Proudly Serving the community
SWFL
We strive to protect the children, youth, and families entrusted to our care by providing shelter for at-risk teens, offering free HIV/STI testing, and providing resources to our community.
(239) 334-3739
Proudly Serving the Community
SWFL
We strive to protect the children, youth, and families entrusted to our care by providing shelter for at-risk teens, offering free HIV/STI testing, and providing resources to our community.
We are dedicated to bringing people together to be of service
Supporting People Who Need Help Most
We Strive to Protect The Children, Youth, Adults and Families Entrusted In Our Care
+ 29
Years of Experience
+ 10
Services / Programs
+ 25
Staff members
+ 3
Locations
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide a safe, supportive environment to at-risk teens who are placed in dependent care by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) or the Children’s Network of Southwest Florida (CNSWFL). We operate two residential shelters, and provide 24 hours around the clock supervision, for approximately 80 youth per year. We ensure that our youth receive the education, personal care, behavioral health, and independent living skill development that they need to promote stability and normalcy.
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Our services
What We Offer
The vision of our founders was to have a place to bring people together and to serve those who need help most. We are the fullfillment of that vision.
Emergency Shelter
Source of Light and Hope Development Center provides emergency shelter and residential programs for at-risk youth in foster care aged 13 – 18.
Community Outreach
We also provide Community Outreach & Health Education including free and confidential HIV/STD testing and counseling, as well as other health services for the public.
Workshops & Community Events
We strive to offer the community an opportunity to come together for mutual growth and development, empowerment, networking, and making a difference.
Our Story
Our Journey
We are passionate about serving the community. We proudly provide services for residents in Lee, Hendry, Glades, Charlotte and Collier counties.
Source of Light and Hope was founded in 1987 by Richard Sapp, former director of the DATE unit at Ruth Cooper Center for Mental Health, along with his sister Dr. Veronica Shoemaker, a local businesswoman, councilwoman, and activist.
Dr. Shoemaker fought tirelessly for equality and equal access to resources for the community. The family’s vision was to have a place to bring people together and to serve those who need help most. The Source of Light and Hope Development Center is the fulfillment of that vision.
The Source of Light & Hope Development Center, Inc. (SOLHDC) is a licensed, private non-profit community-based organization. Incorporated on July 29, 1987.
The agency has provided services in conjunction with the Children’s Network of Southwest Florida, the Florida Department of Children & Families, the Gulf Coast Chapter of The March of Dimes, the Lee County Health Department, Lee County Human Services and HUD, the Florida Department of Health Bureau of HIV /AIDS, Florida Department of Education and HRSA at the federal level.
Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world.
Howard Zinn
News & Blog
Recent posts
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Source of Fright Health & Resource Fair
🎃 Source of Fright Health & Resource Fair: A Spooktacular Community Celebration Get ready for an afternoon of family fun, community resources, and Halloween excitement! The Source of Light & Hope Development Center is proud to present the Source of Fright...
Game Night at the Source
🎲 Game Night at The Source: An Evening of Fun, Competition, and Community! Looking for a great way to spend your Friday evening while supporting a meaningful cause? Join the Source of Light & Hope Development Center for Game Night at The Source on Saturday,...
In Loving Memory of Richard Allan Sapp
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Richard Allan Sapp, who departed this life on July 21, 2026. We invite family and friends to join us as we celebrate and honor the life, legacy, and love of Richard Allan Sapp. We are deeply grateful...
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Please Support Us
Your contribution will enable us to support abandoned, and displaced youth that are placed in our facilities. We accept monetary donations, in addition to donations of time and resources.
Want to know how you can support us?
Let's work together
If you would like to donate funds, services, or resources, add your email below and someone will contact you.
Address
2666 Lime Street
Fort Myers, FL 33916
hr.solhdc@hotmail.com
Phone
239-334-7519