ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The James B. Sanderlin Neighborhood Family Center is preparing to grow after unveiling plans for a new 40,000-square-foot facility.
The $25 million facility will be designed specifically for the services the Sanderlin Center already provides, including educational programs for students, a food pantry and other support for families in the community.
The project is being paid for through federal and state grants and donations.
Sanderlin Center CEO Celeste Collins said the organization has outgrown its current building. The center is currently maxed out at 77 students, while the new facility will allow it to serve more than 140.
Collins said the need for other services is also growing, with the center seeing more families seeking help with food, rent, mortgages and utility bills.
“Our food pantry numbers are doubling,” Collins said. “Families are coming in now needing assistance with rent, and mortgage and utility bills. So we want to grow. As community needs grow, we have to grow.”
Collins said the project is about more than constructing a larger building.
“It’s more about the community and the people than it is about brick and mortar,” Collins said. “The people inside the building are the people who make the magic happen.”
The Sanderlin Center has served the St. Petersburg community for about 35 years, providing educational and social services to children and families.
For students like Jordan Roberts, the center is already a special place.
“This place is really special because it’s everyone, and everyone is unique here, and everyone is nice,” Roberts said. “It’s perfect here.”
The center is continuing to raise money for the new facility.