Our Mission
To connect communities with sustainable hardware store resources while supporting tradecraft education through mentorship, workshops, and the arts.
Our story
On Tallahassee’s Southside, access to tools, workshops, and trade education has long been limited. Many residents want to fix, build, and create—but too often, they face barriers to even getting started. The nearest hardware stores are miles away. Affordable training in trades or repair is hard to find. And for those trying to improve their homes or livelihoods, the lack of resources can make small challenges feel impossible to overcome.
SCREWS grew out of that reality.
Our founder, Gordon Cox, has spent years working across the trades—roadside assistance, locksmithing, hardware retail—and saw how even skilled, hardworking people can be held back by the cost of tools, lack of workspace, and absence of fair opportunity. When he bought his first home in 2019, he experienced those same challenges firsthand. With few local options for materials, trustworthy help, or affordable tools, he found himself facing the same barriers as his neighbors.
That experience sparked an idea: what if the Southside had a shared resource—a place where people could borrow tools, learn together, and gain hands-on experience in trades and creative skills?
SCREWS Inc. was formed to begin that work. Our goal is to serve the Southside as a tool library, community space, and creative learning hub—a place that helps close the gap in access to trades and do-it-yourself skills. Through our developing TradeCraft Collective, we aim to introduce residents to the tools and techniques that empower them to repair, create, and collaborate.
We know we’re not the whole solution—but we believe we can be a meaningful part of it.
SCREWS exists to help build a stronger foundation for the Southside through shared access, hands-on learning, and creativity rooted in community. Because real change starts when people have the tools—and the trust—to build it together.
It’s about healing through creation.
It’s about restoring dignity through work.
It’s about building opportunity in the very places it’s been stripped away.
It’s about rebellion through creation.
No one should have to face these challenges alone. SCREWS exists to make sure they don’t have to.
Who We Are
Gordon Cox
President and Founder
Gordon’s background in trades-related environments, including hardware retail and roadside assistance, homeowner informs his practical understanding of everyday maintenance challenges. Rather than positioning himself as an expert, he leads SCREWS as a student of the work—building enthusiasm around tool lending as a practical solution for access, while creating pathways for shared learning.
Ashley Sanguino
Grant Administrator
Ashley (She/her/hers) is a Florida Native passionate about bettering communities through organizing and mutual aid. She is excited to be contributing to a greater accessibility of tools and education in Tallahassee.
Karolyn Burns
Grant Manager
Environmental educator, curriculum developer, and community advocate based in Tallahassee, Florida. Her work focuses on sustainability, environmental literacy, and helping connect people with practical tools and resources that strengthen communities. With a background in science education and nonprofit outreach, she is passionate about equitable access, skill-sharing, and building resilient local systems through collaboration and hands-on learning.
Tondia Neal
Workforce Relations Coordinator
Tondia has an extensive background in the social work field, specializing in programs that empower individuals and support community development. She is passionate about helping others reach their full potential and creating impactful services for the community.
Charles Birmingham
Community Ambassador
Married. Father of two. Employed at FSU. South City resident for the last 16 years.
Nefetari Dennard
Community Representation Council
Nef is a South Side native, artist, entrepreneur, and activist. She runs The Fuzzy Pineapple, a creative shop that hosts events, supports local vendors, and brings together art and community on Tallahassee’s south side.
Michele Madison
Advisory Board Member
I believe in the mission of S.C.R.E.W.S. in creating access to materials and supplies for underserved communities as well as vocational development to create stronger and more hyper local economies.
Cynthia Covington
Cause Advocate
Cynthia Covington is an educator, entrepreneur, and healthcare professional with 30 years of experience as a Licensed Practical Nurse. She specializes in supporting students with exceptionalities, combining her expertise in individualized care and advocacy with education.
As the founder of Tutor Fish, a full-time tutoring business for students with disabilities, Cynthia fosters inclusive learning environments that promote growth and confidence. Her background in healthcare, business, and education brings a unique perspective to the SCREWS Board.
Sage Hall
HR Specialist
I have HR experience including applicant screening, interview scheduling, coordinating hiring packets, and onboarding. I’m passionate about community and volunteerism, and I’m intentional about growing my volunteer work in ways that strengthen my professional skills while creating meaningful impact.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
— Margaret Mead