Latest News – Key Training Center

Key News | Key Training Center

Stories, celebrations and community moments from around the Key Training Center.

Table of Contents

Mission & Community Impact

Key Celebrates Communications Week

The Key Training Center celebrated Communications Week, October 12–16, 2026, recognizing the team that shares our stories and keeps our community connected…

Caring K9s therapy dogs visiting the Key Training Center and Key Elder Care

Caring K9s Brings Friendship and Comfort to the Key

Five special visitors brought a little extra joy to the Key Training Center and Key Elder Care on October 22, 2026. Fenway, Ilsa, Bunker, Willow and Lincoln stopped by with Caring K9s to spend time with their friends, sharing the comfort and companionship…

Key Training Center Retail Appreciation Week team

You’re the KEY to Our Success! Happy Retail Appreciation Week!

Happy Retail Appreciation Week! Our retail staff plays an important role in supporting the Key’s mission and the individuals with intellectual and developmental…

Megan Lemond and Tony Smith - Black Knights Baseball

Black Knights Headed to the Special Olympics State Championships

The Key Training Center is proud to celebrate two of our clients, Megan Lemond and Tony Smith, who are members of the Black Knights baseball team. Megan, Tony and their teammates had an outstanding day on the field, winning both of their games and earning a trip to the Special Olympics State Championships in Orlando next month!

Team Key at the Special Olympics State Competition

Team Key Brings Home the Bronze! 🎳🥉

There’s plenty to celebrate at the Key Training Center! Bill Kersey, John Thagard, Kieth Francouer and Tony Smith traveled to Orlando for the Special Olympics State Competition and came home with 3rd place!

Destiny Pond - Direct Support Professional Recognition

Destiny Pond’s Passion Helps Unlock Independence

During DSP Recognition Week, we are proud to recognize Destiny Pond, whose encouragement, compassion and belief in the individuals we serve help build confidence and greater independence.

Key Training Center Direct Support Professionals Week

Key Training Center Celebrates DSP Week

During DSP Recognition Week, September 14–18, the Key celebrated the dedicated team members who provide essential support to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout our community.

Welcoming Leadership Citrus to the Key

We were proud to welcome the Leadership Citrus Class of 2026 to the Key Training Center’s Lecanto campus on Aug. 13 for an inside look at the programs, people and services that make the Key special.

SRCS Service Project 2026

We are grateful for the students from the Seven Rivers Christian School football team who gave their time to a service project supporting the Key.

Florida Law Enforcement Torch Run

In April 2026, Citrus County joined communities across Florida for the 43rd Annual Florida Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Florida.

Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast

I AM the Key to Giving Back—celebrating the volunteers who turn compassion into action and create opportunities for the individuals we serve.

Sass with Class Cloggers Bring 50’s Fun

The Key Training Center welcomed music, laughter and dancing as Sass with Class Cloggers brought an energetic performance to the Key.

I AM the Key to Independence!

These incredible faces represent more than our history—they are our legacy, reminding us that independence is not just a goal.

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Events & Celebrations

2nd Annual Decades Costume Party

Night of Music, Memories and Giving Back to the Key Training Center. The music brought back memories, the costumes sparked smiles, and the generosity gave the evening its meaning. On Tuesday, October 27, community members gathered at The Cove Resort & Pub for the 2nd Annual Decades Costume Party, benefiting the Key Training Center and the individuals it served.

Reach for the Stars 2026

Our 42nd Annual Reach for the Stars Dinner Auction was a wonderful celebration of 60 years of the Key Training Center and the incredible community that has supported us along the way.

Suwannee River Crossing 2026

One of the most special moments of the Run for the Money is the annual crossing of the Suwannee River, bringing clients, staff, supporters and runners together.

Run for the Money – Runners Celebration 2026

What began in 1976 with Chet Cole’s 180-mile run from the Florida Capitol to the Key Training Center has grown into one of our most beloved traditions.

Half Price Weekend

Half Price Weekend starts on the last Friday of each month and runs through Sunday at our Lecanto, Inverness, Crystal River and Wildwood thrift stores.

The KEY Center’s Got Talent! 2026

Our talented Key Training Center clients took center stage once again for the 2026 KEY’s Got Talent Show, filling the room with music, dancing and laughter.

Spring Dance 2026

Friends gathered for an afternoon filled with music, dancing, laughter, refreshments and the joy of being together.

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Life at the Key

A Birthday Celebration to Remember

On Friday, September 4, our Setlowe Haven family joined Lucas’s friends and family for a very special celebration of his 36th birthday at Angelotti’s Pizza in Inverness!

Guys’ Night Out!

Mike, Jimmy and Steve from Key Light 2 enjoyed a guys’ night at Crackers in Crystal River—good food, live music and even better company.

Queen Concert – Crystal River

Residents from Davis and Simons Houses rocked out at the Queen concert in Crystal River.

Suncoast Primate Sanctuary

Residents from the Key’s Davis and Simons homes enjoyed a memorable day at the Suncoast Primate Sanctuary.

Friday Night Fun at The Cove!

Key Light 1 & 2 enjoyed an incredible night at The Cove Pub and Grub in Inverness, where the staff made the group feel like VIPs.

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More Key News

U.S. Family Foundation presentation supporting the Key Training Center

Community Giving Creates a Lasting Impact

Since receiving its first gift from the U.S. Family Foundation in 1999, the Key Training Center has benefited from continued community generosity. This year, eight donor-advised funds selected the Key to receive support, helping adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities learn, grow and thrive.