The SWAG Family Resource Center developed through the ideas and commitment of area residents, advocates, service providers and community leaders who were concerned with the health, education, income, domestic violence and child maltreatment disparities in southwest Gainesville. The Southwest Advocacy Group (SWAG) led the advocacy effort to bring resources into Linton Oaks and the surrounding neighborhoods.
In June 2010, members of SWAG went door-to-door to reach out to area residents about some of the services and resources they felt they most needed. Those residents welcomed SWAG’s support and expressed their concerns regarding crime, housing, transportation and more. The goal of creating a resource center was born.
Shortly after, SWAG and Partnership for Strong Families (PSF) formed a partnership to establish a resource center in the area. With one of the highest rates of child maltreatment in Gainesville, PSF had a strong interest in strengthening the southwest Gainesville community. Agreeing with this need, the Alachua County Commission purchased a building in Linton Oaks to house the resource center. Thanks to the support and financial contributions of a number of community partners including the City of Gainesville, Rotary International, Tower Hill Insurance Agency, Kiwanis, Oelrich Construction and others, the SWAG Family Resource Center opened its doors to the community in June 2012.
