The Salvation Army’s East Lee Service Center

A New Chapter for Human Services in Lehigh Acres

A transformational step toward addressing the growing need for locally accessible human services in East Lee County.

A significant milestone for our community was celebrated on Tuesday, August 18th, with the official transfer of the Kiwanis Club of Lehigh Acres Foundation property on Homestead Road to The Salvation Army of Lee, Hendry and Glades Counties. This historic occasion celebrates the next chapter of service, hope, and community impact.

Transfer of Property Declaration

“The honor and glory of God and the people of the State of Florida and Lee County, for the peace, dignity and well being of the people of God who pass into these doors seeking love, kindness and charity. Witness this day in this ceremonial signing, the granting of this property and its conveyance by the Kiwanis Club Foundation to The Salvation Army of Lee, Hendry and Glades Counties. In consideration of funding provided for said conveyance by the Lee County Board of County Commissioners, the establishment and operation of the Salvation Army Regional Mission Center for the communities of East Lee County and approximate communities, we, the undersigned, recognize this action of this conveyance and documents filed with competent authority, this day, August 18, in the year of our Lord 2026.”

Lee County Leaders posing with Lehigh Acres Kiwanis Club Foundation leaders and Salvation Army of Lee, Hendry and Glades Counties leader for the signing of the East Lee Service Center on Homestead Road

Pictured above, left to right, for the official signing: Michael Welch, East Lee County Chamber of Commerce, Damon Shelor, Lehigh Acres Kiwanis Club Foundation, Major Ethan Frizzell, Salvation Army of Lee, Hendry and Glades Counties, Honorable David Mulicka, District 3, Vice Chairman, Lee Board of County Commissioners, Honorable Armor Persons, District 5, Chairman, School Board of Lee County, Honorable Cecil Pendergrass, District 2, Chairman, Lee Board of County Commissioners

The Property Transfer

After years in the planning stages, the purchase of the Kiwanis property was made financially possible by the Lee County Board of County Commissioners, with coordination efforts provided by the East Lee County Chamber of Commerce.

Chamber Chair Mike Welch spearheaded the discovery of this suitable property, and together with the leadership of the Salvation Army, Lee County government, and the leaders of the Kiwanis Club, all parties involved realized the value for the new service center.

Welch noted, “East Lee County has grown at a rapid rate and along with this growth comes need for our vulnerable. Services and sheltering are 30 miles away in Fort Myers. Over the years, the Chamber has quietly found its niche and continues to help in building the programs that the Salvation Army will develop here in our communities. We are also thankful for the work of our County leaders and for approval of the resources by the Lee County Board of County Commissioners.”

Community and Business Support

As well, businesses are providing future cost-saving measures as the Salvation Army prepares the building to meet current standards, including FGUA stepping up to make necessary changes to water and wastewater services at the service center.

In addition, the current East Lee County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has also been asked to serve as the initial Board of Directors for the Salvation Army East Lee Service Center.

Removing Barriers to Assistance

“Today, many East Lee residents must travel significant distances to access essential assistance,” said Major Ethan Frizzell, Area Commander for The Salvation Army of Lee, Hendry and Glades Counties. “This new service center will help remove barriers to assistance, strengthen emergency response capabilities, and connect more families to food, financial assistance, housing stability resources, and compassionate support when they need it most. This building represents far more than a property acquisition,” Frizzell said. “It represents hope, opportunity, and a commitment to ensuring that every resident has access to the resources they need to overcome challenges and build a brighter future.”

East Lee Service Center: Keep Help Close. Keep Hope Open.

Lehigh Acres has grown rapidly while many critical human services remain concentrated farther west. Distance, limited transportation, and fragmented systems can turn a manageable setback into a deeper crisis.

The Homestead property offers the scale and central location needed for client reception, food and emergency-supply storage, counseling and case management space, community training, and future program growth.