BEN’S PLACE SERVICES, INC.
A safe haven to practice communication
CHARITY REGISTER BARNABAS CENTER, INC. 1303 Jasmine St., Ste. 101, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 (904) 261-7000 | barnabasnassau.org President & CEO: Wanda Lanier Mission & Vision: Providing help and hope to individuals and families in need throughout Nassau County to improve their stability, health and well-being so that every individual has an opportunity to lead a healthy and productive life, thereby strengthening our entire community. BASCA, INC. 352 Stowe Ave., Orange Park, 32073 | (904) 541-1742 | bascainc.org
Ben’s Place Services would not exist if Ben Shay had not challenged his mother to create a place where he could go to socialize with other developmentally challenged individuals like himself. Since the center was created in 2001, Ben has been part of it, and with steady encouragement, instruction and continuous learning, he is now able to do things that others thought he would never be ready to do. When she first started working with Ben, Executive Director Anne Yarborough discovered Ben was “super shy” and would not make eye contact with her when she tried to converse with him. However, as time went on, the center sparked much improvement in Ben’s social skills. He went from having no friends to having many friends, including a girlfriend over the past five years. Co-founder Ben Shay with Executive Director Anne Yarbrough
CEO: Beth Clark Mission & Vision: BASCA’s mission is to improve the quality of life for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities in Northeast Florida. BEACHES HABITAT FOR HUMANITY 797 Mayport Rd., Atlantic Beach, 32233 | (904) 241-1222 | beacheshabitat.org President/CEO: Guy Cuddihee Mission & Vision: Beaches Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry dedicated to eliminating substandard housing in Jacksonville’s Beaches. In addition to building and rehabilitating quality, affordable homes for qualified families in need at no profit, the nonprofit guides its partner families through home ownership and provides educational opportunities. BEAM (BEACHES EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE MINISTRY) 850 6th Ave. S., Ste. 400, 32250 | (904) 241-2326 | jaxbeam.org
SUCCESS STORIES
Executive Director: Lori Richards Mission & Vision: BEAM is a community-based organization that aims to provide emergency assistance and a path to economic stability for low income residents in Jacksonville’s beaches communities. The nonprofit relies heavily on community support to assist those in need of food or shelter. BEN'S PLACE SERVICES INC 4495-304 Roosevelt Blvd.. Ste. 325, 32210 | 904-303-5996 | bensplacecof.org Director/CEO/Founder: Anne M. Yarbrough Mission & Vision: The nonprofit serves individuals with developmental or acquired disabilities filling a need for them to have a place to socialize. It provides a great environment for individuals to interact and learn life skills, including personal communication skills, art, and music appreciation. Supported employment and respite care services are available. BEST BUDDIES INTERNATIONAL 4130 Salisbury Rd., Ste. 2200, 32216 | (904) 296-0510 | bestbuddies.org/florida
Building relationships is a major part of Ben’s Place because the Center provides a safe haven for practicing communication. Ben was helped so much that he is now able to speak on the phone and carry on a healthy conversation, as well as talk with people he doesn’t know in the community. Ben now jokes and makes others smile. His improved communication skills have led him to retain a job with Amazon for the past two years – a vast accomplishment from the time when Yarborough struggled to speak with him. Through his work at the center, Ben has also gained the confidence to drive a car. When he first started coming to the center, his mom needed to drive him, however with lots of work, he drives himself to and from work and within the community. The Center has played a vital role in providing Ben with the skills he needs to live independently. He is now able to live on his own. Today, Ben lists himself as a volunteer at Ben’s Place. He has also enlisted Home Depot to help the Center for one of its seasonal projects. Ben’s Place truly provides a place where developmentally challenged individuals can find a community of friends.
Area Director: Erika Hatch Mission & Vision: Best Buddies works to establish a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. BETTY GRIFFIN CENTER 2450 Old Moultrie Rd., Ste. 202, St. Augustine, FL 32086 (904) 824-1555 | bettygriffincenter.org Executive Director: Joyce Mahr Mission & Vision: The Betty Griffin Center offers protection and quality services for victims of domestic violence and their minor children and/or victims of sexual assault and their families of St. Johns County, through operation of a shelter that offers assistance, counseling, and transitional support. BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF NORTHEAST FLORIDA 40 East Adams St., Ste. 220, 32202 | (904) 727-9797 | bbbsnefl.org CEO: Sara Alford Mission & Vision: The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Florida is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.
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SOCIAL DATEBOOK & CHARITY REGISTER