Halfacre Construction completes new legacy space for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast
The nonprofit opened its doors for first two events last week
LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. — Halfacre Construction Company, a Lakewood Ranch-based commercial construction company, recently completed construction on an approximate 9,000-square-foot new building for Big Brother Big Sisters of the Sun Coast (BBBSSC), a nonprofit with a mission to help youth thrive by providing transformational, one-to-one mentoring relationships with caring adult mentors.
Construction on the complete interior new build located at 5731 Rosin Way included spaces tailored for staff with workstations for meetings and planning, a kitchen, various well-thought-out areas for enjoying time together, a mentor center with state-of-the-art technology, a family lounge, a board room, conference room, huddle rooms and two entrances that can be separated for public events.
BBBSSC leadership envisions this as a legacy project as its long-time CEO Joy Mahler hands over the reins to incoming CEO Kamala Martinez, who officially started on September 30. Mahler has served the organization for 41 years and says that the organization will always hold a special place in her heart.
Recently, BBBSSC hosted its first two public events in the new space: a trunk or treat for Bigs and Littles and a retirement celebration for Mahler.
“We are so proud of this exceptional new building and know that it will be a warm and welcoming place for our volunteers and staff for many years into the future,” said Mahler. “Jack Cox, Halfacre’s president and a former Big Brother himself, truly understood our mission, and our new building reflects that. The construction company is such a well-regarded and respected organization in our community, and they were extremely mindful of our goals, our nonprofit status and the vision of our organization. They made the building shell into a warm and welcoming home we cherish.”
An official ribbon-cutting and public open house is planned for January 2025.
“Mentoring has a profound impact on a young person’s life,” said Martinez. “Our Bigs bring valuable connections, both professionally and personally, to support our Littles — providing them with educational insights and potential career pathways.”
There are currently 1,700 Big/Little matches, and the organization is always looking for more. For more information, visit bbbssun.org.
About Halfacre Construction Company
Halfacre is the area’s oldest, most established, locally owned and operated private commercial construction company. Their foundational strengths stand as evidence that its commercial and industrial construction projects will be delivered on time, within budget, with the utmost integrity and with the expertise and financial strength needed for success. Halfacre Construction also offers its expertise as a Green builder with the knowledge and abilities to produce viable, effective alternatives to reduce energy consumption and preserve natural resources. Staff includes U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) certified professionals who have demonstrated proficiency in green building practices and who possess a thorough grasp of the LEED Green Building Rating System. For more information, please visit www.HalfacreConstruction.com.
About Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast
For 55 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast has been matching youth in meaningful, enduring, professionally supported mentoring relationships with adult volunteers who empower their potential and help them achieve their biggest possible futures. Big Brothers Big Sisters’ evidence-based approach is designed to create positive youth outcomes, including educational success, avoidance of risky behaviors, higher aspirations, greater confidence, and improved relationships. This past year, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast has served over 1,700 youth across a 10-county footprint. Learn how to get involved at bbbssun.org.