Since 2011, employees with Halfacre Construction Company have voluntarily chosen to contribute through recurring weekly payroll deductions to the Loveland Center, a nonprofit that provides educational and vocational programs and support services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Manatee, Sarasota and Charlotte Counties.
As of February 2020, the donation total reached just over $33,000 from an average of 20 of its staff members.
“In 2010, we established The John Cox Friends4Life scholarship program at the Loveland Center in honor of my father,” said Jack Cox, president of Halfacre Construction Company. “I could not be prouder of the generous spirit displayed by our employees and their support of the Loveland Center. I believe I speak for all of us when I say we feel very blessed and fortunate to be able to give back to this worthy community nonprofit.”
In 2015, Halfacre Construction Company completed construction on The Nancy Detert Residences on the Loveland Center’s Venice campus. The Residences provide supportive housing comprised of three two-story apartment buildings and a community center building where residents have access to an array of recreational services to support their inclusion in the community. This independent living model provides an affordable housing option that allows adults with developmental disabilities to maintain their independence in a less restrictive environment.
“Employee giving programs succeed with buy-in from the top, and Jack Cox has led the way for his company with his commitment,” said Patrick Guerin, president and CEO of Loveland Center. “Halfacre Construction’s year-round giving has helped the Loveland Center provide quality life-skills development programs and support services. Their support has impacted the Loveland Center community by empowering the individuals we serve and giving them the tools they require to be self-advocates and be seen in their community as equals. Halfacre Construction’s social responsibility is evident in the value brought by improving the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental in our community.”
More recently in 2016, the commercial construction company helped spearhead the effort for a no-cost maintenance building for the nonprofit. With the help of community partners and businesses, the $140,000 maintenance building was donated through contributions, reduced or donated fees and miscellaneous items.