He sees his primary role as being both an advisor and connector to businesses with resources both at the Bank and throughout the County. 

He also feels strongly about serving and advocating for our community to make it a better place for all, and exemplifies this through his service with organizations like The Neighborhood Center of South Lake, and several other organizations. He has chaired the South Lake Chamber Young Professionals for the last five years, been the Treasurer of the Icehouse Theatre in Mount Dora since 2021, and most recently joined the advisory board for Lake Sumter State College’s B.A.S. in Leadership program. He is also the Treasurer for Leadership Lake County Class of 2024 (Go Yellow!). 

Justin has two sons – Benjamin (10) and Levi (6).  Justin and his partner Nathan are proud to call Groveland home and hope to keep the South Lake area a welcoming place that helps all of its neighbors in their times of need. WELCOME JUSTIN! 

About the Neighborhood Center of South Lake 

Our Mission: ENRICHING NEIGHBORS’ LIVES AND ENHANCING DIGNITY BY PROVIDING FOOD SECURITY AND ABUNDANT RESOURCES. 

Founded in 1972, the Neighborhood Center of South Lake has been serving residents in our community for more than 50 years. Ensuring the dignity of every client, we acknowledge that asking for help is an act of courage and should always be respected. We focus on empowering our neighbors with the tools and resources to help them achieve long-term and sustainable independence. 

The Neighborhood Center of South Lake is a designated as a Nutritious Food Pantry, which means our clients receive healthy (minimally processed) groceries for their families, and assistance in accessing government and other necessary resources, helping them break the cycle and improve their quality of life. 

We set our neighbors on the road to sustainability. We are committed to providing a pathway of Hope. 

The Neighborhood Center of South Lake serves South Lake County residents in the following zip codes: 34711, 34714, 34715, 34729, 34736, 34737, 34753, 34755, 34756, 34762, Parts of 34748. 

For more information on the Neighborhood Center of South Lake or Donate please go to www.tncsl.org