Just before the school year kicked off, Addition Financial Foundation unveiled five completely transformed support centers at public schools across Central Florida. Think of them as one-stop shops stocked with food, clothing, hygiene products, and other essentials that help kids show up to school ready to actually learn.
After last year’s program proved successful, the Foundation decided to go bigger in 2026. They expanded into Volusia County while continuing partnerships with Orange, Seminole, Lake, and Osceola counties. The mission? Remove the obstacles that keep students from getting the education they deserve.
Where the Magic Happened
This year’s newly renovated spaces are now open at:
- Deltona Middle School (Volusia County)
- Discovery Intermediate School (Osceola County)
- Eustis Heights Elementary School (Lake County)
- Meadowbrook Middle School (Orange County)
- Seminole High School – 9th Grade Center (Seminole County)
Here’s a sobering stat: Local district data shows more than 20,000 students across these five counties are currently experiencing homelessness. Twenty thousand kids. That’s not just a number—it’s a clear signal that school-based support resources aren’t optional extras. They’re necessities.
“Deltona Middle School now has a needs space stocked with food, clothing, and everyday essentials, thanks to the Addition Financial Foundation,” said Dr. Carmen Balgobin, Superintendent for Volusia County Schools. “This space is a testament to the importance of community partnerships, as it provides students and families who need extra support with the resources they need to thrive. Volusia County Schools is grateful to have a partner like Addition Financial who is committed to our students’ success.”
From Design to Delivery
Here’s where it gets good. Addition Financial didn’t just write a check and call it a day. They teamed up with Seminole State College’s Interior Design Program to create custom spaces tailored to what each school actually needed. Then, throughout the summer, dozens of Addition Financial team members rolled up their sleeves and got to work—painting walls, building furniture, organizing supplies, and making these rooms feel like welcoming spaces instead of institutional storage closets.
And for the first time ever, the 2026 program brought in a coalition of local businesses ready to chip in. Avalon Park Group, Taino’s Bakery, Jasmin Hospitality Management, Velera, Evok, Logas Law, Trademark Press, and Thomas Printworks collectively donated over $10,000 to help furnish, decorate, and stock these support centers. That’s what happens when a community decides to show up for its kids.
“Every student deserves the opportunity to learn, grow and reach their full potential, but learning becomes incredibly difficult when a child is worried about where their next meal is coming from or whether they have clean clothes or basic hygiene items,” said Cristina Lehman, Executive Director of the Addition Financial Foundation. “These spaces are about so much more than food or clothing. They’re about creating a trusted resource students and families know they can depend on during difficult times while providing the dignity, compassion and sense of belonging every child deserves. Seeing our volunteers, school partners and local businesses come together to make that possible reminds us of what can happen when a community rallies around its students.”
Why This Matters
Dr. Jaime B. Washington, Principal at Seminole High School 9th Grade Center, put it perfectly: “This investment is providing additional resources that will help us create a more welcoming, engaging, and supportive campus experience. When students have access to resources, they are better positioned to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. We look forward to seeing the lasting benefits it will bring to our school community.”
Each of these renovated centers works as a central hub where students and families can grab what they need without jumping through hoops—and without judgment. Everything’s free, the environment is welcoming, and school staff can respond quickly and discreetly when a family hits a rough patch. It’s about removing barriers and restoring dignity.
The Evolution of an Idea
Fun fact: Renovate to Educate started back in 2018 as a program that gave deserving teachers classroom makeovers. But in 2025, Foundation leaders and school partners had a lightbulb moment. Instead of fixing up individual classrooms, what if they transformed spaces that could serve entire school communities? The pivot made sense, and the results speak for themselves.
Bottom line? When kids don’t have to worry about basic needs, they can focus on being kids—and students. And that’s something worth celebrating.