Circles - Vol. 9

Social Datebook & Charity Register VOLUME 9 | 2024

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One community, endless commitment.

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THE THE WOMEN’S WOMEN’S BOARD BOARD Supporting the best care for those who need it.

The mission of The Women’s Board of Wolfson Children’s Hospital is health care for the children of our community. Since 1972, we’ve partnered with Wolfson Children’s Hospital to fund equipment and facilities—raising $36 million to-date.

The Women’s Board has grown from 41 founders to 400+ volunteers, currently working to raise funds for two new Kids Kare Mobile Intensive Care Units. These vehicles are equipped to care for critically ill and injured children and play a crucial role in delivering cutting-edge care.

Helping to raise funds for this vital cause are our two annual events—the First Coast Design Show and Florida Forum—bringing together designers, artists, and speakers who share our passion for making a difference. We invite you to join us in support of our community, our commitment and our children.

Learn more, attend an event or contribute

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PUBLISHERS' NOTE “ There are no

extra pieces in the universe.

Everyone is here because he or she has a place to fill, and every piece must fit itself into the big jigsaw puzzle. ” – Deepak Chopra

The City of Jacksonville is an intricate puzzle made up of thousands of pieces. Every piece is a different size and shape. Each provides a vital component of the larger picture, and every single one must fit together just so to bring the larger picture of our community to life.

When hard times fall upon us – or our families, friends, neighbors or communities – it can sometimes feel like the larger picture has broken and we are left putting the pieces together without a snapshot as a guide. It takes all of us working together to rebuild the framework before working inward to fill in the details. It takes selflessness, generosity and altruism to complete the puzzle. And that is the essence of philanthropy.

Sifting through all those pieces, sorting them and determining which area needs to be pieced back together with the greatest urgency can be a long, arduous task and every year, via Circles Social Datebook and Charity Register, we like to take this moment to shine a light on both the most compelling issues impacting our City, as well as the people and organizations working tirelessly to resolve them.

By creating this space for these organizations to shine, we hope to give donors a better understanding of where their gifts can make a difference –whether those gifts are time, talent or treasure. It is those gifts that serve as the glue that seals those puzzle pieces in place once they’ve found their place, and there are ample opportunities to help hold all these intricate puzzle pieces together.

This year, we’ve also invited gracious and considerate donors to share their inspirational reasons for giving here at home. It is these donors who serve as the foundation of our great puzzle, anchoring down the corners and providing a framework strong enough to support the components necessary to create a final picture of a community worthy of its people – one that reflects the vibrancy of Jacksonville as a collective whole.

Through charitable gifts in education, they are unlocking the future; by giving in the arts, they foster talent, lend support and launch careers full of creative energy.

By funding civic projects, donors wisely realize they will enhance the quality of life for all citizens.

We also know that it takes sharp eyes – and lots of them – to complete this puzzle and our Charity Register provides a priceless guide full of helpful information to connect our readers with those who are in the trenches. Whether you want to reach a charity by phone or e-mail, or browse their website for further details, our register holds it all. We know that everyone holds the power to change the trajectory of an organization. Working hand-in-hand, we fill our needs together and watch the pieces fall into place.

The Social Datebook section of our magazine is the perfect place to browse photo galleries and gala highlights and is a perfect tool for your annual planning, whether you’re hosting a party of your own or scouting the perfect gala location, time and date for your favorite organization.

In the end, we hope that you discover the quality of our collective soul in the pages of this annual publication: informative, helpful and full of purpose. This is why our team works so hard throughout the year to be a reflection of the beautiful puzzle that is our community.

Piece by piece, we all make a difference. We hope you enjoy playing your role as much as we do!

Sincerely,

Pamela and Seth Williams 4

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Your support goes well beyond medicine.

With your help, we ensure families receive the care and services they need to achieve their best health.

The Nemours Children’s Health Compassionate Care Fund provides for the things that make healing a bit easier for patients in our care — meals, transportation, support for emotional health and more.

Mark your calendars for these 2024 events and share your support for Nemours Children’s patients:

A Taste of France

KidsHealth Run & Walk

Friday, May 10, 2024

Fall 2024

Ponte Vedra Inn & Club

EverBank Stadium

French Culture, Food,

5K, 10K & 1-Mile Fun Run

Entertainment & Live Music nemours.org/jaxgala

Music, Games & Scenic Routes

nemours.org/jaxrun

Leave a lasting impact on our community at Nemours.org/Give 100% of proceeds benefit the Nemours Children’s Compassionate Care Fund providing care and support to families in need.

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CONTENTS 4

Publishers' Note

12

Editor's Note

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Why I Give Where I Live

A Q&A with some of Jacksonville’s top philanthropists on the importance of local giving

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Missing Pieces

Putting together a brighter future for mental health in Northeast Florida

36

Active Investment

Developing a more personal approach to philanthropy

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Charity Register

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Common Grounds

How strategic partnerships helped to align public and private philanthropy

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Passion Meets Purpose

The AFP Awards celebrate the art of community connection

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117

Social Datebook

Brooks Rehabilitation

How one organization is living its mission through community programs

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Growing Generosity

A report on the state of younger-generation giving

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Your Assignment is...

Making Your Mission Possible

Nine philanthropy-related reads to get you on the path to success

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A New Era of Giving

Top ways to engage the next generation

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Today's Children, Tomorrow's Leaders

Local prevention programs to help youth avoid pitfalls and attain success

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Phoenix Rising

The rebirth of a historical icon gave rise to the heart of North Florida nonprofits

N 9 O

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The Circles Social Datebook and Charity Register came together with the help of our entire team and many contributors. Each piece was instrumental. For a behind-the-scenes look at how our cover came to life, visit CirclesCharityRegister.com to see additional photos from the shoot and details on the Underwood Jewelers jewelry adorning our cover model.

Model

Paige McGregor

Contributors

Dan Harris PhotoArt Here Boy Productions Kelly Banks, HairPeace

Jewelry

Underwood Jewelers

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REIMAGINING FARM TO TABLE

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From private events, dinners, immersive tours and more — all are welcome.

Special occasions call for unforgettable experiences and unique activities hosted by local farmers. The Farm at Okefenokee is like no other.

Join us and our animals on 705 acres of sprawling, regenerative farmland. Come see for yourself why The Farm is the perfect setting for your next fundraiser— one that folks will talk about for years to come.

Secure Event Space

OkeFarm.com/Events

Follow Our Journey

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S O C I A L D AT E B O O K & C H A R I T Y R E G I S T E R

Jacksonville’s guide to philanthropy — the events, people, companies and places that define our charitable city.

CIRCLESCHARITYREGISTER.COM

@CirclesCharityMag (904) 388-8839 RESIDENTNEWS.NET @ResidentNewsJax

Circles—Social Datebook & Charity Register is an annual magazine covering Northeast Florida. For advertising information, call (904) 388-8839. Facts and statements expressed in the editorial content are not necessarily those of The Resident Community News Group. All content is copyrighted and may not be reprinted, copied or reproduced without written permission from the publisher. ©2024

www.JLJACKSONVILLE www.

JLJACKSONVILLE.org .org Visit us online to learn more about supporting our L . 0 9 2 024 mission or| VO renting the Riverside House event space.

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Communication is key in shaping the future of charitable giving. From narrative shift to team humanity, we think these buzzwords will work their way into the fabric of philanthropic conversations in the coming year.

Whether they gain traction, or go by the wayside, starting the conversation is the first step in making impactful change.

The Junior League of Jacksonville is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.

2024

PHILANTHROPIC FORECAST Local...

Local...

Local

PUBLISHERS

Team Humanity

Pamela Bradford Williams Seth Williams

Narrative Shift

Others-focused

SALES DIRECTOR

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

EDITOR

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Debra McGregor

Jason Lindstrum

Lindsey Gast-Pessia

DESIGNERS

Alexei Acosta Dan Harris Seth Williams

Susanna Barton Lorrie DeFrank Jennifer Jensen Laura Phelps Karen J. Rieley

DIGITAL EDITOR

Michele Leivas

Chris Gildersleeve Tricia Steele

Impactful Transparency

WRITERS

Digital Wallet

INTERN

Sophia Williams

Grateful Sharing

Clare Berry

Resourceful... Responsible...

Respected

Clare@clareberry.realtor

Photos of some homes Clare Berry sold over the past 10 years

904-382-5875

Serving Northeast Florida since 1985

EDITOR'S NOTE Give up on your goal.

Now, before I start getting corrective Letters to the Editor from every motivational speaker and life coach in Jacksonville, it’s not to say that I think goals are useless. It’s just that they carry about as much weight as good intentions, and we all know where those roads lead.

Goals alone are no more than a Christmas wish list, tucked away with a hope and a dream that someone else will deliver them while we sleep. Action is required to bring a goal into reality. And action without a goal…well, I’m pretty sure there’s a mindless app or two for that. One piece is dependent upon the other for its success.

As you read through this year’s edition of Circles, I encourage you to envision Jacksonville’s entire charitable community as the picture on the puzzle box – beautiful, utopic, complete. No piece is missing, nothing is left behind. We all want the satisfaction of seeing the chaotic pile of jigsaw pieces transformed into one cohesive, perfectly symbiotic unit.

But one person’s goal to volunteer more will not complete that picture. It is useless unless it is aligned with an organization who can connect that beneficial effort to the community-in-need. But that organization’s goal will not complete the picture either. It can’t come alive without the charitable actions of a donor. Funding provides our cornerstones and volunteerism builds our framework, but we all need to have that same vision, that final-picture goal, in our heads in order to ensure the pieces come together effectively. And we each have a different piece to place.

In my opinion, the best way to know your piece in Jacksonville’s beautiful philanthropic picture is to connect one-onone with those directly around you. Face-to-face. Having genuine conversations with each other helps us know each other and find out how we fit together. When we find those shared connections, we strengthen our community and expand our vision. While an interior all-blue sky piece may not be directly linked with a grounded corner piece, we can all go beyond our own boundaries and open up new pathways to each other through a firm connection with our direct neighbors.

So, this year, I implore you to toss your personal goals aside and instead seek shared goals with those around you.

Could your resources be pooled with others to make a larger, more impactful donation? Could you volunteer your time to amass an even bigger team of volunteers?

See what connects you and watch it inspire you all to do better, to do more, together.

In the big picture, it will be worth it.

With humility,

Lindsey Gast-Pessia

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Why I Give Where I Live

By Lindsey Gast-Pessia

In a city rich with history, diversity and generosity, Jacksonville's leading philanthropists stand as beacons of altruism, reshaping their community in tangible ways through boundless acts of giving.

This exclusive Q&A delves into the hearts, minds and inspirations of these remarkable donors who embody the spirit of giving to the community in which they live. Discover the driving forces behind their work, the profound impact of their contributions, and share in their belief of the transformative power of unity, compassion and leadership within our philanthropic community.

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TIM & STEPHANIE COST PRESIDENT AND FIRST LADY, JACKSONVILLE UNIVERSITY

and also financially supporting cultural, health care, and infrastructure necessary to retain graduates in Jacksonville, we focus our philanthropic efforts in the areas we believe help move Jacksonville forward.

Q: Why do you give where you live?

A: We believe each of us has a responsibility and a calling to better the communities where we live, work and learn. Our “focus” is broad: to build what’s necessary to attract and retain a vibrant community in which we can all flourish. We support organizations uniquely filling a critical need and organizations that collaborate well with others to maximize their impact.

Q: Which local gift are you most proud of?

A: We don’t really look at our gifts in any type of rank order that way, though we are strong believers that education is the “golden ticket” for everyone and all to achieve their goals and ambitions. Our investments in Jacksonville University are driven by the deep belief of its ability to provide education and experiences that create a pipeline of talent and great leaders of tomorrow.

Tim and Stephanie Cost

Q: What impact do you hope to have on our local community with your philanthropy?

A: We see a community as a living, changing ecosystem of like-minded, diverse individuals and institutions trying to better life for everyone who lives here. That said, many of the people who give in Jacksonville do so to provide strong support of the work of specific organizations and less so to send signals to other investors. Our goal is for impact to be felt long beyond our lifetime, for the benefit of next generations – our community’s children and grandchildren.

Tim Cost with the Jacksonville University men’s basketball team on Charter Day. Q: How long have you lived in the Jacksonville area?

A: We have lived in Jacksonville, in Ponte Vedra Beach, for 11 years. In February, we are about to begin our 12th year serving at Jacksonville University.

Q: What are the top local charities you give to regularly?

• Education – Jacksonville University, in every area: its five colleges, 11 schools and four institutes; student scholarships, plus its wide range of cultural offerings and athletic programs.

• Arts – Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, Cathedral Arts Project.

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• Healthcare – Ronald McDonald House Jacksonville, Pink Ribbon Jax and each of our world-class healthcare institutions.

• And, READ USA Inc., MOSH, Hubbard House and Women’s Center of Jacksonville, among others.

Q: Is there a particular cause in which you prefer to focus your giving?

A: From having invested time with JAX USA to attract businesses to our city, as well as serving on boards such as the Federal Reserve Board of Atlanta and the Jacksonville Civic Council, to helping lead Jacksonville University to prepare the next generation workforce,

A Final Word To us, philanthropy is an investment in organizations and leadership. Whether you’re late in your career with significant resources or early in your career with limited capacity, we believe we all should consider giving to those causes we feel strongly about and create the relationships – beyond the financial transactions – that benefit all. We believe in a “generosity of spirit” regardless of capacity.

We once heard a story in which a person was asking “How much do I need to give? Do I need to give till it hurts?” And, the reply was, “Go beyond that, and give till it feels good.” Sharing our blessings makes us “feel good,” and we believe it helps.

THE HONORABLE BRIAN J. & TANYA DAVIS PHILANTHROPISTS

Q: How long have you lived in the Jacksonville area?

A: Tanya and I have lived in Jacksonville since 1980.

She was born and raised in Darlington, South Carolina.

I am a native of Jacksonville.

What are the top local charities you give to regularly?

A: I have dedicated financial resources, as well as ten years of service on the board of the Jacksonville Public Education Fund, a think-and-do tank that is working to help all students reach their potential. I am also proud to be part of the A.L. Lewis Black Opportunity & Impact Fund, a collective giving initiative at The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida to help transform Jacksonville’s black communities through investments in education, economic development and health. Finally, I am a more intelligent giver thanks to my association with The Community Foundation, as its board chair and as a fundholder. While I do believe that a single donation can change lives, my philanthropy through The Community Foundation has become more regular, more targeted and I think more likely to have a greater impact because it has been more systematic and sustained.

Brian and Tanya Davis

Q: Is there a particular cause in which you prefer to focus your giving?

A: Our community’s failure to educate large numbers of children sufficiently to help them overcome the hardships and negative consequences of poverty bothers me tremendously. My greatest philanthropic priority is to support the protection, growth and development of children.

Q: Why do you give where you live?

A: I have been fortunate to have an array of “giving” role models who dedicated their lives to the community.

My mother and father had little in the way of finances to give but sacrificed to support our church monetarily.

Their philanthropy took the form of giving time, particularly to the elderly and ill. As a child and young adult, I admired the giving of Mrs. Eartha M. M. White, a community steward, Dr. Charles McIntosh, a local physician, Dr. Wendell Holmes, a local mortician, Earl Johnson, a local attorney, and J. J. Daniel, a local businessman and co-founder of The Community Foundation. They each gave the community the gifts of their treasure, their talent, and their time.

Q: Which local gift are you most proud of?

A: Personally, I am most proud of my gifts to the Community Foundation’s Operating Endowment Fund. They help assure the Foundation’s work in

The Honorable Brian Davis speaking at the 2022 National Philanthropy Day luncheon. perpetuity. For the Foundation, I am proudest of its recent commitment to literacy. Our thriving as a community cannot happen without an informed citizenry.

that lies in diversity, we can better help our donors achieve their philanthropic objectives and build a better community.

Q: What impact do you hope to have on our local community with your philanthropy?

A Final Word

A: I hope my service has played a small part in steering The Community Foundation at a time when it seeks to advance equity, internally and externally. The trustees and staff will continue their focus on meeting donor needs while endeavoring to become a more visible proactive catalyst for solutions through the effective use of our various forms of capital.

I am convinced, by finding the strength and resiliency

I would like to extend my gratitude to the fundholders who have chosen The Community Foundation as their philanthropic partner. I have loved my service on the board of trustees of The Community Foundation, and it’s given me a glimpse into how much work The Community Foundation does behind the scenes to lead change in Jacksonville, and our fundholders are the ones who make this work possible. We are proud to serve them.

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DANA & HOPE FENDER PHILANTHROPISTS

around the world living in chaos and crises. One of the ways they meet this need is right here in Jacksonville at “Timmy’s Playroom.” This facility provides children who are receiving medical treatments a place to take their minds off their treatments and just be a kid.

Q: Is there a particular cause in which you prefer to focus your giving?

A: Christian-based and education Q: Why do you give where you live?

We have lived in three different communities over the last 30 years and we have felt led to give to the needs in each of these communities. Our belief is that God commands us to give to others, and what better way to make a difference and cultivate healthy communities than to give locally where we can participate in that impact.

Hope and Dana Fender

Q: Which local gift are you most proud of?

A: We feel called to support organizations that will impact the lives of future generations, and these local institutions to which we give are equally important to us. We are thankful to be a small part of what they do daily to move people forward in education, youth development and social mobility.

Q: What impact do you hope to have on our local community with your philanthropy?

A: Education has hugely impacted both of our lives.

We feel that investing in education will affect many generations. We have been impressed with the Bolles family and their love for one another and education.

We want to be a part of this!

Austin, Morgan, Hope, Dana and Evan Fender outside the construction of the Frank R. Sanchez & Hope and Dana E. Fender Center for Innovation at The Bolles School.

Q: How long have you lived in the Jacksonville area?

A: We have lived in Jacksonville for four years, and in our short time here we have experienced such a welcoming environment, from the small community in which we live to the bustling business of the “Bold City” of the South. We are delighted to be in the Jacksonville community.

Q: What are the top local charities you give to regularly?

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• The Bolles School - Bolles provides an educational opportunity that nurtures mind, body and soul.

• Young Life - The Young Life organization provides young people with life-changing and skill-building experiences while giving them the opportunity to know Jesus Christ. They work within their communities alongside adult leaders to meet needs in their communities.

• The Tim Tebow Foundation - The Tim Tebow Foundation fights for the most vulnerable people

A Final Word We are both first-generation college graduates.

Education is important to us. We believe it can be a pivotal point for one’s life. It has afforded us the ability to give back to the areas that have had an impact on our lives, that being the church and education. As a family, we are committed to living a Christ-centered life and bringing others forward. Most of our philanthropy has been Christian-based and/or anonymous. This was a stretch for us to put our names out there as we are not looking to receive the glory. It is through hard work and faith that we are able to do these things.

DAVID MILLER PHILANTHROPIST

Q: How long have you lived in the Jacksonville area?

A: Since 1977, 46 years.

Q: What are the top local charities you give to regularly?

A: I’m consistently giving to The United Way, City Year, THRIVE, READ USA, the Jewish Community Alliance. A year ago, we did a $1 million gift to start the Together Strong Community Fund, which has had some really good corporate support as well. [The Miller Families] act strategically to leverage a lot of other changemakers and organizations in the community so that we can have more impact than we would normally have acting as one person or one family.

We’ve hosted a number of community volunteer projects that have involved hundreds and hundreds of people and families. As we do it, we highlight and donate to a nonprofit – everything from Feeding Northeast Florida to Riverkeeper, Jewish Family and Community Services to 904Ward.

Lucy, Monique and David Miller

Q: Is there a particular cause in which you prefer to focus your giving?

A: So much of what we do is more than just the dollars.

It’s about the connections and the connecting. It’s an amazing feeling to connect with other people and be a part of something that’s bigger than you. And you see it when you do things locally. There are all kinds of tangible benefits and opportunities you have that you otherwise wouldn’t if it’s out of sight, out of mind.

Q: Why do you give where you live?

A: We have lived in three different communities over the last 30 years. We have always felt led to make a difference in each of them.

Q: Which local gift are you most proud of?

The Miller Family

A: Probably at this point – and it’s not the last – the Together Strong gift, because it’s accomplished and continues to accomplish multiple benefits, and it’s engaging a number of different organizations that I really respect and think the world of. It’s brought together some of the most socially responsible and largest employers in Jacksonville – VyStar Credit Union, Haskell, the Jaguars, Baptist Health, Deutsche Bank, CSX and Florida Blue – along with some of the most important not-for-profit organizations to work together on trying to create systemic change around ending bias. That has all kinds of negative repercussions.

But when you work together the way we have, there are all kinds of positive things that happen. The United

Way, the Jewish Federation of Northeast Florida, 904Ward, OneJax, the JU Public Policy Institute, WJCT and The Community Foundation of Northeast Florida have all been at the table, as well as folks like the duPont Fund. Their leadership has been helpful in thinking about how we do this. It’s trying to bring people together to support our commonly held values.

Q: What impact do you hope to have on our local community with your philanthropy?

A: For us, this is the beginning, not the end. And it’s something that we will continue to leverage. And now, we’re actually seeing a lot of the organizations, as they do their strategic 10-year plans, involve a lot of the

work that the Together Strong Community Fund already does.

A Final Word

Broadly, success is a community with less crime because people see more positive paths for themselves. It’s a community that has similar positive outcomes regardless of the zip code you live in. It’s one where kids have access to possibility models that are really exciting and hopeful, and they have a sense that the community they live in supports them, and there a number of different ways that they can leverage the place they live to reach a higher potential.

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STEVE PAJCIC

FOUNDING PARTNER, PAJCIC & PAJCIC Q: Is there a particular cause in which you prefer to focus your giving?

Former Edward Waters President Nat Glover with the late Anne Pajcic and Steve Pajcic when they donated $2 million to benefit education.

A: I am from a family filled with teachers and I have a special place in my heart for giving to public education and making sure students in our community have every opportunity to have the best education possible. There is such a disparity when it comes to our education system, and that can lead to disparities in other ways that can last a lifetime. I am disheartened that our tax dollars are going to vouchers for private schools while so many of our public schools in the state are decimated. I have donated $2 million to Edward Waters University. My brother and I established a $1 million endowment at The University of North Florida to pay for the tuition of graduates of Paxon High School (who live in the Paxon neighborhood zip code) and I donated $1 million to Annie R. Morgan Elementary School where my siblings and I attended.

Q: Why do you give where you live?

A: This is the home and community I love. It is vital to keep Jacksonville thriving and to leave things better for my children, and grandchildren, and the entire community. My son and I donated $200,000 to the new Emerald Trail. We bike and kayak regularly, and having designated trails and waterways for everyone to access is so important.

Q: Which local gift are you most proud of?

A: The annual contribution to Riverside Turning Point.

Q: What impact do you hope to have on our local community with your philanthropy?

A: I hope to make a difference in the lives of those in need and leave Jacksonville a better place.

Steve Pajcic with Don Jackson, president of Riverside Turning Point.

Q: How long have you lived in the Jacksonville area?

A: 77 years. The other seven I was away for college and law school.

Q: What are the top local charities you give to regularly?

A: Jacksonville Area Legal Aid – we host an annual

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yard golf tournament to benefit JALA – and the Jacksonville Jaguars Foundation, which has facilitated our donations to causes such as hurricane relief for residents of the Ken Knight Drive area. The Pajcic Family Foundation donates annually to a fund to incentivize and mentor at-risk teenagers. It is called Riverside Turning Point.

A Final Word America depends too much on philanthropy where government should and could be doing a much better job, such as with education and at-risk children. Not only does private charity have higher administrative costs, it seldom reaches those most in need.

JACK MEEKS & JOANN TREDENNICK CPA AND PHILANTHROPIST

Q: How long have you lived in the Jacksonville area?

A: For over 50 years.

Q: What are the top local charities you give to regularly?

A: Living in the urban core, our local giving is primarily to Groundwork Jacksonville. We have been supporters and donors to Groundwork Jacksonville since its inception.

Q: Is there a particular cause in which you prefer to focus your giving?

A: We choose to focus our giving on environmental conservation work and our church. We are longtime donors and supporters of The Nature Conservancy, a global organization.

Q: Why do you give where you live?

A: We “give where we live” because it is important to invest directly in the place we call home. If people who live here are not willing to invest in ourselves and our quality-of-life, why should anyone else?

JoAnn Tredennick and Jack Meeks

Q: What impact do you hope to have on our local community with your philanthropy?

A: We hope that our philanthropic giving will bring beauty, a healthy physical and spiritual environment, and an appreciation of nature to the people of Jacksonville and beyond.

A Final Word Groundwork’s leadership and laser focus on restoring polluted and neglected urban waterways and parks will transform our city. Groundwork Jacksonville’s Emerald Trail project is catalyzing investment in urban core neighborhoods that have been damaged, neglected and underfunded for many decades.

JoAnn Tredennick and Jack Meeks

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ELLEN ADELE WISS PHILANTHROPIST

Q: Is there a particular cause in which you prefer to focus your giving?

A: Solving illiteracy, inequity and generational poverty.

Q: Why do you give where you live?

I love the phrase, “bloom where you are planted” and believe it applies to us all. We can all make a difference right where we are.

Q: Which local gift are you most proud of?

A: With my husband’s encouragement, and with all sector buy-in from this community, I initiated, implemented and continue to invest time, talent and treasure to two related causes near and dear to my heart, through the founding of READ USA and Lift Jax. The first one is the central focus of equipping all kids to read proficiently on grade level while elevating the teaching profession; and the second one, a true collective impact model, encompasses the central focus of READ USA within a broader framework for eradicating poverty. Both were formed in direct response to needs identified by those in closest proximity to the issues: teachers and WGA grantees making a difference on their own in these causes. READ USA and Lift Jax aim to amplify these expert voices and create critical mass toward the collective causes.

Together, we can do more.

Ellen Wiss with a student on set during an appearance on WJXT-TV.

Q: What impact do you hope to have on our local community with your philanthropy?

Inspired while volunteering as a tutor in a classroom at George Washington Carver Elementary School, Ellen Wiss founded READ USA Inc. to help children read proficiently on grade level.

Q: How long have you lived in the Jacksonville area?

A: Since 2008.

Q: What are the top local charities you give to regularly?

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A: Teach for America, City Year, JPEF, World Affairs Council, Jacksonville University, 904Ward, JASMYN, Beaches Community Fund, Together Strong Fund, ONEJAX, Jewish Federation, Southern Poverty Law Center and Anti-Defamation League.

A: I hope illiteracy, inequities and poverty will be eradicated to enable a community where all its citizens may thrive with economic prosperity and a shared humanity for all, producing models to scale throughout the nation and globe for positive ripples of impact everywhere. I believe it’s possible.

A Final Word I’m grateful to be here, to live here, among a community of caring philanthropists, journalists, activists, volunteers, educators and young students who have the talents to change the world and are doing it!

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No, It’s Not Just You Putting Together a Brighter Future for Mental Health in Northeast Florida

M

ore people today – from your closest friends and family to your unhoused neighbors down the street – are battling mental health crises at epidemic rates. What began as an upward trend spiked to historic levels in Northeast Florida as people of all ages and stages contended with the social, mental and emotional ravages of the pandemic. The result? We are a stressed community seeking help to move forward – and local nonprofits are on the frontlines, mitigating a rash of newly revealed needs.

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The Pieces

“For a visual image of the prevalence of mental illness across age groups, it helps me to picture a sold-out Jags game with roughly 10,000 to 15,000 people in the crowd who are living with mental illness – severe in many cases,” Meyer said.

The stadium is filled with people like: • The 12-year-old boy local law enforcement helped place in Jacksonville’s Youth Crisis Center residential program during a hurricane last year. His mother left him at the Greyhound Bus Station in downtown Jacksonville while she got intoxicated on the start of their journey to a new life in South Florida, according to Youth Crisis Center CEO Kim Sirdevan. This heightened degree of abandonment and instability resulted in severe mental distress.

• Nicole, who was referred to The LJD Jewish Family & Community Services (JFCS)’s High Risk Newborns program when a Department of Children and Family/ Family Assessment Support Team case was opened due to child abuse and neglect. When beginning services, she was very guarded and closed off. She was confused as to why she was charged when her husband admitted to “whopping” her oldest child.

Nicole was experiencing depression and anxiety as she learned she was being let go from the U.S. Navy and was unsure how she would support her family.

She was angry at her husband, did not trust him, and felt she could not stay in her marriage.

• A brother who admitted to his sister that he was having thoughts of suicide but never articulated them until she asked directly, per the directions on the Hearts4Minds’ Dragonfly Card she carried with her.

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YOU R LU X U RY L I V I N G E X P E RT

“The COVID pandemic paradoxically had the lasting, positive effect of substantially lifting the dark curtain of stigma on mental illness,” said Vance Meyer, president of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Jacksonville. “That’s because so many people, unfortunately, experienced symptoms of anxiety and depression due to fear, stress, isolation, and more.”

An overwhelming majority of the public – 90% – think there is a mental health crisis in the U.S. today, according to an October 2022 KPP/CNN Mental Health in America study, with the opioid epidemic, mental health issues in children and teenagers, and severe mental illness topping the list. For parents, concerns about the long-term impacts of the pandemic also loom large with 47% of parents saying the pandemic had a negative impact on their child’s mental health.

At least 8 in 10 parents are worried about depression, alcohol or drugs, or anxiety impacting teenagers in the U.S., while around 7 in 10 are worried that self-harm, loneliness stemming from the pandemic, or eating disorders may negatively impact teenage children.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. is living with mental illness and 1 in 25 adults have a serious mental illness like schizophrenia, bi-polar disorder or major depression.

CDC data also shows that 1 in 5 young people ages 13 to 18 have or have had a seriously debilitating mental illness. Mental health leaders underscore the fact that mental illness is not discriminating – it affects people in all demographics, locations and life circumstances. In Duval and Clay counties alone, more than 200,000 adults are struggling with this disease, according to NAMI Jacksonville.

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• A veteran suffering from PTSD and depression who is unable to work any longer.

• A new mom experiencing post-partum depression and anxiety handling the rigors of motherhood who made her first visit to the The Motherhood Space Day Program, located in the Baptist Healthy Living Center at the Winston Family YMCA, last week.

• Sarah, a local woman grieving the tragic and untimely death of her brother and was experiencing severe trauma before encountering her “greatest gift” –a relationship with the Neptune Beach-based nonprofit, Here Tomorrow.

• An elderly First Coast YMCA member who recently lost her 97-year-old husband after being married to him for 67 years. She said if it wasn’t for the YMCA, she wouldn’t have known where to turn. She’s now using a fellow member as her emergency contact because she doesn’t have any family members to count on locally.

• Jack, the son of JACK –Mental Health Advocacy –Out of the Box founder Kim Vincenty, who has struggled with OCD for more than 20 years and is now a therapist helping others with their mental health challenges.

He has fought valiantly and done the work necessary to recover and live a value-filled life.

• A local mother in her 30s who was staying in shelters and with friends and family with her 5-year-old son. Though she had serious mental health issues that she wanted to treat, she found it difficult to make appointments and stay on her medications as she was so often forced to relocate. She started seeing a psychiatrist at Sulzbacher, which referred her to therapy for her extensive trauma history and also case management. The case manager was able to access a housing program that would house this mother and her son.

• An elderly man struggling with alcohol-induced dementia, declining finances, increasing needs and the recent death of a loved one.

• A student bullied on social media for his sexual identity who considered thoughts of suicide and self-harm until he found help through JASMYN's young adult programs like the Free Your Mind drop-in mental health program for the LGBTQ+ community.

The Puzzle

These widespread, and increasingly conventional, mental-health challenges are putting stress on local nonprofit organizations. Their leaders are working hard to understand the need, provide helpful programming and determine what missing pieces are necessary to make our community whole.

“Today we are managing mental health issues at a crisis level,” said Hearts 4 Minds founder Sheryl Johnson, who lost her oldest son, Alex, to depression and anxiety on August 12, 2017, a week before his 23rd birthday. Hearts 4 Minds’ mission is to improve care for the mentally ill by becoming a resource on mental health, connecting those who need help with providers and providing financial assistance for those who need it. “This not only puts stress on available crisis centers but reduces the likelihood of timely access to providers and therefore reduces the likelihood of a positive treatment outcome for the sufferer.”

Today, we are managing mental health issues at a crisis level.

– Sheryl Johnson Founder of Hearts 4 Minds Johnson likened the situation to treating a disease like cancer at Stage 4 instead of catching it early during the initial stages of progression.

“We inherently understand the criticality of that approach,” Johnson said. “The need for intervention is clear – we need to ensure that we have clear mental health literacy and know that understanding the signs and symptoms and getting help early is key. Today the system is disconnected, mired in the status quo, and does not provide a family-support-oriented approach to care.”

Other organizations notice the same missing pieces. According to JFCS Mental Health Counseling in Jacksonville, there are more than 400,000 children in Northeast Florida with emotional, behavioral and developmental issues. But only 50% of them ever get the help they need, according to a 2023 study from the Florida Department of Health.

Florida is rock-bottom in the nation for mental health funding, ranking 50th in the country. Although Duval County/Jacksonville is largest in land mass and has the largest population in Florida, it is the secondlowest funded county, according to the 2023 Jacksonville System of Care Initiative. Funds for preventative mental health care are sorely lacking – and children and families are suffering because of it.

Undiagnosed, untreated, youth mental illness makes a lifelong impact.

The American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry estimates 50% of mental illnesses start by age 14, and untreated serious mental illness shortens lifespans by 25 years.

There are similar implications for maternal mental health, which also is a persistent challenge across the country and in our communities.

According to Baptist’s Motherhood Space Day program, as many as 1 in 5 women will experience a perinatal mood and anxiety disorder during pregnancy or postpartum. These challenges are even more common for women of color, affecting as many as 1 in 3.

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The Parts

No doubt there are many pieces –large and small, jagged and smooth, obvious and obscure –to the mental health puzzle in Northeast Florida and beyond. But what are local nonprofit organizations doing to assemble workable solutions? And what do they need to make it all fit together, to win this complicated fight against mental illness?

Northeast Florida is fortunate to have a talented team of professionals dedicated to the challenge. Huddled around the table studying the issues with great passion, Northeast Florida nonprofit leaders are committed to find solutions, formulate resources and develop plans for the various communities they serve.

Examples of this hard work are around every corner in the local nonprofit sector.

As part of Baptist Health’s commitment to meeting the health needs of the community and to support pregnant and new moms with perinatal or postpartum mood and anxiety disorders, known as PMADs, the hospital opened The Motherhood Space Day Program, an intensive outpatient program designed for those expecting a baby or who have had a baby in the past 18 months and could use additional support with PMADs, moderate to severe symptoms, or emotional challenges such as depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, panic or bipolar disorder.

SNAP®, which stands for STOP NOW AND PLAN, is an evidence-based, cognitivebehavioral model powered by the minds at Child Development Institute (CDI). SNAP® helps troubled children and their parents learn how to effectively manage their emotions and ‘keep problems small’.

Youth Crisis Center Stop Now and Plan (SNAP) Manager Eric Anderson, with fellow nominee Ashle Jennings, received the FJJA Service Excellence Award from the Florida Juvenile Justice Association and Department of Juvenile Justice at their Annual Legislative Reception.

The SNAP® program is designed for children ages 6-11 who are engaging in aggressive, anti-social behavior and/or have come into contact with authority figures at school or in the community. Experienced and highly trained staff work with each family to assess challenges and problems and develop an action plan.

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Scan to Support Duval’s Kids

Sulzbacher’s newest addition to its health services is a mobile unit providing primary and behavioral healthcare to persons experiencing homelessness in Jacksonville’s downtown core.

The Healthmobile is an expansion of the Urban Rest Stop at Sulzbacher’s Downtown Campus. The Rest Stop is a partnership between the City of Jacksonville, Sulzbacher, and Mental Health Resource Center, and is a place for people experiencing homelessness to go during the day to receive services including job and housing placement.

With an emphasis on wellness rather than illness, the day program was designed to provide the care and resources mothers experiencing mental health conditions need most and to address many of the barriers that could prevent them from seeking support, such as childcare or transportation.

Participants attend three days per week, typically for up to three weeks, and engage in a comprehensive menu of group therapy sessions, mommyand-me yoga sessions and walking therapy designed to boost their emotional well-being. The Motherhood Space’s director, psychologist Julia Garrett, also trains providers throughout Northeast Florida on PMADs, symptoms to look for and how to refer patients to the day program. More than 300 providers have received training thus far.

Veterans in our area also suffer greatly from mental health disorders. A thriving military town, Northeast Florida is home to 160,000 military veterans. In 2019, the counties of Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau and St. Johns lost 78 veterans to suicide – the highest annual count yet recorded. Five Star Veterans Center, a nonprofit organization in Jacksonville, is helping bridge the gap by starting with basics, like transitional housing and wraparound services for veterans in crisis. It also offers, free mental wellness programs by licensed counselors to serve veterans dealing with the hidden scars of battle like PTSD, TBIs and other mental and emotional health traumas. Another local nonprofit, The Fire Watch, also helps identify the warning signs of veteran suicide and directs veterans to the help they need.

Mental health is a component of all the social services provided by JFCS, which also is launching a new program thanks to a new federal grant. A few examples of the nonprofit’s programs that feature mental health components are: its Senior Services program, which includes counseling for Holocaust survivors and senior clients; the Full Service Schools program, which provides in-school counseling for students that are experiencing difficulties in the classroom or at home at a number of Duval County Public Schools; counseling, as part of the organization’s financial assistance program if there are mental health issues contributing to our client's financial struggle; counseling to foster care children served by the organization who have experienced severe trauma; and counseling provision to families referred to the organization by the Florida Department of Children and Families.

Additional financial support is helping JFCS reach and serve more local people in need.

JFCS recently was awarded federal mental health funding in the amount of more than $796,000 annually for five years. This transformative funding from the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) will support a new initiative called Project LAUNCH, a community-based program

modeled after the existing High-Risk Newborn program. Project LAUNCH aims to establish crucial partnerships with local hospitals, pediatricians and childcare providers. The goal is to be an invaluable resource for at-risk families, helping strengthen early childhood wellness, centered around mental health.

“Educating physicians on how to recognize the signs of mental illness and link families with resources in the community, working hand in hand with child care providers who often do not have the needed mental health staff to support their students, and partnering with families as they transition their children into elementary school is invaluable. Some of the most critical brain development occurs before a child's fifth birthday. If we can intervene and put strong supports in place, we can change the life trajectory for our kids who had the potential to be put on a very negative path early on,” said JFCS CEO Colleen Rodriguez. “JFCS will be spearheading an integrated system of care for early childhood wellness, centered around mental health.

By blending these services with JFCS wraparound services such as emergency financial assistance, the Max Block Food Pantry, the Fanny Landwirth Clothes Closet, in-home abuse prevention services and case management, JFCS can help strengthen and stabilize at-risk families and keep children safe.”

NAMI Jacksonville offers three essential components of the mental health system in the Northeast Florida community — education, support and advocacy. This includes presentations in schools, organizations and businesses; support groups for people living with mental illness, including their families; a helpline for people who need assistance finding resources; and continuous communication with civic and state leaders regarding mental health challenges that are addressed or created by public policies.

“Everything we offer is free. And most of what we offer is carried out by about 75 trained volunteers and a very small staff,” said local NAMI head Meyer. “We bring a lot of inherent strengths into Jacksonville because we are part of a national organization that has pioneered education, support and advocacy programming. Our staff and volunteers are trained in those proven methods.”

He said their client base is essentially all of Jacksonville. And that makes the repair and resolution of these issues a tall, tall order.

“Mental illness affects everyone in every demographic and socioeconomic group. In a big metropolitan area like Jacksonville, that means NAMI Jacksonville ideally should be everywhere in the community, all the time,” Meyer said. “That’s a huge challenge.”

The Youth Crisis Center is hiring four new therapists thanks to a recent grant. Those therapists will go into assigned Head Start Schools where CONTINUED ON PAGE 32

Celebrating 30 Years of Empowering LGBTQ+ Young People in Northeast Florida www.jasmyn.org JASMYN is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit

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Mental illness affects everyone in every demographic and socioeconomic group. In a big metropolitan area like Jacksonville, that means NAMI Jacksonville ideally should be everywhere in the community, all the time.

That’s a huge challenge.

– Vance Meyer, President of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Jacksonville

they will be resources to the school and be in the classroom with the teachers, playing a supportive role in the classroom where they can immediately address mental and other challenges onsite.

Hearts 4 Minds provides many resources and projects that help build solutions to change the mental health narrative, disrupt the status quo, and help people maneuver through treatment successfully.

In addition to the Dragonfly Card program, the organization also has launched local Murals with Meaning projects – including one on the side of the Bank of America building in San Marco Square. Other initiatives include: • The Dragonfly Care Coordinator program: Navigating any crisis alone is difficult. Hearts 4 Minds created a special role called a Dragonfly Care Coordinator to fill the gap and partnered with Baptist Health to implement it. The Dragonfly Care Coordinator helps families navigate the often-complex journey to treat mental health disorders by providing adequate information and connecting with providers throughout our community to ensure the demand for mental health providers is met.

• Resources Page: The organization has compiled a robust list of resources for those who live in Northeast Florida, as well as national resources. Hearts 4 Minds continuously adds to its resource list so people can make connections in an easy, understandable manner.

The nonprofit also maintains a 24/7 crisis text line in partnership with a national platform to ensure people have access to a trained crisis counselor at any time.

• Murals with Meaning: The group uses art to promote conversation, encourage story-telling and simply enhance community neighborhoods. Every mural is coupled with a QR code to take people seamlessly to the group’s website and information. The nonprofit has commissioned 12 murals around Jacksonville.

• QPR (Question, Persuade and Refer) Certification: The group offers training to organizations, individuals and corporations. By providing action steps, people can recognize the subtle signs of someone struggling and prevent suicide.

• Mental Health Workshops: Organization leaders teach numerous Mental Health Workshops to educate coaches, teachers and students on how to recognize signs of mental health, as well as how to properly respond when someone is in distress.

Here Tomorrow has been busy in recent months. Last fall, the group started a first responder and military program that has grown to five certified peers: four Veterans and one retired law enforcement officer.

They serve on the front lines of mental health care, breaking barriers and stigmas that often envelop military and law enforcement members who are struggling internally. This fall, Here Tomorrow will launch a teen program in a dedicated building on its campus to directly address staggering statistics among Duval County high school students.

According to a 2021 CDC survey, 26.1% considered, 21.4% planned and 16% attempted suicide – well above the national averages.

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Many people don’t realize just how many resources are out there to help them live a healthy life, both physically and mentally. We’re fortunate here in Northeast Florida to have so many organizations that are committed to our health and well-being, and we need the community to be aware that help is often just a phone call or short car ride away.

– Connie Smith, Senior Director of Healthy Living, First Coast YMCA

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Also on the horizon is an exciting partnership between Here Tomorrow and Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville. Two certified peers from Here Tomorrow’s staff will work in Baptist’s inpatient behavioral health unit, providing peer support to individuals who are Baker-acted. Appropriate candidates will be enrolled in yearlong support from Here Tomorrow to reduce repeat Baker Acts and increase the odds of recovery.

JACK Mental Health is busy with its two-fold mission of: one, getting clinicians trained in underserved regions or populations; and two, bringing access to care, education and programming for those living with OCD. Some of the projects it has launched during the past year and a half include sponsoring the first Spanish Language Behavior Therapy Training Institute (BTTI) through the International OCD Foundation to train Spanish-speaking clinicians to treat OCD in Spanishlanguage countries or regions, sponsoring 26 clinicians and individuals living with OCD to attend ERP School (an online program), contributing to Project Heal, sending six eating-disorder specialists to attend ERP School because of the huge concurrence between OCD and eating disorders, and providing scholarships for clinicians and individuals with OCD to attend the International OCD Foundation’s annual conference.

The organization works on myriad other projects as well.

We would love to have more resources grow our offerings for children and youth mental health, and to join the fight in the opioid epidemic by continuing to grow our substance use program.

– Colleen Bell, President of the Health Division at Sulzbacher

here “I left feeling loved.”

Drs. Terrie Andrews and Jill Garrett welcomed media to the opening of the Motherhood Space Day Program at the Winston Family YMCA.

The Big Picture Plan

As for what these organizations need to succeed? It’s a little bit of everything – and perhaps a lot of community thinking about ways residents can apply their own unique resources to the local mental health puzzle.

Colleen Bell, president of the Health Division at Sulzbacher, said she sees a need for more help in the area of substance abuse.

“We would love to have more resources grow our offerings for children and youth mental health, and to join the fight in the opioid epidemic by continuing to grow our substance use program,” Bell said. “We also would like more options for housing, as housing is healthcare. In the hierarchy of needs for many of our clients, stable, safe housing has a higher priority than medication or other medical interventions.”

Youth Crisis Center CEO Sirdevan said she feels her organization is well equipped to meet the needs of its clients, but overall, the city needs more therapists to help intervene in tough situations. She also sees an important area of opportunity in linking clients to dental, vision and medical care, as well as transportation.

“I’d like to see more links to these areas that are low or no cost – it’s a real struggle because dental care is so important,” Sirdevan said. “We do not have a waiting list and we try to stay on top of what our caseloads require, but there is a community need for more therapists. Also, transportation continues to be a hardship. We are trying to figure out a partnership with shared ride companies. It’s important we look at the whole person and find out where the mental illness starts.”

Connie Smith, Senior Director of Healthy Living, First Coast YMCA sums it up well.

“Many people don’t realize just how many resources are out there to help them live a healthy life, both physically and mentally,” Smith said.

“We’re fortunate here in Northeast Florida to have so many organizations that are committed to our health and well-being, and we need the community to be aware that help is often just a phone call or short car ride away.

Helping those in poverty struggling to choose between shelter, food, electricity or clothing.

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ACTIVE INVESTMENT How a more personal approach to philanthropy is yielding priceless returns BY LAURA PHELPS

T

here is one asset everyone possesses that is more precious than any other, and that is our time – the hours, days, months and years that make up a lifetime.

When it’s gone, it’s gone. You cannot create or buy more time, yet it is too often wasted. How one invests their time reveals a great deal about their values, and can yield immeasurable returns.

Jennifer Glock and her husband, Michael Ward, know this principle well. They’ve generously given millions of dollars to organizations throughout Jacksonville, both individually and through the Michael Ward and Jennifer Glock Foundation.

Ward, the retired CEO of Jacksonville-based CSX, is the founder of City Year Jacksonville, a non-profit serving in K-12 schools to help students develop academic, social and emotional skills for success. He and Glock also give generously to One Love, Hubbard House, Jacksonville Arts & Music School (JAMS), Edward Waters College, Jacksonville University (JU) and University of North Florida (UNF). Their main focus is education.

“Education is the best gift you can give anybody,” Ward said during an interview at the foundation’s San Marco office. “It more directly helps individuals than something like a new building.”

And for Ward and Glock, investing in education means more than just writing checks. They were drawn to a customized scholarship program for students at JU. In these programs, donors fund scholarships for a number of students, then engage in the process of selecting and mentoring those students all the way through graduation. It’s a unique form of active philanthropy in which donors have the opportunity to get to know students personally and help enrich their overall experience.

JU President Tim Cost and First Lady Stephanie Cost used this model to shape their scholarship program, Cost Scholars. They regularly host students at their Ponte Vedra home for familystyle meals, organize fun activities on campus and throughout Jacksonville, and develop strong bonds with the students. They steward their own investment through one-on-one relationships and watch the returns grow.

“If, as president, I can play a small, personal role in guiding students and creating a worldclass experience for them, then it’s time well spent,” said Tim Cost. “When I speak with students, get to know them a bit, ask them how our university can help them reach their dreams, those conversations always make us better as a university. I probably get more out of those experiences than the students do.”

The concept appealed to Glock, who is a licensed marriage and family therapist. “I like to mentor and guide. That’s kind of what I’ve always done,” she said. “Jacksonville University said ‘You can be as involved as you want to be.’”

In 2018, Ward and Glock chose their first group of students for the newly created Glock Fellows program at JU during a blind selection process in which they only considered essays the students had written. Beyond academic eligibility and financial need, the only requirement was that the students demonstrate an ability to overcome challenges.

“

LINDA AND DAVID STEIN

Education is the best gift you can give anybody.

– Michael Ward Retired CEO of CSX Founder of City Year Jacksonville After some deliberation, they selected six bright young men and women with diverse aspirations, and began planning nice dinners and outings with the students to get to know them.

“Initially, we would take them two at a time to Ruth’s Chris and a show at the symphony,” Ward said. “Then we had them over at the house for a cookout. We have a nice game room in our house with a shuffleboard, and a pool table, and a pinball machine. Usually after we have something to eat, we go upstairs and play games.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 38

DAVID AND LINDA STEIN WITH A GROUP OF STEINERS

JENNIFER GLOCK WITH SCHOLARSHIP STUDENTS AT A PUMPKIN-CARVING EVENT

MICHAEL WARD AND JENNIFER GLOCK WITH STEPHANIE COST

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They recalled how one cookout at their house ended in a trip to the emergency room when Glock cut her hand on a broken dish. When she and Ward returned home that night, the students had cleaned the entire kitchen. “They were very sweet and concerned,” she said.

Through these gatherings, the students grew closer to their generous patrons and closer to each other. Drawing from her experience as a therapist, Glock offered a listening ear for the students, and, when asked, gave thoughtful guidance and support.

Shelcy Hodge, who graduated from JU in 2022 with a degree in engineering, was among the first group of Glock Fellows. She fondly remembers carving pumpkins with Ward and Glock during an event on campus her sophomore year and trying escargot for the first time during dinner at Ruth’s Chris. (She preferred the steak.)

“We bonded and got to learn about each other,” Hodge said. “It had a huge impact on me knowing that your scholarship donors do care about you.

I cherish those moments a lot.”

Hodge now works for Norfolk Southern, one of seven major Class I railroads in North America, and she aspires to be as successful as “Mr. Michael” someday.

Mama and Papa Stein Devoted philanthropists and community supporters David and Linda Stein also embrace a hands-on approach with their investments in scholarships. Deeply committed to building a stronger future for the Jacksonville community, the Steins have donated millions for education, arts, animal welfare and other programs to enhance the quality of life in Northeast Florida.

“

Supporting our students and providing an education is the greatest gift of human

JENNIFER GLOCK AND MICHAEL WARD

The Steins pioneered this hands-on approach to student scholarships more than two decades ago through their Stein Scholars program at JU and UNF. They actively mentor dozens of students each year with a strong emphasis on community engagement. Together, the Steins and their “Steiners” build HabiJax houses, clean kennels at the Jacksonville Humane Society, visit the mayor’s office, and participate in other communityfocused projects.

“Our Steiners are a family,” said Linda Stein.

“After almost 25 years of the Steiner program in Jacksonville, we have a network of students who have grown into scholars, business-owners, doctors, artists and leaders in the community we love so much.”

A JU alumna, Linda Stein is a longtime financial supporter of her alma mater, as well as UNF, and serves on the JU Board of Trustees. JU’s fine arts college is named after her –the Linda Berry Stein College of Fine Arts & Humanities. Her passion for giving back to the community and helping others was instilled in her as a child.

potential, giving young people the opportunity to become what they want to be, in ways that make them strong and proud.

– Linda Stein “Jacksonville University provided me with a home away from home when I was a student,” she said. “I enjoyed a sense of belonging and experienced such a strong feeling of family at this special university. It has led me to a lifetime of fulfillment, and shaped three core beliefs that serve as my guide: the belief in family; the belief in giving back; and the belief in education.”

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Those core beliefs are woven into the fabric of the Stein Scholars program, cultivating a passion for serving the community in the next generation.

“The biggest thing that impacted me with [the Steins] was their drive to give back to Jacksonville,” said Steiner Jenna Edwards, who graduated from JU in 2022 and plans to become a dentist. “Everything we did was to educate us on how we can help our community thrive. Really seeing their impact made me look at Jacksonville in a different way.”

Edwards and fellow Stein Scholar A.J. Pulliam said being a Steiner really does feel like being part of a family. “[Linda Stein] is almost like a second mother to me,” said Pulliam, recalling how the Stein Scholars often referred to their donors as “Mama and Papa Stein.”

“They were really influential in convincing me to pursue my masters in music,” said Pulliam, who is enrolled in graduate school at University of Florida. Pulliam was deeply impacted by the meaningful advice Linda Stein once offered. “She said, ‘Step out of your comfort zone.’ It’s when we are the most uncomfortable that we grow the most,” Pulliam reflected.

The Steins have personally supported and guided more than 160 students through the years, and they agree it was well worth their time.

“Supporting our students and providing an education is the greatest gift of human potential, giving young people the opportunity to become what they want to be, in ways that make them strong and proud,” said Linda Stein.

Hope for the Future In 2022, Ward, Glock and the Steins had the privilege of seeing some of their scholars graduate. They were certainly proud, but even more so, they were filled with hope.

“It made me feel better about the future,” said Glock, her eyes filling with tears. “Seeing all those kids and how hard they try and all the things they’ve accomplished…it made me hopeful.”

Many Glock Fellows and Stein Scholars still keep in touch with their donors after graduating. Meanwhile, the Steins, Ward and Glock continue to devote financial support and personal time to new and current scholarship students as they watch their investments mature.

“It’s different than just writing a check and sending it to somebody.

You don’t see where it goes. You don’t see what it does,” Glock said.

“For me, I like seeing personally what our money does. It feeds me in a different way.”

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ALIGNING FOR THE COMMON GOOD The City of Jacksonville’s Office of Strategic Partnerships connects private, public and nonprofit sectors to help fulfill common goals within the community

by Jennifer Jensen There is no doubt that the nonprofits in Jacksonville contribute significantly to the betterment of the community, but how much more impact could be achieved if the nonprofit sector worked more closely with the private and public sectors? Could funds be spread out even farther? Could these groups work hand-inhand to reach even more people? In 2015, former Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry established the Office of Strategic Partnerships to answer these questions. The intent of the office was to align the public sector, the private sector and philanthropy around common goals; its results aligned much more.

“Using a nationally proven model, philanthropy was eager to step up and financially support the launching of this new department at the city,” said Kathleen Shaw, The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida Senior Vice President, Program and Initiatives.

The Community Foundation raised funds from Duval County’s philanthropic community to pay the first year’s salary of the director as a pilot project.

Dawn Lockhart was chosen to become the inaugural director of the Office of Strategic Partnerships.

“The answer to creating good and important strategic impact in communities is to align all the stakeholders; the stakeholders are the public sector, the private sector, philanthropy and citizens, and everybody plays a role in creating common good,” said Lockhart. “While municipalities, by nature of what they do, are payer-funded entities that are required to do common good – and do – they don't often align, intentionally or sometimes unintentionally, with the other sectors in order to make it easier to get the work done.”

The second year, the city agreed to share the cost. And then, in 2019, Curry fully funded and expanded the Office of Strategic Partnerships. He was the first in the Southeast to create this role within his administration.

Creating Something New

Cooperation Begets Preparation

When then-Mayor Curry was elected, he asked Rena Coughlin, CEO of Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida, to co-chair his transition committee.

Coughlin said one of the things she wanted to prioritize was how to strengthen the relationship between the city and nonprofits, and to maximize, sort and leverage resources and partnerships to the highest extent.

“I think it’s a perfect way of thinking about how the relationship with philanthropy, nonprofits and government can work together,” Coughlin said.

“Philanthropy has the ability to sort of take the risk and pilot something, and then government sees the benefits and says, ‘This is a smart use of taxpayer resources.’”

They created a subcommittee to design the layout of this office. The office was modeled after similar offices around the country at various levels of government.

When Lockhart started, she formed a Strategic Partnerships Steering Committee to map out priorities and the structure of the office. One of the most important things that needed to happen was to convene the sectors around common goals in order to make sure everybody understood who was playing what role, Lockhart said. In her role, Lockhart had that convening power.

“The citizen is the one that really is the beneficiary of all three of the great intentions of all of the sectors, but they are also the beneficiary of lack of coordination and alignment,” Lockhart said.

One of the first initiatives Lockhart was tasked with was creating a Downtown Homeless Taskforce. The purpose was to ask public, private and philanthropic partners to make recommendations to the administration on what the priorities should be. The organizations had previously been operating in silos and the goal was to get them to align and work together.

DAWN LOCKHART, FORMER DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS AT CITY OF JACKSONVILLE; SARAH SCHMIDT, FORMER DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS AT CITY OF JACKSONVILLE; AND KATHLEEN SHAW, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF PROGRAM AND INITIATIVES AT THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION.

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“

The answer to creating good and important strategic impact in communities is to align all the stakeholders; the stakeholders are the public sector, the private sector, philanthropy and citizens, and everybody plays a role in creating common good.

- Dawn Lockhart

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SOLOMON GREENE, HUD’S PRINCIPAL DEPUTY ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR POLICY DEVELOPMENT AND RESEARCH; KATHLEEN SHAW, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF PROGRAM AND INITIATIVES AT THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION; DAWN LOCKHART, FORMER DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS AT CITY OF JACKSONVILLE; AND KATHLEEN ENRIGHT, PRESIDENT AND CEO, COUNCIL ON FOUNDATIONS.

“It created an opportunity for all of the organizations and the players and the partners to better understand the lanes that they needed to play in and to provide them with an infrastructure and a protocol in order to help them be successful,” Lockhart said.

Because of that, even despite a worldwide pandemic, Jacksonville realized a reduction in its point-in-time count of homelessness, down from 2016.

In other cities, that number was going in the opposite direction, according to Lockhart.

“We were very intentional about aligning resources, developing collaborative strategies, identifying best practices, investing strategically in areas where we knew there were gaps,” Lockhart said. “And had we not launched that task force back in 2016, we would have not had the relationships and the trust that we needed to have in order to navigate a pandemic.”

The network was already in place to pivot and implement a strategy to deal with the increase in homelessness during the pandemic. A Shelter Taskforce was created, and they met weekly over two years to manage COVID within the homeless population. A large homeless camp that had formed downtown was able to be eliminated, and those living there were moved to a safe place and then transitioned into suitable housing. During the pandemic, they also deployed a COVID-testing-and-vaccination model in the city’s homeless shelters.

“Our city became a national model for how we handled this crisis and kept our homeless population safe,” said Cindy Funkhouser, president and CEO of the Sulzbacher Center and member of the taskforce.

Expanding Beyond the Core The Shelter Taskforce also created the Urban Rest Stop (URS), which is housed on the Sulzbacher campus, but is a partnership between several agencies, including the Mental Health Resource Center.

“The URS is a long-needed project in this city and one that we have tried to establish for at least 15 years,” Funkhouser said. “It provides a place for street homeless people to go during the day to receive a myriad of services, including access to meals, healthcare, employment assistance, showers, bathrooms laundry, mail and more.”

Two large mobile outreach buses were also a result of the task force — Health and Hope on Wheels and the Housing and Hope on Wheels. These buses travel to all parts of Duval County to provide essential health, housing and income services to pockets of the homeless population who do not have access to all the services in the core.

“We tackled the issue of homelessness in the downtown core in a comprehensive manner that I had not seen in my 20 years of working with the city,” Funkhouser said.

From Homelessness to Housing The office decided to sunset the Downtown Homeless Taskforce in order to address the larger issue of the lack of affordable housing. So, they created the Jacksonville Housing Partnership.

“How do we connect the dots between these two silos?” Lockhart asked.

“You’ve got homeless organizations and providers, and then you have affordable housing developers who should naturally connect, but there was no mechanism to connect them.”

The No. 1 recommendation that came out of two housing strategy summits that were held was to create the Jacksonville Community Land Trust. The trust has first right of refusal on any land that is tax-reverted back to the city. There was also a recommendation to launch an affordable housing fund, which Lockhart is currently working on.

Gateway Communicators Another directive of the Office of Strategic Partnership was to act as a navigator for nonprofit organizations in the city. Lockhart created the Nonprofit Gateway, which is housed on the city’s website. It provides a wealth of information, tools and resources nonprofits would need to partner with the city.

“An important part of this role is to create ways to streamline contracting for nonprofit partners so that they can get access to the resources that they need in a more streamlined manner,” Lockhart said.

Coughlin said getting all three sectors to work cohesively was a learning process in the beginning.

“I know that from the nonprofit community’s perspective, we were thinking we were getting a full-time advocate in the mayor’s office and that's just not realistic,” she said. “But what we did gain is someone who knows the nonprofit community really well who can bring that intelligence, that understanding of the value proposition into discussions and into policy.”

According to Shaw, a city government as large as Jacksonville can be very difficult to navigate and almost impossible to work collaboratively within.

“Having a point person to assist in many different areas has opened doors and helped the nonprofit and philanthropic community have a seat at the table,” she said. “The Office of Strategic Partnerships has transformed the relationship between the city and philanthropy resulting in the development of civic assets, disaster response strategies, services and housing initiatives that ensure equitable and shared prosperity for vulnerable populations.”

A Foundation for the Future The office’s impact has been so powerful that The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida was honored in 2023 with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary’s Award for Public-Philanthropic Partnerships for its role in helping lead the launch of the Office of Strategic Partnerships. The award is given to foundations that have transformed the relationship between the public and philanthropic sectors and led to measurable benefits for local communities.

Lockhart joined Shaw in receiving the award, one of nine from across the country. The awards were presented by Solomon Greene, HUD Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy Development and Research, and Kathleen Enright, president and CEO of the Council on Foundations.

“We are proud to receive this honor on behalf of many partners, most importantly, the City of Jacksonville, the public sector partner whose work was recognized through the award,” Shaw said. “The city has embraced this position as an essential tool to foster collaboration with the philanthropic and nonprofit sectors.”

The Nonprofit Center has advocated for the continuation of the Office of Strategic Partnerships. Coughlin has “high hopes” that Mayor Donna Deegan will continue the office under her administration.

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passion meets purpose The AFP Awards celebrate art of community connection In a world where change-makers are the driving force behind transformative initiatives, there lies a celebration of excellence that inspires us all. The Association of Fundraising Professionals Florida First Coast Chapter honors the unsung heroes of Jacksonville philanthropy, those who advance the citizens of Jacksonville through education, peer support and advocacy. This year’s stories unveil the individuals, groups and organizations who are filling in the missing pieces and redefining what it means to give back to our communities.

MEE T YOUR BOARD MEMB ERS Chaz Runfola

Nikki Sabol

Kendall Sisisky Valliere

Megan Ortega Methven

Sara McMillan, CFRE

Doug Walker

Brittany Upchurch, MBA

Morgan Hutchinson

Dave Cognetta, CFRE

Josh Hirsch

Keri Cummings

Lisa Maldonado

Jan Kary, CFRE

Gabe Grass

Jessica Nguyen-Smith

Sam D'Agostino

Kacie Smyth, MHA

KT Boling

President

President Elect

Immediate Past President CFRE Chair

Vice President, Communications

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Communications Co-Chair Vice President, Education FL Caucas Representative Foundation Development Chair Vice President, Membership

Membership Co-Chair

National Philanthropy Day Co-Chair National Philanthropy Day Co-Chair Scholarships Chair Socials Chair

Treasurer/Secretary

Youth Philanthropy Chair Chapter Administrator

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT

OUTSTANDING PHILANTHROPIST

OUTSTANDING CORPORATION

Nominated by: Guardian Catholic School, Feeding Northeast Florida, City Year Jacksonville

Nominated by: Jewish Community Alliance

Nominated by: Baptist Health and Wolfson Children’s Hospital, Nemours Children’s Health, Pace Center for Girls

MICHAEL WARD

Michael Ward, a philanthropic visionary, has consistently exemplified the transformative power of giving throughout his life. In 2008, he was honored with the Outstanding Philanthropist Award by the Florida First Coast Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, a testament to his unwavering dedication to philanthropy. Together with his wife, Jennifer Glock, Michael has been a catalyst for change in Northeast Florida, channeling their resources through the Michael Ward and Jennifer Glock Foundation. Over $39 million was distributed to nonprofits in critical areas, including education, leadership development, social services, domestic violence prevention, and support for the arts.

Michael understands that true philanthropic leadership extends beyond financial contributions.

He has actively served on numerous nonprofit boards, including City Year, Hubbard House, One Love, Edward Waters University, and Gen W. His generous challenge matches inspire others to engage in charitable giving.

One shining example of Michael's impact is Guardian Catholic School, where he has significantly improved educational opportunities for over 400 underprivileged children annually.

His unwavering support is also the reason City Year launched in Jacksonville and has almost 500 alumni, with thousands of students served each year.

Michael's philanthropic reach extends further, supporting organizations like Feeding Northeast Florida, Cathedral Arts Project, Children's Christmas Party, Girls Inc. of Jacksonville, and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

His direct approach to philanthropy, as described by Ellen Wiss of READ USA, emphasizes strategic investment, genuine commitment and unparalleled impact. Michael's legacy of giving is truly deserving of the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, recognizing his profound contributions to the community's betterment.

DAVID MILLER

David Miller has a true passion and commitment to the community. He has served on numerous boards including leadership positions at the Jacksonville Civic Council, Jacksonville University Public Policy Institute, Jax Chamber, Jewish Community Alliance, Leadership Jacksonville, LiftJax, OneJax, Our Jax, Jacksonville Arts and Music School and United Way. He served as Chair of the Stein Fellowship Program at United Way and was the Campaign Leader for the Tocqueville Society Campaign.

He also invested his talent and support to many organizations including City Year, Jacksonville Public Education Fund, JCA, Jewish Federation and Foundation of Northeast Florida, JASMYN, LGBTQ Community Fund, LJD Jewish Family and Community Services, READ USA, River Garden Senior Services and The Temple.

Involved with the JCA since its inception, David was just 19 years old when the agency opened.

Currently, David and the Miller families serve as co-chairs of the JCA’s Building Our Future Together Capital Campaign. The family’s $1,000,000 leadership gift inspired several Jacksonville families and individuals to give significant contributions to ensure the continuity and success of the JCA for many generations to come. In response to displays of antisemitism, he recently founded the Together Strong Community Fund (TSCF) at the Jewish Federation and Foundation of Northeast Florida. With an original gift of $1,000,000, David led an initiative to raise an additional $600,000 from local businesses and individuals. His contributions to TSCF will have an immediate impact on the eradication of hate and bias in our community through its work to create the Jewish Community Relations Council and the increase of OneJax Sandy Miller youth programs.

David is a convener, a donor, a volunteer, a leader, a promoter, a model citizen and a true example of what it means to be an outstanding philanthropist making a lasting impact on our community.

THE PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP

THE PLAYERS Championship is not just a worldclass golf tournament; it's a powerful force for good in the community. For 50 years, THE PLAYERS has been a beacon of philanthropy, supporting over 300 local nonprofit organizations with a focus on youth services, education, health and military support.

Their partnership with Baptist Health and Wolfson Children’s Hospital, dating back to 1986, has resulted in over $6 million in contributions toward health care and mental wellness. The establishment of THE PLAYERS Center for Child Health in 2012 has impacted 82,000 children, caregivers and parents. It offers education, injury prevention, and access to healthcare, advocating for children's health on a national level. A recent $3 million donation will create a cutting-edge behavioral health unit at Wolfson Children's, addressing a critical community need.

Meanwhile, in 2022, THE PLAYERS made a generous commitment to match donations, dollar for dollar, up to $2 million for the Nemours Children's Hand in Hand capital campaign. Their support of Nemours Children’s Health-Jacksonville highlights their exceptional commitment to making a positive impact on the community and providing vital support to help organizations deliver world-class healthcare to children.

Furthermore, their recent $2 million donation to name THE PLAYERS Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders further illustrates their commitment to enhance healthcare initiatives.

Additionally, THE PLAYERS Championship Village, Inc. awarded Pace Center for Girls a transformational gift of $2 million to fund a three-year pilot program in North Florida to provide girls and their families substance abuse prevention and intervention services. Positive outcomes stemming from this partnership will drive the ability of Pace to replicate the approach across the state of Florida and throughout the Southeast, further expanding the impact.

THE PLAYERS also empowers its employees and players to volunteer, fostering a culture of giving back. Their commitment to the community is unparalleled, making them a beacon of philanthropic leadership.

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OUTSTANDING FOUNDATION

THE RITA FOUNDATION Nominated by: Mayo Clinic, Baptist Health, UF Health Jacksonville RITA (Research Is The Answer) Foundation began in 1996 as a small grassroots women’s tennis tournament, run by Chuck and Nancy Jantz, supporting breast cancer awareness and research. More than 25 years later, the foundation has grown to host three major fundraising events annually that have generated more than $6 million for breast cancer research and awareness in Jacksonville.

The foundation’s three fundraising events are the SenioRITA Tennis Tournament (women's doubles event , 40-plus), the RITA Championships (women’s doubles), and the Mixed RITA (mixed doubles). These events

OUTSTANDING SMALL BUSINESS OR CIVIC ORGANIZATION

ROTARY CLUB OF AMELIA ISLAND SUNRISE Nominated by: Barnabas Center, Inc.

Rotary Club of Amelia Island Sunrise has built a legacy of community service and commitment to helping others.

This organization, made up of key professional community leaders, supports local nonprofit organizations, concentrating its energies and finances where they can make the biggest difference including: Barnabas Center, Boys & Girls Club of Nassau County, Micah’s Place, Rise Against Hunger, Friends of Fernandina Aviation,

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require countless hours of planning and preparation from the foundation’s 35 committee members and 20 additional volunteers per event. Amazingly, RITA Foundation has remained entirely volunteer-run since its founding and contributes 100% of the net proceeds from every event to Jacksonville organizations. RITA volunteers give not only their time and talent but also their heart and soul to fundraising for the fight against breast cancer.

RITA Foundation has supported millions of dollars in significant capital, technology and research projects at Mayo Clinic, Baptist Health and UF Health in Jacksonville. Thanks to the RITA Foundation’s contributions to significant advances in the fight against cancer on the First Coast, Jacksonville has become a world-class research and treatment hub.

Keep Nassau Beautiful, and partnering with the city to install playground equipment in city parks.

The annual Wine & Food Tasting event (20132018) and now the Lobster Fest-To-Go event (2019-present), have been the major fundraising activities for the Club over the past 10 years.

Since inception, the events, along with other fundraising efforts, have raised over $200,000.

The Club has donated these proceeds to multiple deserving nonprofit organizations, along with important city-wide community improvements.

Evidence of their sustained commitment to philanthropy include the following: • Nine years of financial support for the Barnabas Center Empty Bowls luncheon to combat hunger and food security. Club members also volunteer annually to serve soup to 700 community guests at the event.

• Hosting the annual Lobster Fest-To-Go fundraising event to support several local nonprofit organizations.

• Participation in international support for a water filtration and well system in Nicaragua and Haiti.

Club members have volunteered and conducted local fundraising efforts for multiple local organizations and have utilized their influence to create a better place for residents.

Rotary Club of Amelia Island Sunrise is a trusted partner in every part of the county and is making a difference by impacting lasting positive change for the Amelia Island community.

NEXT GENERATION

OSPREY MIRACLE DANCE MARATHON EXECUTIVE BOARD Nominated by: Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Discover the Osprey Miracle Dance Marathon (Osprey MDM), a dynamic, student-run organization at the University of North Florida dedicated to making a significant impact on their local community. Osprey MDM's mission is to raise funds and awareness in support of their local Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, UF Health Jacksonville and Wolfson Children's Hospital. Throughout the year, student leaders tirelessly engage in various fundraising initiatives, from volunteering to be pied in the face to organizing kickball tournaments and coordinating spirit nights with local businesses. Their efforts culminate in a spectacular Main Event during the spring semester, highlighting months of planning and collaboration with fellow students, faculty, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals staff, and the Jacksonville community. The Main Event is a celebration of their fundraising achievements. It features activities, inspiring Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals ambassador families, in-event fundraising, themed hours, and entertainment for over 200 participants.

Since its inception in 2007, Osprey MDM has raised over $382,500 to purchase lifesaving equipment for their hospital partners.

Recent contributions helped purchase the Sonifi Entertainment System, enhancing patient engagement for UF Health Jacksonville's Pediatric ICU and Pediatric Emergency Department.

As Osprey MDM looks to the future, its commitment to local children's health remains unwavering. Through inspiring leadership and relentless determination, they are on a trajectory to surpass their pre-COVID fundraising efforts, demonstrating their dedication to creating healthier futures for children in their community.

OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER FUNDRAISER

BERNADETTE MORAN Nominated by: The Arc Jacksonville For over three decades, Bernadette Moran has demonstrated unwavering dedication as a volunteer, fundraiser and enthusiastic advocate for individuals with intellectual and developmental differences (IDD). Her remarkable journey began when her daughter, Moira, was born with Down syndrome. From that moment, Bernadette embraced a purpose-driven mission to actively volunteer, spearhead the creation of innovative programs, and raise crucial funds for organizations serving those with IDD. Since 1994, she has served on The Arc Jacksonville Board. Notably, she played a pivotal role in the launch of the On Campus Transition program in partnership with the University of North Florida, giving students access to college experience. Since inception, 84 students have graduated from the college program.

She played a leading role in the capital campaign, development and opening of The Arc Jacksonville Village, a residential community for adults with IDD. The Village comprises 97 affordable apartments, along with a community center. Her efforts spanned over eight years, making the realization of The Village a resounding success.

Bernadette also made significant contributions to The Lodge, a mental health community home for individuals with a dual diagnosis of IDD and mental health disorders. Additionally, Bernadette has volunteered and fundraised for The Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville and many other organizations serving those with IDD. Thanks to Bernadette’s unwavering commitment, countless other individuals with IDD will continue to benefit from the programs and services she has tirelessly fundraised for and nurtured throughout her life.

OUTSTANDING CHAMPION OF DIVERSITY

BRANDICE ACREE-LANDING

Nominated by: Pace Center for Girls, Jacksonville Brandice Acree-Landing is a shining example of a community champion, dedicated to making a difference in the lives of others. As the Employee Advocate Lead Consultant at Allstate Benefits, she fearlessly takes on projects and issues that matter most to her community.

Brandice's journey began over five years ago when she started volunteering at the Pace Center for Girls in Jacksonville. Her warmth, generosity and patience quickly endeared her to the girls in the program, who seek a better future through education and counseling. Brandice's commitment to Pace led her to become a Pace Ambassador, inspiring her fellow Allstate employees to join in supporting the organization through clothing drives, collecting supplies and volunteering their time.

Notably, Brandice's advocacy extends beyond volunteering. She tirelessly seeks grant opportunities through the Allstate Foundation, securing over $40,000 in grants since 2020 for Pace. When faced with a major building issue, she promptly applied for grants to ease immediate expenses and help cover repair costs.

Beyond Pace, Brandice gives back to several other nonprofit organizations in Jacksonville, further enriching her community. Every Thanksgiving, she coordinates the collection and delivery of over 200 Thanksgiving baskets to ensure families in need have a holiday meal.

In recognition of her outstanding commitment to diversity and community empowerment, Brandice Acree-Landing is truly deserving of the Outstanding Champion of Diversity Award.

Join us in celebrating this remarkable community champion who makes a meaningful difference in the lives of those she touches.

For more than 60 years, AFP has been the standard for professionalism in fundraising. AFP represents more than 40,000 members in 230 chapters across the world by working to advance philanthropy through advocacy, research, education and certification programs.

You can help support the advancement of philanthropy on the First Coast by making a gift today to the Be the Cause Campaign for the AFP Foundation. With your participation, the Foundation can continue providing the education, training and resources members need to enhance nonprofit organizations around the world and on the First Coast.

In addition, each gift you make will take the First Coast Chapter one step closer to reaching its dollar goal and qualifying for the Chapter Partnership Grant.

With your help, we can make the goal! Please consider making a gift today at afpglobal.org/donate.

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Healing made possible through the restorative power of YOUR OWN “Aphrodites” by Daniel STEM CELLS courtesy of Obiarts 48

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�harity REGISTER

A career full of discovery, innovation and philanthropy on the First Coast Leader in the field of Regenerative Plastic Surgery

Through a lifetime of technological advancements, Dr. Lewis Obi has taught procedures and written for highly regarded medical journals in the field of plastic surgery, while pushing the boundaries of modern medicine by breaking the constructs of medical healing through the use of stem cell therapies and enhancements that lessen recovery time.

Dr. Lewis Obi has evolved into a purely Regenerative Plastic Surgery practice by offering unique, less invasive and more effective procedures that no longer require general anesthesia or long recovery times. Most procedures offered by Dr. Lewis Obi were innovated by him with the use of stem cells and advanced lasers. Also, many of these are published in text books and major publications. He was recently requested by a major European publication to contribute a major paper to be included in an upcoming edition.

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3599 University Blvd South, Suite 603 | 904.399.0905 | www.ob

Leading the way through innovative surgical techniques, revolutionary stem cell research and implementation Lewis J. Obi MD An appreciation for fine art and an understanding of philanthropy, Dr. Lewis J. Obi, through Obiarts Inc., has made donations, helped build institutions and curate exhibits. Below is a list of the many institutions that have been recipients of his charitable gifts. These have been made over the course of his tenure as a leading plastic surgeon in his field and innovative medical pioneer in stem cell research.

Jacksonville University | MOCA or Museum of Contemporary Art, Jacksonville Constructed Edward Waters African Art Museum | SCAD or Savannah College of Art and Design, GA Illinois State Museum | Metropolitan Museum of Art, NY | Milwaukee Art Museum, WI Norton Museum, Palm Beach, FL | Smithsonian Museum of Art, Washington D.C. | Swope Museum, IN University of Yale Art Gallery, CT | Palmer Museum of Art at Penn State University, IL Ten local churches in Jacksonville | The Joel Osteen Chapel, TX

the entire process and RESULTS that deliver.

biplasticsurgery.com | www.stemcellsurgeryflorida.com

C H A R I T Y R E G I ST E R

Understanding the Charity Register Each listing is populated based on information provided from the charity or foundation. Public charities are listed in black. They provide direct services with broad public purposes, and can accept donations from the general public. Private foundations are listed in green.

They distribute money primarily through grants to public charities or individuals, and do not solicit funds from the public.

Every attempt has been made to ensure the accuracy of these listings.

If your nonprofit's information needs to be changed, or you would like your charity and events listed in the 2024 Circles — Charity Register and Social Datebook, please email us at Circlesmag@residentnews.net.

5 STAR VETERANS CENTER

40 Acme St., 32211 | (904) 723-5950 | 5starveteranscenter.org info@5starveteranscenter.org

ALLISON BRUNDICK HARAMIS FOUNDATION - ANGELS FOR ALLISON 2905 Corinthian Ave., Ste. 2, 32210 | (904) 329-1453 | angelsforallison.org angelsforallison@gmail.com

FB: AngelsforAllison | IG: angelsforallisonfoundation Executive Director: Anne Marie Van Wie Mission: Honoring the legacy of Allison’s joyous spirit by alleviating the financial burden of funeral costs associated with the loss of a child.

ALS ASSOCIATION

501 E. Kennedy Blvd. Ste. 1400, Tampa, 33602 | (813) 637-9000 als.org/florida | infofl@als.org

FB: ALSFlorida | IG: alsflorida Territory Executive, Southeast: Ray Carson, ray.carson@als.org Mission: Our mission is to discover treatments and a cure for ALS, and to serve, advocate for and empower people affected by ALS to live their lives to the fullest.

ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION - CENTRAL AND NORTH FLORIDA CHAPTER

Chapter Headquarters: 2170 W. State Road 434, Longwood, 32779 | (407) 951-7992 | alz.org/cnfl

FB: 5StarVeteransCenter | IG: 5starveteranscenter CEO: Col. Len Loving Mission: The 5 Star Veterans Center’s mission is to provide displaced military veterans the safe housing and supportive services they need to successfully transition to living independently in a place they call home.

FB: AlzCNFL | IG: alzassociation Executive Director: Jessica Marshall, jhmarshall@alz.org Mission: The Alzheimer’s Association leads the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support.

ABILITY HOUSING

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY

3740 Beach Blvd., Ste 304, 32207 | (904) 359-9650 | abilityhousing.org

P.O. Box 17127, Tampa, 32682 | (800) 227-2345 | cancer.org

FB: AbilityHousing President and CEO: Shannon Nazworth, klepley@AbilityHousing.org Mission: The mission of Ability Housing is to build strong communities where everyone has a home

FB: AmericanCancerSociety | IG: americancancersociety Executive Vice President, Southeast Region: Kimberly Jackson Mission: The American Cancer Society’s mission is to save lives, celebrate lives and lead the fight for a world without cancer.

ACKERMAN CANCER FOUNDATION

AMERICAN CIVILITY ASSOCIATION

10881 San Jose Blvd., 32223 | (904) 880-5522 | ackermancancerfoundation.org info@ackermancancerfoundation.org

FB: ackermancancercenter | IG: ackermancancercenter Director: Ryan Ali, ryan@ackermancancer.com Mission: The Ackerman Cancer Foundation was established to improve the quality of life for those touched by cancer. Our mission is to provide a wide variety of patient support services including financial assistance, educational programs and counseling to patients in need during their cancer treatments.

AGING TRUE

4250 Lakeside Dr., Ste. 116, 32210 | (904) 807-1203 | agingtrue.org | info@agingtrue.org

FB: AgingTrue | IG: agingtrue CEO: Teresa K. Barton Mission: Aging True has been helping seniors maintain their independence and age gracefully by designing and administering programs in Northeast Florida for nearly 60 years. Aging True seeks to provide essential and innovative services and care for individuals, families and communities throughout Northeast Florida to prepare for and support graceful aging.

AIDYN MAE HOPE FUND C/O BELIEVE IN A CURE, INC.

1051 Port Washington Blvd. #1625, Port Washington, NY, 11050 | aidynmaehopefund.org info@webelieveinacure.org

Founders: Daryl & Tessa Gottlieb Mission: The Aidyn Mae Hope Fund has partnered with Believe in A Cure, a nonprofit founded by a fellow FOXG1 parent. This nonprofit is leading intensive research efforts into a Gene Replacement Therapy (GRT) for FOXG1 syndrome, focusing on providing a new copy of the FOXG1 gene to control the production of the protein and improve the symptoms that take place due to the deficiency.

ALFRED I. DUPONT CHARITABLE TRUST

510 Alfred duPont Pl., 32202 | (904) 394-9800 | alfrediduponttrust.org

Chief Operating Officer: Kara P. Riley Mission: The Trustees and staff of the Alfred I. duPont Charitable Trust act as loyal stewards of Alfred I. duPont’s legacy through prudent financial management and faithfulness to his mission and by advancing his mission appropriately through the Trust’s charitable beneficiary, The Nemours Foundation.

ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE DE JACKSONVILLE

4466-1A Hendricks Ave., Ste. 250, 32207 | (904) 612-5031 | americancivility.org

FB: Journey2Kindness | IG: americancivility President & Founder: Amy Barnett, amyb@americancivility.org Mission: The American Civility Association works to reverse the rising tide of anger, rude behaviors and bullying by educating individuals and families about the dangers of incivility and to equip them with heart tools to live safer and happier lives.

AMERICAN DIABETES ASSOCIATION

P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA, 22116 | (407) 660-1926 | diabetes.org | ADAFL@diabetes.org

FB: AmericanDiabetesAssociation | IG: amdiabetesassn Mission: The American Diabetes Association works to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.

AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION, INC.

7751 Baymeadows Rd., E., Ste. 106F, 32256 | (904) 903-5210 | heart.org/florida AHAFirstCoast@heart.org

FB: AmericanHeartFlorida | IG: americanheartfl Executive Director: Caitlin Brunell, caitlin.brunell@heart.org Mission: The American Heart Association’s mission is to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. During its second century of bold action, the Association is committed to advancing health and hope for everyone, everywhere.

AMERICAN LUNG ASSOCIATION

6852 Belfort Oaks Pl., 32216 | (904) 520-7120 | Lung.org

FB: ALAFlorida | IG: lungs_jax Market Lead: Cindy Springer, cindy.springer@lung.org Mission: The American Lung Association helps save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease.

AMERICAN RED CROSS OF NORTH FLORIDA

751 Riverside Ave., 32204 | (904) 358-8091 | redcross.org/NorthFlorida

FB: RedCrossNorthFL | IG: redcrossnorthfl CEO: Christian Smith, christian.smith@redcross.org Mission: The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.

4251 University Blvd. S., Ste. 101, 32216 | (904) 469-4964 | afjacksonville.org contact@afjacksonville.org

ANGELWOOD

FB: AllianceFrancaisedeJacksonville President: Alice Hanes Mission: AFJax’s mission is to encourage and develop knowledge of the French language and French and Francophone cultures and to foster cultural, intellectual and artistic exchanges between the United States, France and French-speaking countries.

FB: AngelwoodJax | IG: angelwoodjax Chief Development Officer: Damara Farwell, dfarwell@angelwoodjax.org Mission: Angelwood proudly provides unparalleled services to children, adults and families living with disabilities.

9100 Regency Blvd. N, 32211 | (904) 288-7259 | angelwoodjax.org

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ANIMAL CARE & PROTECTIVE SERVICES (ACPS)

2020 Forest Street, 32204 | (904) 630-2489 | coj.net/pets | jaxpets@coj.net

FB: JaxAnimalCare | IG: jaxacps Mission: Jacksonville’s ACPS provides animal control to the citizens in Jacksonville by fair enforcement and community education. It also enhances the quality of life in our neighborhoods by offering quality pets for adoption at a reasonable cost.

AQUAJAX

3832-10 Baymeadows Rd., Ste. 183, 32217 | (904) 537-5219 | aquajax.net

ANGELS FOR ALLISON

FB: jaxaqua | IG: aquajax President: Sharon Piltz, Sharon.Piltz@Aquajax.net Mission: An advocacy group determined to advance projects for the City of Jacksonville that will provide greater prosperity, growth, and revenues to benefit all citizens. The goal of AquaJax is to build a world-class aquarium on the riverfront in downtown Jacksonville.

THE ARC JACKSONVILLE

1050 North Davis St., 32209 | (904) 355-0155 | arcjacksonville.org info@arcjacksonville.org

FB: TheArcJacksonville | IG: thearcjacksonville President and CEO: Kari Bates, kbates@arcjacksonville.org Mission: The Arc Jacksonville serves and advocates for individuals with intellectual and developmental differences to achieve their full potential and to participate in community life.

ARK WILDLIFE CARE & SANCTUARY, INC.

781 Carlee Lane, Hilliard, 32046 | (904) 424-6543 | thearkwildlifecareandsanctuary.com | thearkwildlifecare@gmail.com

FB: arcwildlifecareandsanctuary | IG: thearkrescue2023 Director: Jonathan Howard Mission: Our purpose is to operate a wildlife rehabilitation/research facility.

Specifically, wildlife which is endangered, injured or ophaned with a sanctuary for impaired or non-releasable wildlife.

A Legacy of Hope, Love, and Resilience The story of Allison’s legacy began with the devastating and unimaginable loss of a 15-year-old girl. Allison Brundick Haramis was a vivacious young lady who passed away in a car accident in April 2009. In her short life, Allison encouraged many and left a mark on her community, who will forever remember her contagious enthusiasm and creative energy. She was an accomplished dancer with a magnetic presence both on and off the stage. She expressed her love of fashion with bright colors and a whimsical sense of style.

Parents Drew and Lee Haramis and brother Lee Haramis, Jr. were fortunate to be able to celebrate Allison’s life with a beautiful service and celebration. They could not imagine being unable to celebrate their daughter’s life with a memorial service. Unfortunately, this is not the case for many families in their darkest hour. Because of this reality, the mission of the The Allison Brundick Haramis Foundation was created in 2010: To honor the legacy of Allison’s joyous spirit by alleviating the financial burden of funeral costs associated with the loss of a child.

The Haramis family’s story is one of ultimate resilience and a lesson of hope to others. The night of the accident, Allison’s father told his family, “We have a choice to make tonight: to live or die as well, and I choose to live.” This decision to choose to live has guided the Haramis family forward each day and has allowed the Foundation to grow and serve others.

Since its inception, the Foundation has served over 900 families in Northeast Florida and funded over $900,000 in funeral grants.

Families in need are identified through referring partners, and funds for necessary funeral expenses are paid directly to the funeral home selected by the family. Since 2010, Angels for Allison has never turned a qualified family away.

This is Allison’s legacy.

To learn more or support Angels for Allison, please visit angelsforallison.org

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ARK WILDLIFE RESCUE & REHABILITATION

700 W. Pope Rd., #1-65, St. Augustine, 32080 | (904) 679-1533 | thearkrescue.org thearkwildliferescue@gmail.com

FB: thearkwildliferescue | IG: thearkwildliferescue Founder: Karen Lynch, noahsarkkaren@gmail.com Mission: It is our goal to be a safety net for injured, orphaned or ill wildlife.

ARLINGTON COMMUNITY SERVICES 1450 Rogero Rd., 32211 | (904) 503-8496

FB: ArlingtonCommunityServicesJax Contact: Andrew Clarke, clarkeandy13@gmail.com Mission: Arlington Community Services is a food bank and crisis center. Our mission is to support our community and serve our fellow man. We work to ensure that all are cared for and loved.

ARTHRITIS FOUNDATION

1355 Peachtree St., Ste. 600, Atlanta, GA, 30309 | (800) 283-7800 | arthritis.org

FB: Arthritis.org | IG: arthritisfoundation Associate Director: Mariel Armitage, marmitage@arthritis.org Mission: The Arthritis Foundation helps to conquer everyday battles through life-changing information and resources, access to optimal care, advancements in science and community connections.

ARTHUR VINING DAVIS FOUNDATIONS

814 N. Hwy. A1A, Ste. 300, Ponte Vedra Beach, 32082 | (904) 359-0670 | avdf.org

President: Michael Murray, office@avdf.org Mission: The organization serves to strengthen America through philanthropy to religious, charitable, scientific, literary and educational purposes within the United States and its territories.

ART WITH A HEART IN HEALTHCARE

841 Prudential Dr., Suite 150, 32207 | (904) 306-0390 | awahih.org

FB: artwithaheartinhealthcare | IG: artwithaheartinhealthcare Executive Director: Christy Ponder, c.ponder@awahih.org Mission: Art with a Heart in Healthcare provides personalized fine art experiences that enhance the healing process for patients and their families.

ASCENSION ST. VINCENT’S FOUNDATION

1 Shircliff Way, 32204 | (904) 308-7306 | givestvincents.org | thefoundation@ascension.org

FB: GiveStVincents | IG: stvhsfoundation President: Patrick N. Henry II, patrick.henry@ascension.org Mission: Rooted in the loving ministry of Jesus as healer, we commit ourselves to serving all persons, with special attention to those who are poor and vulnerable. Our Catholic health ministry is dedicated to spiritually centered holistic care, which sustains and improves the health of individuals and communities. We are advocates for a compassionate and just society through our actions and our words.

CHARI TY RE GIST E R

AYLA’S ACRES NO KILL ANIMAL RESCUE, INC.

413 Anastasia Blvd., St. Augustine, 32080 | (904) 484-8792 | aylasacres.org

FB: AylasAcresAnimalRescue | IG: aylasacres Mission: We support adoption, spay and neuter, and responsible care of animals.

Along with education, outreach, and adoption and fostering programs, Ayla’s Acres also maintains a 45-acre sanctuary where “unadoptable” animals may live out heir lives with peace, love and dignity.

success story

THE BAIRFIND FOUNDATION - THE MISSING CHILD PROJECT

8777 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 803, 32217 | (412) 926-7456 | themissingchildproject.org contact@themissingchildproject.org

FB: BairFind | IG: themissingchildproject Founder: Dennis Bair Mission: The BairFind Foundation generates leads and tips in the search for America’s missing children.

THE ARC JACKSONVILLE

BAPTIST HEALTH FOUNDATION

841 Prudential Dr., Ste. 1300, 32207 | (904) 202-2919 | baptistjax.com/give | foundation@bmcjax.com

FB: BaptistHealthJx | IG: baptisthealth_foundation Senior Vice President, Chief Philanthropy Officer: Kimberly M. Jones Mission: The mission of Baptist Health Foundation is to inspire philanthropy and build extraordinary donor relationships in support of excellence, innovation, community wellness and global leadership in healthcare at Baptist Health South Florida, a not-for-profit organization supported by philanthropy and committed to our faith-based charitable mission of medical excellence.

BARNABAS CENTER

1303 Jasmine St., Ste. 101, Fernandina Beach, 32024 | (904) 261-7000 | barnabasnassau.org info@barnabasnassau.org

FB: BarnabasNassau | IG: newtoyou_resale President/CEO: Jamie Reynolds, jreynolds@barnabasnassau.org Mission: Our mission is to provide help and hope to individuals and families in need throughout Nassau County, Florida, to improve their stability, health and well-being.

BASCA, INC.

352 Stowe Ave., Orange Park, 32073 | (904) 541-1742 | bascainc.org | basca@bascainc.org

FB: bascainc | IG: official_basca_inc CEO: Patrick Kennedy Mission: BASCA’s mission is to improve the quality of life for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities in Northeast Florida.

BEACHES COUNCIL ON AGING, INC.

3410 3rd St. S., Jacksonville Beach, 32250 | (904) 246-1477 beachescoa.com | info@beachesdialaride.org

FB: BeachesCOA | IG: beachescoa Executive Director: Lori Delgado Anderson, LAnderson@beachesdialaride.org Mission: The Beaches Council on Aging improves the quality of life for senior residents of the Beaches by connecting them, to people, services and places, with care.

BEACHES HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

797 Mayport Rd., Atlantic Beach, 32233 | (904) 241-1222 beacheshabitat.org | info@beacheshabitat.org

FB: BeachesHabitat | IG: beacheshabitat President/CEO: Steve Gilbert Mission: 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) 241-7437 | jaxbeam.org | info@jaxbeam.org

FB: JAXBEAM | IG: jax_beam Executive Director: Jeff Winkler Mission: Our mission is to provide emergency assistance and a path to economic stability.

BEN’S PLACE SERVICES, INC.

4530-15 St. Johns Ave., Unit 325, 32210 | (904) 418-2299 | bensplacecof.org | info@bensplacecof.org

FB: bensplacecof | IG: bensplace2004 Executive Director: Anne M. Yarbrough Mission: 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

4600 Touchton Rd. E, Deerwood Park N, Ste. 150, 32246 | (904) 296-0510 bestbuddies.org/florida | jacksonville@bestbuddies.org

FB: bestbuddiesfl | IG: bestbuddiesfl Deputy Director, Development: Sarah Jeter, sarahjeter@bestbuddies.org Mission: Offering One-to-One Friendship, Integrated Employment, Leadership Development and Inclusive Living programs for individuals with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in Florida.

Specialized Aging Support Program The Arc Jacksonville officially launched its new program, Specialized Aging Support (SAS) – Dementia Services for People with Intellectual and Developmental Differences (IDD). The program aids individuals with IDD who face the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) on the First Coast, as well as their caregivers. Prior to this program’s launch, local families seeking support for their loved ones had few resources; now, The Arc Jacksonville is meeting an important community need.

SAS provides services for individuals with intellectual and developmental differences who are at high risk of or living with ADRD and their caregivers. The program aims to increase quality of life and wellbeing through a variety of support services including occupational therapy, individualized care plans, continuous assessments, and both in home and on-site programming. Additionally, this program has been launched as a guidepost for replication nationwide.

Following the launch, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at the nonprofit organization’s new state-of-the-art Kimberly Smoak Pommer Day Center, which serves as the dedicated space for SAS programs. More than 130 individuals in the community attended, hearing firsthand the personal heartfelt stories of impact from the family of Kimberly Smoak Pommer, a trailblazer in Northeast Florida’s IDD community whose memory will be honored through the naming of the SAS center.

Kimberly Smoak was one of the first members of Northeast Florida’s IDD community to gain employment in the workforce, marry and live independently, but as she reached the age of 50, she began to develop ADRD. The dementia progressed to personality changes and regression. The Smoak family struggled to find support and care, as many memory care facilities turned Kimberly away due to her Down syndrome and early onset diagnosis.

In honor of Kimberly’s legacy of defying expectations and the tremendous support that her family demonstrated throughout her life, the SAS facility has been named the Kimberly Smoak Pommer Day Center. The center provides on-site services and features a sensory space, fitness area, simulated home kitchen, functional therapy room and comfortable group support spaces.

To learn more about the Specialized Aging Support Program, The Arc Jacksonville or to find support for yourself or someone you know, email sas@ arcjacksonville.org, call (904) 779-3135 or visit arcjacksonville.org/sas.

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BETTY GRIFFIN CENTER

2450 Old Moultrie Rd., Ste. 202, St. Augustine, 32086 | (904) 808-8544 | bettygriffincenter.org info@bettygriffincenter.org

FB: BettyGriffinCenter | IG: bettygriffincenter Chief Executive Officer: Kelly Franklin Mission: The Betty Griffin Center works to end domestic violence and sexual abuse in St. Johns County. Their focus is to offer protection and quality services to victims and their children through the operation of a safe and secure shelter as well as outreach programs, assistance, counseling and transitional support while educating the community and raising awareness.

BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF NORTHEAST FLORIDA

40 East Adams St., Ste. 220, 32202 | (904) 727-9797 | bbbsnefl.org info@bbbsnefl.org

FB: bbbsnefl | IG: bbbsnefl CEO: Sara Alford, salford@bbbsnefl.org Mission: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Florida’s mission is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. Our vision is that all youth achieve their full potential.

BLAKE BORTLES FOUNDATION

1385 Twin Oaks Circle, Oviedo, 32765 | (904) 474-2251 | blakebortlesfoundation.com info@blakebortlesfoundation.com

FB: BlakeBortlesFoundation | IG: blakebortlesfoundation Founder: Blake Bortles Mission: To support children with intellectual and developmental challenges in their pursuit of full, independent lives and provide support to first responders, with the goal of improving their ability to safely carry out their vital lifesaving work.

BLESSINGS IN A BACKPACK FIRST COAST CHAPTER

FIRST COAST CHAPTER

4300 Lakeside Dr. Unit 8, 32210 | (904) 237-9340 firstcoast.blessingsinabackpack.org Robyn with Alison Trembly, APRN at Barnabas Center.

Helping Neighbors In Need Overcome Healthcare Hurdles Robyn had been struggling for three years without health insurance, during which her health took a big hit. Aside from struggling to manage her diabetes, Robyn faced generational health patterns that haunted her family, including a history of heart attacks and high blood pressure.

But that all changed when she received a Barnabas Center flyer offering a free medical visit. She thought this could be the key to starting a healthier lifestyle.

Robyn soon discovered a medical facility that provided comprehensive care including dental, vision and medical services.

But what she really was interested in was the diabetes selfmanagement classes Barnabas Center offered.

One of the biggest hurdles Robyn faced throughout her life was the stigma associated with diabetes. Through Barnabas Center’s program, she gained a deeper understanding of diabetes and learned practical strategies for managing her condition.

Robyn always considered herself a “superwoman” and it was hard for her to ask for or accept help. However, in finally doing so, she found a lifeline to a healthier lifestyle. She recognized that she couldn’t bear the weight of her responsibilities alone – and asking for help wasn’t a sign of weakness.

Robyn’s story is a powerful reminder of the transformative impact that organizations like Barnabas Center can have on individuals and communities. With the right support and determination, positive change is not only possible, but achievable. Thanks to Barnabas Center donors, more people can reclaim their health like Robyn did.

In addition to providing health education and medical services, Barnabas Center assists with hunger relief, rent assistance and more. To be a part of delivering hope through Barnabas Center, visit BarnabasNassau.org or call (904) 261-7000.

FB: FirstCoastBlessings | IG: blessingsfirstcoast Mission: Blessings in a Backpack mobilizes communities, individuals, and resources to provide food on the weekends for elementary school children across America who might otherwise go hungry. First Coast Chapter partners with 46 schools to close the nutritional gap that weekends bring to more than 5500 children that depend on their school for food.

THE BOSELLI FOUNDATION

P.O. Box 16385, 32245 | (904) 704-6212 | bosellifoundation.com

FB: BoselliFoundation | IG: thebosellifoundation Executive Director: Jennifer Vihrachoff, Jennifer@bosellifoundation.com Mission: The Boselli Foundation is a faith-based, non-profit organization striving to help children living in at-risk neighborhoods on the Northside of Jacksonville.

BOUQUETS OF KINDNESS

4240 Marquette Ave., 32210 | (904) 553-0505 | bouquetsofkindness.org | info@bouquetsofkindness.org

FB: bouquetsofkindness.org | IG: bouquetsofkindness Founder: Lisa Kirkwood Mission: Since 2016, Bouquets of Kindness has been repurposing donated flowers and floral arrangements, delivering them to senior care facilities for residents to create their own floral arrangements. This creative activity brings renewed independence to the seniors in our area. We also deliver Kits of Kindness to Jacksonville seniors who are on fixed incomes.

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF NORTHEAST FLORIDA

10 S. Newnan St., 2nd Floor, 32202 | (904) 396-4435 | bgcnf.org

FB: BGCNF | IG: bgcnf President/CEO: Paul Martinez Mission: Our mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Our vision is to provide a world-class Club Experience that assures success is within reach of every young person who enters our doors, with all members on track to graduate from high school with a plan for the future, demonstrating good character and citizenship, and living a healthy lifestyle.

BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA, NORTH FLORIDA COUNCIL

521 Edgewood Ave. S, 32205 | (904) 388-0591 | nfcscouting.org

FB: bsanfc | IG: nfcscouting Director of Field Service/COO: Cole Waters, coleton.walters@scouting.org Mission: The Boy Scouts of America helps to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices in their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scouts’ Oath and Law.

DID WE MISS YOU?

If your 501(c)(3) nonprofit isn't featured in our list or requires updating, we're here to help. Please submit the correct information at circlescharityregister.com/contact/

by Aug. 1, 2024 to be included in the 2025 edition.

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BRAIN TUMOR NETWORK

816 A1A N., Ste. 207, Ponte Vedra Beach, 32082 | (904) 395-5220 | braintumornetwork.org btnadm@braintumornetwork.org

FB: braintumornetwork | IG: braintumornetwork Director of Operations: Laura Hynes, lhynes@braintumornetwork.org Mission: The Brain Tumor Network is a navigation resource for adult patients and caregivers seeking information about brain tumor treatment options, including clinical trials. BTN utilizes its network of relationships with healthcare providers throughout the U.S. who specialize in brain tumor treatment to provide personalized information and navigation at no cost to patients, caregivers or healthcare professionals. BTN also hosts the Brain Tumor Support Group of Northeast Florida, a monthly support group for patients, family and caregivers.

uccess stor BETTY GRIFFIN CENTER

BRIGHT MINDS YOUTH DEVELOPMENT, INC.

P.O. Box 441963, 32222 | (904) 637-4720 | brightmindsyouth.org

FB: BrightMindsYouthDevelopment | IG: brightmindsyouth Board Member: David Bright Mission: Our mission is to provide youth and young adults opportunities to explore and develop their talents, while gaining critical skills for leadership, education, health, work and beyond. Our vision is to cultivate young minds for excellence and success by providing opportunities, skills, experience, exposure and positive challenges for children, teens and young adults in Florida & Georgia to improve their quality of life.

BROOKS REHABILITATION

3599 University Blvd. S, 32216 | (904) 345-7481 brooksrehab.org | foundation@brooksrehab.org

FB: BrooksRehab | IG: brooksrehab President & CEO: Douglas M. Baer, tracy.svendensen@brooksrehab.org Mission: At Brooks Rehabilitation, our mission is to empower people to achieve their highest level of recovery and participation in life through excellence in rehabilitation.

Brooks Rehabilitation is the recognized leader in providing a system of world-class rehabilitation solutions, advancing the health and well-being of our communities.

CAF & CNL CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT

315 South Hampton Club Way, St. Augustine, 32092 | (904) 545-2771

Founder: Jim Houston, jhouston@dwagolf.com Mission: To raise funds for Challenged Athletes Foundation and Camp No Limits, which provide opportunities and support to people with physical disabilities.

CANINE COMPANIONS

Southeast Regional Office: 8150 Clarcona Ocoee Rd., Orlando, 32818 | (800) 572-BARK canine.org | info@canine.org

FB: caninecompanions | IG: canineorg First Coast Chapter President: CJ Smith Mission: Canine Companions enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing highly trained service dogs and ongoing support to ensure quality partnerships.

THE CARPENTER’S SHOP CENTER

1601 University Blvd. N., 32211 | (904) 226-2056 | carpentersshop.org thecarpentersshopcenter@gmail.com

FB: TheCarpentersShopCenter | IG: thecarpentersshopcenter Founder/Executive Director: Cheryl Doro Wilder, CherylDWilder@gmail.com Mission: The Carpenter’s Shop Center is a faith-based organization providing programs and services that empower and educate under-served children, youth, and families so they can lead responsible, productive lives. Lighting the way for children, youth, and families to realize their potential with futures filled with hope, stability, and self-fulfillment.

CATHEDRAL ARTS PROJECT (CAP)

207 N. Laura St., Ste. 300, 32202 | (904) 281-5599 | capkids.org | jennifer@capkids.org

FB: CathedralArts | IG: cathedralartsproject President & CEO: Rev. Kimberly L. Hyatt, khyatt@capkids.org Mission: CAP’s mission is to empower every child’s creative spirit, elevate arts educators in their field, and advocate for access and equity in arts education.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES JACKSONVILLE

40 E. Adams St., Suite 320, 32202 | (904) 354-4846 ccbjax.org | development@ccbjax.org

FB: CatholicCharitiesJacksonville | IG: ccbjax Regional Director: Lori Weber, lweber@ccbjax.org Mission: Catholic Charities puts faith into action to serve the most vulnerable in our community, advocating for justice, human dignity and quality of life, while reflecting the compassion of God in Christ.

CATHOLIC FOUNDATION, DIOCESE OF ST. AUGUSTINE

11625 Old St. Augustine Rd., 32258 | (904) 262-3200 | cf.dosafl.com | diocese@dosafl.com

FB: DOSACatholics | IG: dosacatholics President: Bishop Erik T. Pohlmeier Mission: The Catholic Foundation builds a Christ-centered future for the good works of the Church in North Florida through inspired charitable giving. The vision of the Catholic Foundation is a Church generously endowed to fully support the development and charity of our faith community.

Surviving and Thriving after Domestic and Sexual Violence Betty Griffin Center offers quality services, at no cost, to survivors of domestic and sexual violence in St. Johns County, including a 24-hour Helpline, emergency shelter, transitional housing, sexual assault recovery services, Rape Care Unit, legal counsel, confidential counseling, community education and more.

“Three years ago, I found myself in a situation that I never thought I would be in. I came to the realization that I had spent the past four years in a physically and emotionally abusive relationship. What most people don’t realize is that this can happen to anyone, and while it’s hard to see the abuse while you’re in the relationship it is even harder to leave. I didn’t find Betty Griffin, they found me. They found me sitting alone in the courthouse filing paperwork I didn’t understand. One of their staff members had noticed that I was struggling, and when she saw that I was a domestic violence case, she wasted no time bringing me into her office and reminding me of my strength and providing me with the information I needed to move forward. From there, I was given legal counsel; they stood beside me as I faced my abuser and offered words of encouragement as I told my story. I was immediately offered therapy to begin the healing process and help work through the trauma that comes with years of abuse. I was offered housing, food, compassion, and most of all, safety. They walked me through hours of grueling paperwork; they saved my house from being wrongfully taken away; they sent officers to check on me when I was feeling uneasy after the restraining order was placed; most importantly, they helped me get my life back. They helped me become a success story and not a statistic. Their services are unmatched for men and women who find themselves in my position. They are truly saving lives and changing stories. Because of them, I am a survivor.” - K.R. If you or someone you know is being abused, call Betty Griffin Center’s 24-hour Helpline at (904) 824-1555.

To learn more or to make a gift to help survivors of domestic and sexual violence, please visit: bettygriffincenter.org.

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CECIL FIELD POW/MIA MEMORIAL, INC.

6112 POW-MIA Memorial Pkwy., 32221 | (904) 300-3671 | powmiamemorial.org info@powmiamemorial.org

FB: powmiamemorial | IG: cecilfieldpowmia Acting Executive Director: Ed Turner Mission: Honor all former Prisoners of War; Remember and never forget those Missing in Action heroes and the families who seek their return.

CHALLENGE ENTERPRISES OF NORTH FLORIDA, INC.

C AT H O L I C C H A R I T I E S

3530 Enterprise Way, Green Cove Springs, 32043 | (904) 284-9859 | challengeenterprises.org info@challengeenterprises.org

FB: challengeenterprises | IG: challenge_enterprises CEO: Nancy C. Keating Mission: The nonprofit seeks to promote the power of people and possibilities for individuals living with disabilities so they become enterprising members of their community.

CHAMPION WOMEN

3116 St. Johns Ave., 32205 | (904) 384-8484 | championwomen.org supportwomen@championwomen.org

FB: iChampionWomen CEO: Nancy Hogshead-Makar Mission: Champion Women is an advocacy organization for girls and women in sports and uses sports to improve the lives of girls and women.

CHANGING HOMELESSNESS

725 Peninsular Pl., 32204 | (844) 367-7783 | changinghomelessness.org info@changinghomelessness.org

Regional Director Lori Weber with Duval and Colbi King Pickett of 100.7 FM.

The Backpack Program The Backpack Program started in February 2021 with ten children, third through fifth graders at Susie Tolbert Elementary, saving snacks to eat after school. Principal Shana Adams and Assistant Principal Amanda Cardoza noticed that the same children each day were not eating snacks from the snack table but saving them.

“Hungry children don’t learn. Students who are hungry are withdrawn, tired and irritable. They have higher behavioral issues and lower test scores. Food motivates and energizes the kids to meet their goals,” said Ms. Cardoza.

It occurred to Ms. Cardoza that the families suffered from food insecurity, the economic and social condition of limited or uncertain access to adequate food. “Many students come from single-parent homes where the parent is often working multiple jobs, which requires students to find food themselves. Or, some students live with caregivers that live off Social Security and are limited in the availability of funds to buy food,” she said.

Through Catholic Charities, the Backpack Program has discovered over 600 children in three schools who were silently underfed, and the numbers are growing.

Catholic Charities Jacksonville is responding to the residual effects of poverty and loss with Duval’s Kids’ Fund. The fund, with its faithful mascot, Duval, covers the needs of children like the ones uncovered in our schools. It puts the children’s needs first wherever they come last. Named for Jacksonville’s county, Duval comes to Jacksonville’s children as the humble, peaceful donkey that carried Jesus Christ.

As the kid-friendly Catholic Charities mascot, Duval sees the needs of children and empowers them to find the hero within themselves.

As Catholic Charities continues to help the most vulnerable in our communities – like the 600 children across Jacksonville in the Backpack Program – who are dealing with situations like hunger, Duval will fly in to rescue them from feelings of insecurity and shame, transforming them into confidence and joy. Look for Duval at Catholic Charities events this year to learn how you can donate to the fund.

FB: ChangingHomelessnessNEFL | IG: changinghomelessness CEO: Dawn Gilman Mission: Serves as the lead agency for HUD’s Continuum of Care Grant, providing training and fostering communications between 40 member agencies that provide direct service to those in the local area who are in need of housing and related resources.

CHEMO NOIR

P.O. Box 551486, 32255 | (904) 714-5855 | chemonoir.com

FB: chemonoir | IG: chemonoir Founder and Chairman: Katrin Casey, kat@chemonoir.com Mission: The philanthropic mission of Chemo Noir is to host and inspire wine-centric events that raise money to provide financial support to the families, friends and fighters in their battle with cancer.

CHILD CANCER FUND

841 Prudential Dr., 12th Floor, 32207 | (904) 396-4223 childcancerfund.org

FB: ChildCancerFund | IG: childcancerfund Executive Director: Carla Montgomery, carla@childcancerfund.org Mission: Founded in 1994, the Child Cancer Fund’s 30 Years of Caring supports Northeast Florida families with practical, financial, educational and emotional support, including new phsychosocial music and animal-assisted therapies, during a difficult childhood cancer diagnosis.

CHILD GUIDANCE CENTER

5776 St. Augustine Rd., 32207 | (904) 448-4700 X1000 | www.cgcjax.org

FB: CGCJax | IG: cgcjax President/CEO: Theresa Rulien, trulien@cgcjax.org Mission: Child Guidance Center invests in our community by providing counseling and support services to assist children and families in reaching their fullest potential.

THE CHILDREN’S HOME SOCIETY OF FLORIDA

3027 San Diego Rd., 32207 | (904) 493-7744 | chsfl.org | michelle.harp@chsfl.org

FB: HelpFLKids | IG: helpflkids President/CEO: Andry Sweet, andry.sweet@chsfl.org Mission: Building bridges to success for children. A world where children realize their full potential. We believe in the potential of every child and family. We believe children and families are stronger than the odds stacked against them - and, together, we can create opportunities that bring brighter futures.

CHILDREN’S MIRACLE NETWORK HOSPITALS OF JACKSONVILLE

580 W. 8th St., Tower 1, Ste. 3510, 32209 | (904) 244-9337 | cmnjax.com | cmnjax@jax.ufl.edu

FB: ChildrensMiracleNetworkHospitalsJacksonville | IG: cmnjax Director: Samantha D’Agostino, samantha.dagostino@jax.ufl.edu Mission: To improve the health and welfare of all children by raising funds and awareness for the pediatric programs of UF Health Jacksonville and Wolfson Children’s Hospital.

DID WE MISS YOU?

If your 501(c)(3) nonprofit isn't featured in our list or requires updating, we're here to help. Please submit the correct information at circlescharityregister.com/contact/

by Aug. 1, 2024 to be included in the 2025 edition.

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CHARI TY RE GIST E R

CHRISTIAN HEALING MINISTRIES

438 W. 67th St., 32208 | (904) 765-3332 | christianhealingmin.org | info@christianhealingmin.org

FB: iheartchm | IG: christianhealingministeries Director of Ministry/President: Judith MacNutt Mission: Our mission is to be a visible presence of Jesus’ desire to heal in the world today by: Providing healing prayer for the sick; Training for those who want to learn to pray; Lending leadership support to pastors, churches and seminaries; Offering a bookstore and resource center for ministry and training materials; and Expanding the role of healing prayer in medical professions. Our vision is to make Christian healing prayer a way of life in families, churches, and medical professions.

CHRIST’S STARFISH FOUNDATION

uccess stor C O M M U N I T Y H E A LT H O U T R E A C H

6800 E. Hwy. 326, Silver Springs, 34488 | (904) 612-8522 | christstarfish.org | christstarfish@aol.com

FB: christstarfish President: Carldon Lahey Mission: To share the love of Jesus Christ by providing assistance to children’s hospitals through child life specialists and by assisting families of non-cancer patients who are experiencing financial hardships due to medical expenses.

CIL JACKSONVILLE

2709 Art Museum Dr., 32207 | (904) 399-8484 | ciljacksonville.org | info@ciljacksonville.org

FB: CILJacksonville | IG: ciljacksonville Executive Director: Tyler Morris Mission: Jacksonville’s leading cross-disability-based organization, CIL Jacksonville provides personalized services to people with disabilities.

CISV INTERNATIONAL - JACKSONVILLE CHAPTER

1050 Riverside Ave., Ste. C, 32204 | (904) 982-1871 | cisvjax.org | cisvjax@gmail.com

FB: cisvjax | IG: cisvjax President: Josie Summa Mission: CISV International helps participants develop skills to become informed, responsible and active global citizens to make a difference in our community and the world.

CITY RESCUE MISSION

426 S. McDuff Ave., 32254 | (904) 421-5147 | crmjax.org | crmdevelopment@crmjax.org

FB: crmjax | IG: crmjax Executive Director: Paul Stasi, pstasi@crmjax.org Mission: The City Rescue Mission exists to transform the lives of those experiencing homelessness, addictions and the needy, serving them through the love and compassion of Jesus Christ.

CITY YEAR JACKSONVILLE

6 E. Bay St., Fl 2, 32202 | (904) 423-2100 | cityyear.org/jacksonville

FB: cityyear | IG: cityyearjax Executive Director: Allishia Bauman Mission: To empower young idealistic leaders through a year of service in Jacksonville to help reveal the limitless potential that exists inside all students.

CIVIC ORCHESTRA OF JACKSONVILLE

3305 Riverside Ave., 32205 | (904) 513-1673 | civicorchestrajax.org civicorchestraofjacksonville@gmail.com

FB: civicorchestraofjacksonville | IG: civicorchestrajax President: Nadine Terk Mission: Our mission is to create symphonic music for everyone. Our vision is to create an extraordinary music experience that realizes the potential of our musicians and illuminates the power of collective effort.

C.J. ACRES ANIMAL RESCUE FARM

5728 Jones Creek Rd., Keystone Heights, 32656 | (904) 600-7676 | cjacres.org | info@cjacres.org

FB: CJAcresAnimalRescueFarm | IG: cjacresanimalsrescuefarm Mission: CJ Acres Animal Rescue Farm is a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization that exists to reduce animal suffering by rescuing, rehabilitating and reintroducing in-need farmed animals, while promoting compassionate consumption and responsible animal stewardship.

CLARA WHITE MISSION

613 W. Ashley St., 32202 | (904) 354-4162 | clarawhitemission.org | info@clarawhitemission.org

FB: clarawhitemission | IG: clarawhitemission CEO: Ju’Coby Pittman Mission: The Clara White Mission works in partnership with the community to prevent and reduce homelessness through advocacy, housing, job training and employment.

CLAY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CENTER

3292 County Rd. 220, Middleburg, 32068 | (904) 291-5561 | ccbhc.org | info@ccbhc.org

FB: ClayBehavioral CEO: Irene M. Toto, irene.toto@firstinclay.org Mission: To be a resource that provides mental health and substance abuse counseling and treatment to adults, teens, children and families in Clay County.

Teeth, Heart, and Soul: Dr. Letteri’s Journey with CHO Dr. Nicholas Letteri, a dedicated dental volunteer at Community Health Outreach (CHO), embodies the ethos of the organization. Inspired by a transformative mission trip to the Dominican Republic in eighth grade, Dr. Letteri’s commitment to giving back shines through.

“One of the things that keeps me coming back is getting to give with nothing in return. When I’ve helped relieve someone of their pain, I can do nothing else for the rest of the day and feel like I’ve had a successful day!” said Dr. Letteri.

At CHO, the focus extends beyond treating symptoms. Its core philosophy is to care for the mind, body and soul of every individual who walks through their doors.

“I prioritize making my patients feel comfortable and at ease during their visits by listening to them and providing personalized care that treats the whole person, not just their teeth,” said Dr. Letteri.

Emmanuel is an example of this whole-patient care. He sought dental care at CHO for a tooth extraction. However, high blood pressure posed a challenge, prompting a referral to the medical wing of CHO at the Healing Hands Medical and Dental Clinic. The compassionate staff scheduled follow-up appointments, revealing a deeper cause of Emmanuel’s pain: an undiagnosed hernia. The clinic’s commitment to comprehensive care led to an immediate referral to the emergency room for surgery.

As CHO plans to expand dental services throughout 2024, the call for volunteer dentists, dental assistants and hygienists resonates strongly. The need extends beyond dentistry; physicians, practitioners, nurses and administrative volunteers are crucial for the broader Healing Hands Medical and Dental Clinic. CHO invites individuals with a heart for service to join this symphony of care, contributing to a healthier, happier Jacksonville.

These stories show how CHO demonstrates the love of Jesus. At CHO, dental and medical services intertwine to create a comprehensive healthcare experience, rooted in compassion and commitment. Together, we invite you to be part of this narrative of healing, growth and community support.

Our mission is to glorify God and show the love of Jesus by feeding the hungry, clothing the needy and healing the sick.

To volunteer or learn more about CHO’s mission and its three programs: The Healing Hands Medical and Dental Clinic, the Lord’s Pantry and the Baby Luv Center, please visit www.chojax.org. Join CHO in creating a healthier Jacksonville.

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CLAY COUNTY ANIMAL SERVICES

3984 State Road 16 W., Green Cove Springs, 32043 | (904) 269-6342 claycountygov.com/community/animal-services | animalcontrol@claycountygov.com

FB: ClayCtyAnimals | IG: claycountyanimals Director: Ernest Hagan Mission: Providing adoption, fostering, animal enforcement, rehoming and other animal-related services in Clay County.

CLAY COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY

2230 Filmore St. Orange Park, 32065 | (904) 276-7729 | clayhumane.org

CITY RESCUE MISSION

FB: ClayHumane | IG: clayhumane

Sr. Staff Veterinarian: Dr. Christian Broadhurst Mission: Our mission is the prevention of cruelty to animals, the relief of suffering among animals and the extension of humane education.

COMMUNITIES IN SCHOOLS OF JACKSONVILLE

532 Riverside Ave., Ste. 3-OH, 32202 | (904) 344-3900 | cisjax.org | info@ cisjax.org

FB: cisjax | IG: cisjacksonville CEO: Leon Baxton, LBaxton@cisjax.org Mission: The mission of Communities In Schools is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life.

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION FOR NORTHEAST FLORIDA 245 Riverside Ave., Ste. 310, 32202 | (904) 356-4483 jaxcf.org | info@jaxcf.org

FB: cfjacksovnille | IG: cfjacksonville President: Isaiah M. Oliver, ioliver@jaxcf.org Mission: Stimulating philanthropy to build a better community.

COMMUNITY HEALTH OUTREACH

5126 Timuquana Rd., 32210 | (904) 573-1333 | chojax.org admin@chojax.org

New Hope for Tony Tony was one of six children raised by his single mother and his grandmother. He didn’t have a lot of supervision growing up and was often left to fend for himself – so he turned to the streets.

“I got involved with the wrong crowd. I was just trying to fit in, but I saw and experienced a lot of hard things. My lifestyle led to drug addiction.”

Despite his difficult childhood and struggles with addiction, Tony got a job and was able to support himself. At just 37 years old, he had a stroke. He was no longer able to care for himself. The loss of independence took an emotional toll on Tony.

“It felt like I lost part of myself, and I was grieving that. It was painful, and I thought drugs would take away the pain.”

Tony’s drug use escalated as he tried to self-medicate, and he became homeless. He had been to City Rescue Mission before, so when he needed help and hope, it was an easy decision.

“I knew the City Rescue Mission was where I needed to go to find myself again and get closer to the Lord. I was spiritually lost and needed refuge. They welcomed me without judgment.”

Tony joined our recovery program and began attending classes, counseling, chapel services and Bible studies. He started serving as part of our housekeeping team. Our staff and other guests gave him a support network of accountability to make sure he attended his doctor’s appointments, counseling sessions and classes. With their support, Tony overcame his addiction, began to heal, and got his life back in order. Now, Tony is excited about his future. His family is proud of him. He’s saving money and is looking forward to living independently again.

Tony is grateful to the Mission for opening the door to him again. Through faithful prayers and financial support, Tony’s life has been transformed at City Rescue Mission.

“Now I look in the mirror and like what I see. I feel like a new creation. I have hope.”

To learn more about the City Rescue Mission, visit crmjax.org.

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FB: ChooseCHOJax | IG: choosechojax Executive Director: Les Hester, lhester@chojax.org Mission: Our mission is to glorify God and display the love of Jesus Christ by feeding the hungry, healing the sick and clothing the needy. Our vision is to be an example of ecumenical service in the local community while building relatinoships that heal mind, body and spirit.

COMMUNITY HOSPICE & PALLIATIVE CARE

4266 Sunbeam Rd., 32257 | (866) 253-6681 | communityhospice.com

FB: communityhospicepalliativecare | IG: communityhospicepalliativecare President and CEO: Phillip Ward, pward@communityhospice.com Mission: Our mission is to improve the quality of life for patients and families and be the compassionate guide for end-of-life hospice care in our community. Since 1979, Community Hospice & Palliative Care has become a trusted leader in compassionate hospice care and palliative care for patients and families throughout Northeast and North Central Florida.

COMMUNITY REHABILITATION CENTER

623 Beechwood St., 32206 | (904) 358-1211 | communityrehabcenter.org

FB: n/a | IG: crcjax President: Reginald Gaffney, Sr., rgaffney@communityrehabcenter.org Mission: The Community Rehabilitation Center envisions a future where everyone experiences a holistically better quality of life and has access to effective treatment and support essential for living, working, learning and fully participating in the community. CRC promotes the mental, physical, and emotional well-being of individuals and families in Northeast Florida by providing easily accessible, culturally competent, quality competent, and quality-based clinical services.

COMPASSIONATE HEARTS FOR KIDS, INC. DBA THE CADEN PROJECT 731 Duval Station Rd., Ste. 107-126, 32218 | bearsthatcare.org

FB: TheCadenProject | IG: thecadenproject Founders: Christina and Richard Wood, christina@thecadenproject.org Mission: Showing compassion and love to sick children going through medical issues by providing our “Caden” bears to them. Our son Caden received a bear while in the hospital going through a bone marrow transplant and now we are paying it forward and providing this same comfort to other sick kids to give them a friend during their difficult journey.

COUNCIL ON AGING ST. JOHNS COUNTY

180 Marine St., St. Augustine, 32084 | (904) 209-3700 | coasjc.com

FB: coasjc | IG: coasjc.fl Executive Director: Becky Yanni Mission: The Council On Aging St. Johns County provides leadership and advocacy for the dignity, independence, health and community involvement of older St. Johns County residents.

CROHN’S & COLITIS FOUNDATION OF AMERICA - JACKSONVILLE CHAPTER P.O. Box 124, Ponte Vedra Beach, 32004 | (646) 203-1214 | crohnscolitisfoundation.org

FB: CcfaCentralFlorida | IG: crohnscolitisfoundation Executive Director: Laura Kraubetz, LKraubetz@crohnscolitisfoundation.org Mission: To cure Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, and to improve the quality of life of children and adults affected by these diseases.

CSI GIVES BACK

7720 Baymeadows Rd. E., 32256 | (904) 862-2949 | CSIGivesBack.org | hello@csigivesback.org

FB: CSIGivesBack | IG: csigivesback Board President: Chris Flakus Mission: Our mission is to identify and support local organizations that directly impact those in true need, providing acts of kindness and bringing smiles to our community.

CULTURAL COUNCIL OF GREATER JACKSONVILLE

40 E. Adams St., Ste. 140, 32202 | (904) 944-3620 | culturalcouncil.org | info@culturalcouncil.org

FB: MoreArtCulture | IG: moreartculture Executive Director: Diana Donovan, Diana@culturalcouncil.org Mission: The Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville champions the appreciation, relevance and expression of art and culture.

THE CUMMER MUSEUM OF ART & GARDENS

829 Riverside Ave., 32204 | (904) 356-6857 | cummermuseum.org

FB: CummerMuseum | IG: cummermuseum CEO: Andrea Barnwell Brownlee Mission: The Cummer Museum works to engage and inspire through the arts, gardens and education.

CYSTIC FIBROSIS FOUNDATION

12627 San Jose Blvd. Ste. 504, 32223 | (904) 733-3560 cff.org/north-central-florida | north-central-florida@cff.org

FB: CFFNorthCentralFlorida | IG: ccfcentralflorida Development Director: Christina Warmouth, cwarmouth@cff.org Mission: The mission of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is to cure cystic fibrosis and to provide all people with CF the opportunity to lead long, fulfilling lives by funding research and drug development, partnering with the CF community, and advancing high-quality, specialized care.

C H A R I TY R E G I ST E R

THE DONNA FOUNDATION

1015 Atlantic Blvd., #58, Atlantic Beach, 32233 | (904) 551-0732 thedonnafoundation.org | info@TheDonnaFoundation.org

FB: TheDONNAFoundation | IG: thedonnafoundation Executive Director: Amanda Napolitano, amanda@TheDonnaFoundation.org Mission: The DONNA Foundation was established in 2003 by three-time breast cancer survivor Donna Deegan to meet the critical financial needs of the underserved living with breast cancer. Our mission is to provide economic assistance and emotional support to individuals living with breast cancer and fund groundbreaking breast cancer research.

THE DONOVIN DARIUS FOUNDATION

8834 Goodby’s Executive Dr. #F, 32217 | (904) 290-3320 | donovandariusfoundation20.com

FB: donovindariusfoundaiton | IG: donovindariusfoundation Founder: Donovin Darius, lucretia@donovindarius.com Mission: To educate, equip and empower individuals in identifying their purpose and to maximize their potential, serving the hearts, souls and minds of families in Northeast Florida.

DON’T MISS A BEAT, INC. - DMAB

2839 W. Beaver St., 32254 | (904) 385-4001 | dontmissabeat.org | dmabinc@gmail.com

FB: dmabinc | IG: dmabinc Director of Operations: Felicia Bass Mission: The mission of DMAB is to blend music, art, academic achievement, and civic engagement to inspire and enlighten children and teens in the Riverside, Brooklyn and Woodstock communities.

DOUGLAS ANDERSON SCHOOL FOR THE ARTS FOUNDATION

2445 San Diego Rd., 32207 | (904) 208-0962 | dcps.duvalschools.org/anderson

FB: DouglasAndersonSOTA | IG: dandersonarts Executive Director: Jacqueline Cornelius Mission: The Foundation strives to further the arts program at Douglas Anderson School for the Arts and the talents of the students who attend the school.

DOWNTOWN ECUMENICAL SERVICES COUNCIL

215 N. Ocean St., 32202 | (904) 704-4819descjax.org | admin@descjax.org

DANIEL

FB: DESCJax | IG: descjax Executive Director: David Clark, david.clark@descjax.org Mission: To proclaim the love of Jesus Christ by meeting the needs of people in emergency situations or experiencing poverty.

FB: DanielKids | IG: danielkidsjax President/CEO: Lesley Wells, lwells@danielkids.org Mission: Daniel’s mission is to improve the lives of children and families.

DOWNTOWN VISION

4203 Southpoint Blvd., 32216 | (904) 296-1055 | danielkids.org | info@danielkids.org

DARE – DACHSHUND ADOPTION RESCUE & EDUCATION

P.O. Box 21161, Tampa, 33622 | (813) 220-3876 | DAREtoRescue.org | info@daretorescue.org

FB: DAREtorescue | IG: daretorescue President: Alicia Duval, alicia@daretorescue.org Mission: DARE views its mission as increasing public awareness through education against animal cruelty, related issues and overpopulation while rescuing and re-homing displaced and unwanted dachshunds and dachshund mixes.

DELORES BARR WEAVER POLICY CENTER

40 E. Adams St., Ste. 130, 32202 | (904) 598-0901 | seethegirl.org

FB: seethegirl | IG: seethegirl_ President & CEO: Vicky Basra, vbasra@seethegirl.org Mission: The Delores Barr Weaver Policy Center is a local nonprofit organization that engages communities, organizations, and individuals through research, advocacy, training and model programming to advance the rights of girls, young women and youth who identify as female, especially those impacted by the justice system.

DEPAUL SCHOOL OF NORTHEAST FLORIDA

3044 S. San Pablo Rd., 32224 | (904) 223-3391 | depaulschool.com info@depaulschool.com

FB: DepaulSchool | IG: depaulschooljax Head of School: Dr. Amber Oliveira, oliveiraa@depailschool.com Mission: DePaul is committed to understanding and educating students with dyslexia and related specific learning differences such as visual and auditory processing and attention deficits. We maintain a commitment to excellence in core academics while nurturing a student’s confidence and development.

DEVELOPMENTAL LEARNING CENTER (DLC)

4101-1 College St., 32205 | (904) 387-0370 | dlcnl.org info@dlcnl.org

FB: DLCNL | IG: dlc_nl Executive Director: Heather Corey, heather.corey@dlcnl.org Mission: The Developmental Learning Center is a faith-based inclusion nonprofit that provides on-site educational enrichment, nursing care and therapy for children with special needs and medical complexities.

29 W. Duval St., 32202 | (904) 634-0303 | dtjax.com

FB: DTJax | IG: dtjax CEO: Jacob A. Gordon, jake@dtjax.org Mission: Our mission is to create and support a vibrant downtown and promote downtown as an exciting place to live, work, visit and invest.

DOWN SYNDROME ASSOCIATION OF JACKSONVILLE

8011 Philips Hwy., Ste. 7, 32256 | (904) 353-6300 | dsaj.org | admin@dsaj.org

FB: dsajacksonville | IG: dsajacksonville Executive Director: Debbie Revels, debbie.revels@dsaj.org Mission: The DSAJ is a nonprofit organization committed to helping people with Down syndrome achieve their full potential and to creating a community that is educated, supportive and inclusive of individuals with Down syndrome.

DREAMS COME TRUE OF JACKSONVILLE

6803 Southpoint Pkwy., 32216 | (904) 296-3030 | DreamsComeTrue.org Andrea@DreamsComeTrue.org

FB: DreamsComeTrueJax | IG: dctjax Executive Director: Sheri Criswell, sheri@DreamsComeTrue.org Mission: Since 1984, Northeast Florida’s only locally based organization dedicated to using the power of a dream to bring hope and joy to local children battling life-threatening illnesses.

DUCKS UNLIMITED - JACKSONVILLE CHAPTER

National Headquarters - One Waterfowl Way, Memphis, TN, 38120 | (352) 246-7463 | ducks.org/florida

FB: DucksUnlimitedJacksonville | IG: jaxducksunlimited State Chairman: Jerry Hanbery, jhanbery@mtwlegal.com Mission: Ducks Unlimited is the world’s leader in wetlands and waterfowl conservation.

DUVAL AUDUBON SOCIETY

P.O. Box 16304, 32245 | duvalaudubon.org | duvalaudubon@gmail.com

FB: DuvalAudubonSociety | IG: duvalaudubon Acting President: Pete Johnson Mission: Connecting people with nature, conserving and restoring natural ecosystems, focusing on birds and other wildlife.

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EARLY LEARNING COALITION OF DUVAL 6500 Bowden Rd., Ste. 290, 32216 | (904) 208-2044 | elcduval.org | ccrr@elcduval.org

FB: earlylearningjax | IG: elcduval President/CEO: Angel Carro, acarro@elcduval.org Mission: Our mission is to lead and support the early learning community in building the best foundation for children birth to five. Our vision is that we are Jacksonville’s first stop for early learning through collaborative leadership that ensures: All children receive high-quality care and learning, all families have the support they need for their children to succeed, and all children are ready for their academic and lifelong success.

ELDERSOURCE

10688 Old St. Augustine Rd., 32257 | (904) 391-6600 | myeldersource.org

FB: ElderSource | IG: eldersourcejax CEO: Linda Levin Mission: ElderSource empowers people to live and age with independence and dignity in their homes and community.

ELEVATE JACKSONVILLE

4940 Emerson St., Ste. 104, 32207 | (904) 683-7075 | elevatejacksonville.org | info@elevatejacksonville.org

FB: ElevateJacksonville | IG: elevatejacksonville Executive Director: George E. Maxey Mission: Building long-term, life-changing relationships with urban youth, equipping them to thrive and contribute to their community.

EMERGENCY PREGNANCY SERVICES

1637 King St., 32204 | (904) 308-7510 | emergencypregnancyservices.org | epsjax@gmail.com

FB: EmergencyPregnancyServices | IG: epsjacksonville Executive Director: Sandra S. Duggan Mission: Growing Parenting Choices, a ministry of Ascension St. Vincent’s, empowers women to make informed decisions regarding pregnancy, saves lives, counsels and mentors teens and women through pregnancy.

EMPOWERMENT RESOURCES, INC.

3832-010 Baymeadows Rd., Ste. 348, 32217 | (904) 268-8287 | empowermentresourcesinc.org info@empowermentresourcesinc.org

FB: empowerment.resources | IG: empowermentjax Executive Director: Elexia Coleman-Moss Mission: Empowerment Resources works to make children and families stronger and empowers them to be successful leaders in the community today, for a better tomorrow.

EPIC OUTREACH

P.O. Box 77479, 32226 | (904) 274-1177 | epicoutreach.org epicanimals2015@gmail.com

FAMILY NURTURING CENTER OF FLORIDA

2759 Bartley Cir., 32207 | (904) 389-4244 | fncflorida.org

Executive Director: Elaine Jacobs Mission: The Family Nurturing Center is dedicated to the needs of children and families in crisis throughout Florida.

FAMILY PROMISE OF JACKSONVILLE

P.O. Box 40363, 32203 | (904) 354-1818 | familypromisejax.org | info@familypromisejax.org

FB: FamilyPromiseJacksonville | IG: fpjax Executive Director: Mark Landschoot, director@familypromisejax.org Mission: Family Promise is an interfaith hospitality network providing temporary assistance, hospitality and case management for families with children experiencing homelessness.

FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES OF NORTH FLORIDA, INC.

1300 Riverplace Blvd., Ste. 700, 32207 | (904) 421-5800 | fssjax.org

FB: fssjax | IG: fssjax President & CEO: Jennifer Petion, jennifer.petion@fssjax.org Mission: Our mission is to be the leader in providing safety, stability and quality of life for all children by working with the community to strengthen the family unit. Our vision is that children grow up connected to their own families, supported by families and embraced by the community; that children have the opportunity to achieve in school and to learn to be productive citizens; and that citizens of Duval and Nassau counties, organizations and agencies recognize that child protection is a community responsibility and represents the best interests of all county residents.

FAWN’S SMALL DOG RESCUE

P. O. Box 2607, Orange Park, 32067 | (904) 773-3553 | fawnssmalldogrescue.org fawnsfamilysmalldogrescue@gmail.com

FB: fawnssmalldogrescue President: Kim Baldridge Mission: We are dedicated to saving the lives of dogs in overcrowded kill shelters. We rescue and improve the quality of life for stray, abused and forgotten dogs in Florida.

All dogs receive complete care, socialization, compassion, guidance, nourishment and rehabilitation until we find them a qualified, permanent, loving home.

FEEDING NORTHEAST FLORIDA

1116 Edgewood Ave. N., Units D/E, 32254 | (904) 513-1333 | feedingnefl.org | info@feedingnefl.org

FB: FeedingNEFL | IG: feedingnefl President & CEO: Susan King, sking@feedingnefl.org Mission: Feeding Northeast Florida is the largest, most efficient food bank serving Baker, Bradford, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Nassau, Putnam and St. Johns counties. We’re on a mission to solve hunger in Northeast Florida. Currently, we feed over 85,000 people each day, and it is only through the generosity of our community, the hard work of our partner agencies, and the dedication from our volunteers that it is possible.

FB: epicanimals2015 | IG: epicoutreach Founder: Jessie Miller, jessie@epicanimals.org Mission: EPIC Outreach exists to inspire compassion by sharing information to create a kinder world for people, animals and the environment.

FIREHOUSE SUBS PUBLIC SAFETY FOUNDATION

EPILEPSY ALLLIANCE FLORIDA – JACKSONVILLE

FB: FirehouseSubsFoundation | IG: firehousesubsfoundation Executive Director: Robin Peters Mission: The foundation’s mission is to impact the lifesaving capabilities and the lives of local heroes and their communities.

5209 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 102, 32207 | (877) 553-7453 | eafla.org | info@eafla.org

FB: EpilepsyAFLA | IG: epilepsyafla President & CEO: Karen Egozi Mission: Epilepsy Florida is dedicated to supporting those impacted by epilepsy by confronting the spectrum of challenges created by seizures.

EPISCOPAL CHILDREN’S SERVICES

8649 Baypine Rd., Ste. 300, Bldg. 7, 32256 | (904) 612-5982 | ecs4kids.org lauren.hopkins@ecs4kids.org

FB: ESC4kids | IG: ecs4kids CEO: Connie Stophel Mission: The mission of ECS is to create opportunity so that the children we serve can achieve their full potential.

EXCHANGE CLUB OF JACKSONVILLE

4671 Salisbury Rd., Ste. 185, 32256 | (904) 571-3767 | jaxexchangeclub.com

FB: exchangeclubofjacksonville | IG: jaxexchangeclub Board President: Jennifer Johnson Mission: Through camaraderie and a shared spirit of service, Exchange Club is a group of men and women who come together, working to make Jacksonville a better place to live through four pillars of service: Americanism, child abuse prevention, community service and youth programs.

EXCHANGE CLUB FAMILY CENTER

4040 Woodcock Dr., Ste. 105, 32207 | (904) 306-9318 | exchangeclubfamilycenter.com

FB: ExchangeClubFamilyCenterNortheastFlorida Executive Director: Barbara Alexander, balexander@exchangeclubfamilycenter.com Mission: For 25 years, the Exchange Club Family Center of Northeast Florida has offered free, in-home parent aide services to at-risk families across Jacksonville’s First Coast to deter child abuse and strengthen families.

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12735 Gran Bay Pkwy., Ste. 150, 32258 | (904) 606-5148 | FirehouseSubsFoundation.org foundation@firehousesubs.com

FIRST COAST CULTURAL CENTER

3972 Third St. S., Jacksonville Beach, 32250 | (904) 280-0614 | FirstCoastCulturalCenter.org

FB: firstcoastcc | IG: firstcoastcc_ President & CEO: Donna Guzzo, dguzzo@firstcoastculturalcenter.org Mission: First Coast Cultural Center brings the arts into the life of the community through arts education, exhibitions and outreach, and by honoring a donor-driven philosophy.

FIRST COAST NO MORE HOMELESS PETS, INC.

6817 Norwood Ave., 32208 | (904) 425-0005 | fcnmhp.org

FB: fcnmhp | IG: fcnmhp CEO: Jennifer Barker, jbarker@fcnmhp.org Mission: First Coast No More Homeless Pets’s mission is to make veterinary care affordable and accessible to all as we save lives by keeping dogs and cats in homes and out of shelters, provide low-cost spay/neuter services with emphasis on feral/community cats, and deliver a broad range of related programs and services.

FIRST COAST ROWING CLUB

645 Cesery Blvd., 32211 | (904) 479-6325 | firstcoastrowing.com | info@firstcoastrowing.com

FB: FirstCoastRow | IG: firstcoastrowingclub Director of Rowing: Davis Bales Mission: Our mission is to help teenagers from seventh through 12th grade establish strong character, learn life skills, and develop physically and emotionally through the sport of rowing

FIRST TEE - NORTH FLORIDA

CHARI TY RE GIST E R

101 E. Town Pl., Ste. 100, St. Augustine, 32092 | (904) 810-2231 | firstteenorthflorida.org amber@firstteenorthflorida.org

FB: firstteenorthflorida | IG: firstteenorthflorida Executive Director: Jeff Willoughby, jeff@firstteenorthflorida.org Mission: First Tee - North Florida works to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf.

uccess stor

FLORIDA BALLET JACKSONVILLE

10131 Atlantic Blvd., 32225 | (904) 353-7518 | floridaballet.org | info@floridaballet.org

FB: flballet | IG: flballet Executive Director: DeeAnne Crookham Mission: The mission of The Florida Ballet is to enrich and inspire the cultural landscape of our community through the education and art of classical ballet.

CSI GIVES BACK

FLORIDA BLUE FOUNDATION

4800 Deerwood Campus Pkwy., 32246 | (904) 905-6803 | floridabluefoundation.com floridabluefoundation@floridablue.com

Executive Director: Susan Towler, susan.towler@bcbsfl.com Mission: Our mission is to help people and communities achieve better health.

FLORIDA BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION

1755 Oveido Mall Blvd., Oveido, 32765 | (321) 972-5534 | FloridaBreastCancer.org

FB: FLBreastCancerFoundation | IG: flbreastcancerfoundation President & CEO: Tracy Jacim Mission: Dedicated to ending breast cancer through advocacy, education and research.

THE FLORIDA NONPROFIT ALLIANCE

40 E. Adams St., Ste. 229, 32202 | (407) 694-5213 | flnonprofits.org | info@flnonprofits.org

FB: floridanonprofitalliance President & CEO: Sabeen Perwaiz Mission: The Florida Nonprofit Alliance informs, promotes, and strengthens the nonprofit sector in order to create more vibrant communities across the state.

FLORIDA PANCREAS CANCER COALITION

2166 Terra Mar Ct., 32224 | (904) 434-3089 | flpcc.org

FB: flpcc.org | IG: fl_pcc President: Anna Murphy, anna.flpcc@gmail.com Mission: The goal of FLPCC is to invest in local, world class, pancreas cancer research, where our neighbors are part of the team and can see the value of their contributions and know where they are being spent. We are guided by this principle: Local money for local, world class pancreas cancer research.

FLORIDA STATE COLLEGE FOUNDATION

501 W. State St., Ste. 104, 32202 | (904) 632-3237 | fscjfoundation.org | foundation@fscj.edu

FB: fscjalumni Executive Director: Cleve Warren Mission: Florida State College Foundation strives to secure financial resources for Florida State College at Jacksonville to provide students in need access to an affordable, quality education and to enhance the lives and the economic development of Northeast Florida.

FLORIDA THEATRE

128 E. Forsyth St., Ste. 300, 32202 | (904) 355-5661 | floridatheatre.com | admin@floridatheatre.com

FB: FloridaTheatre | IG: floridatheatre President: Numa C. Saisselin Mission: Our mission, as a nonprofit organization, is to enhance the North Florida community’s quality of life by providing diverse and memorable arts and entertainment experiences, and by preserving a unique, historic Jacksonville landmark.

FLORIDA URGENT RESCUE, INC. (FUR)

7643 Gate Pkwy., Ste. #104-27, 32256 | floridaurgentrescue.com | floridaurgentrescue@gmail.com

FB: floridaurgentrescue | IG: floridaurgentrescue Founder & Executive Director: Mike Merrill Mission: Florida Urgent Rescue is assisting with disaster relief for animals impacted by natural disasters. Our mission is to rescue animals in kill shelters and other urgent situations.

FOOTPRINTS OF ANGELS

P.O. Box 3565, 32206 | 904-707-3802 | footprintsofangels.org | footprintsofangels7@gmail.com

FB: footprintsofangels1 | IG: footprintsofangels Founder: Vernetta Stewart Mission: Footprints of Angels supports women impacted by recurring pregnancy loss and infertility. The organization was established to help women through their grief and shame and to help them heal.

DID WE MISS YOU?

If your 501(c)(3) nonprofit isn't featured in our list or requires updating, we're here to help. Please submit the correct information at circlescharityregister.com/contact/

by Aug. 1, 2024 to be included in the 2025 edition.

Bridging the Gap through Purposeful Giving CSI Gives Back has a mission to identify and support local organizations that directly impact those in need – a mission that has come to mean many different things in its five-year existence.

It started in 2018 when the organization reached out to social workers in Duval County, wanting to provide athletic shoes for children in need. Instead, they learned that what was really needed were student uniforms and undergarments.

“I can give you 100 pairs of shoes, but if all you need is a toothbrush, the 100 pairs shoes are useless,” said CSI’s Becky Lowry.

So, they pivoted, and thus began CSI Gives Back’s focus on flexibility, giving schools help where it is needed, and adapting with the schools’ changing needs.

Today, CSI Gives Back’s program has adopted three elementary, one middle and one high school and distributed thousands of supplies to those students in need. Their financial support has grown to over six figures annually over the past few years, a feat that allowed them to adopt two additional school in 2023, with funds going directly to the schools.

“100% of the money we raise for CSI Gives Back is going to these schools and kids. The impact we make is just getting started,” said Chris Flakus, CEO of CSI Companies.

In addition to school uniforms and supplies, CSI Gives Back stocks the schools’ Positive Behavior Incentive Stores, which incentivizes good choices and attendance for students. It also supports monthly “green parties” that reward students’ efforts in math, reinforcing that the students’ hard work is not going unnoticed.

Many students without supplies or a school uniform will simply not come to school, and in academics, so much of learning success is just getting the children to show up – something that CSI bolsters through appreciation and a dose of confidence.

Andrea Talley, principal and Charger Academy Middle School, said, “We used to be the lowest-scoring school in Duval County, but with the help of CSI Gives Back and all of those who have donated, we are now 7% away from a B.” Leayra Mervin, a third-grade teacher at Sadie T. Tillis Elementary School, recalled a student who didn’t get her homework done because it was her brother’s turn to use the single pencil they had at home.

“Because of CSI Gives Back, the kids have one less thing they have to worry about. They now get to focus on being a kid and coming to school to learn,” she said.

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success story

FOSTER CLOSET

730 St. Johns Bluff Rd., 32225 | (904) 629-2116 | fostercloset.org | info@fostercloset.org

FB: fosterclosetcorp | IG: fosterclosetcorp Co-Founder and President: Tammy McGuire Mission: To provide a free resource to foster parents, kinship and non-relative placements as well as teens living independently to access clothing, children’s accessories, toys, children’s furniture and household items for the young adults aging out of the foster care system. We are more than just a clothing resource; we are a support to the foster care community.

THE FOUNDATION OF COMMUNITY HOSPICE & PALLIATIVE CARE

DANIEL

4266 Sunbeam Rd., 32257 | (904) 886-3883 | TheFoundationCares.org foundation@communityhospice.com

FB: TheFoundationCares | IG: thefoundationchpc Executive Director: Annie Tuttle, atuttle@communityhospice.com Mission: The Foundation raises funds to support the mission of Community Hospice & Palliative Care, a nationally recognized, locally based non-profit committed to compassionately caring for the needs of children and adults facing life-limiting and life-ending illnesses.

FRESHMINISTRIES

1131 N. Laura St., 32206 | (904) 355-0000 | freshministries.org

FB: FreshMinistries | IG: freshministries Founder & CEO: Rev. Dr. Robert V. Lee III, rvl@freshministries.com Mission: Empowering communities through equal access to educational tools for children, health initiatives and enhanced economic opportunities through small business support and career training, all designed to eradicate poverty and improve quality of life.

FRIDAY MUSICALE

645 Oak St., 32204 | (904) 355-7584 | fridaymusicale.com | rentals@fridaymusicale.com

Former Daniel kid, Whitley, with her adoptive parents, Emily and Scott Smith.

Finding Hope, Recovery and a Loving Family Before her 10th birthday, Whitley had suffered from abuse, been abandoned and shuffled through 20 different foster homes and 10 schools.

Once, a couple adopted her; but when they were later able to adopt a baby instead, they dropped Whitley off at school one day and never returned.

Whitley’s traumatic early journey finally brought her to Daniel, Florida’s oldest child-serving agency. She was introduced to the nonprofit’s residential treatment program, a unique setting where a multi-disciplinary team works with kids with severe mental or emotional issues over the course of three to six months. The intensive, holistic care includes individual, group and family counseling, as well as psychiatric treatment.

Professional counselors in the program use evidenced-based, traumainformed therapeutic practices in helping kids heal the scars of abuse, abandonment and other damaging experiences.

Emily and Scott Smith were connected with Whitley in 2019 during her time in this program. They got to know her little by little each week, hoping she would like them as much as they liked her. As their relationship continued to blossom, Whitley let them know she felt the same – and that she wanted to become a permanent member of the Smith family.

The couple was overjoyed and began working to adopt her, a process they completed in 2020. Seeing how much Whitley has progressed and continues to thrive today, they believe Daniel’s treatment program saved her life.

The residential treatment program that helped Whitley is just one of Daniel’s many life-changing programs.

Established in 1884, Daniel helps approximately 5,000 children and families each year. The nonprofit counsels abused children, connects neglected children with foster and adoptive families, reunifies highrisk families, and helps kids like Whitley recover from trauma and find happiness.

There are many ways the community can help the youth and families served by Daniel, ranging from donating toward the renovation of the residential cottages where kids like Whitley heal to supporting the agency’s many life-changing programs. To get involved with Daniel, please visit danielkids.org or contact Dave Cognetta at dcognetta@danielkids.org or (904) 296-1055, extension 1033.

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FB: FridayMusicale | IG: fridaymusicale Executive Director: Daniel Stark Mission: Historic Friday Musicale provides free classical, jazz and world music concerts; scholarships to talented young musicians; and community outreach to local schools and nonprofit partners. Venue rentals for civic, social and charitable events available.

FRIENDS OF JACKSONVILLE ANIMALS

c/o Animal Care and Protective Services, 2020 Forest St., 32204 | friendsofjaxanimals.com

FB: FOJAjax | IG: fojajax President - Executive Committee: Alicia Strayer Mission: Friends of Jacksonville Animals works directly with Jacksonville’s Animal Care and Protective Services to benefit the lives of shelter animals by focusing on fundraising to assist with medical care, enrich the shelter environment and promote adoptions to reduce euthanasia.

FRIENDS OF JAMES WELDON JOHNSON PARK

214 N. Hogan St., Ste. 114, 32202 | (904) 515-5098 | jamesweldonjohnsonpark.org | contact@jwjpark.org

FB: jamesweldonjohnsonpark | IG: jamesweldonjohnsonpark Executive Director: Liz McCoy, LizMcCoy@jwjpark.org Mission: Friends of James Weldon Johnson Park seeks to transform Jacksonville’s oldest public park into a modern, urban space that engages diverse communities and restores vitality to our city’s public square. Our newly re-named park aims to live up to its namesake, a pioneer in Civil Rights, to create a space where “every voice in harmony” can enjoy.

FUNK-ZITIELLO FOUNDATION

830 A1A N., Ste. 13, #187, Ponte Vedra Beach, 32082 | (904) 373-0737 | championsforhopegolf.com info@championsforhopegolf.com

FB: ChampionsforHope Director: Judith Zitiello Mission: The Funk-Zitiello Foundation seeks to help the community by taking the challenges of individuals and turning them into initiatives that can provide hope and funding to those dealing with extraordinary obstacles.

GABRIEL HOUSE OF CARE

4599 Worrall Way, 32224 | (904) 821-8995 | gabrielhouseofcare.org info@gabrielhoc.org

FB: GabrielHouseofCare | IG: gabrielhouseofcare Executive Director: Valerie Callahan, vcallahan@gabrielhoc.org Mission: To provide affordable, temporary lodging in a “community of healing” environment for adult organ transplant and cancer patients and their caregivers who come to Jacksonville for medical treatment.

GARDEN CLUB OF JACKSONVILLE

1005 Riverside Ave., 32204 | (904) 355-4224 | gardenclubjax.org | info@gardenclubjax.org

FB: GardenClubJax Executive Director: Denise Reagan Mission: The Garden Club of Jacksonville is dedicated to education, beautification and conservation citywide with gardening projects at The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, the Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens, Tree Hill and The St. Johns Riverkeeper.

GATEWAY COMMUNITY SERVICES

CHARI TY RE GIST E R

555 Stockton St., 32204 | (904) 387-4661 | gatewaycommunity.com | info@gwjax.com

FB: gatewaycommunityservices President/CEO: Candace Hodgkins Mission: Gateway Community Services helps deliver effective treatment and recovery services based on proven steps to help people suffering from alcoholism, drug addiction and related mental health issues.

GIRLS INC. OF JACKSONVILLE

100 Festival Park Ave., 32202 | (904) 731-9933 | girlsincjax.org

FB: girlsincjax | IG: girlsincjax Interim President & CEO: Alexis Howard, ahoward@girlsincjax.org Mission: Girls Inc. works to inspire all girls to be strong, smart and bold by being a leading advocacy organization dedicated to extending girls’ voices, issues and concerns to policy makers, corporations and the media.

uccess stor D E V E LO P M E N TA L LEARNING CENTER

GIRLS ON THE RUN

3986 Blvd. Center Dr., Ste. 102, 32207 | (904) 619-6763 | gotrnefl.org | info@gotrnefl.org

FB: gotrnefl | IG: gotrnefl Executive Director: Laura Lasko Mission: To inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running. The nonprofit envisions a world where every girl knows and activates her limitless potential and is free to boldly pursue her dreams.

GIRL SCOUTS OF GATEWAY COUNCIL

7077 Bonneval Rd., Ste. 420, 32216 | (877) 764-5237 | girlscouts-gateway.org customercare@girlscouts-gateway.org

FB: gsgcfl | IG: girlscoutsgc CEO: Wendy Dordel Mission: Girl Scouts of Gateway Council helps to build girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place.

THE GIVING CLOSET PROJECT

13475 Atlantic Blvd., Unit 8, 32225 | (904) 226-3931 | givingclosetproject.org info@givingclosetproject.org

FB: givingclosetproject.org | IG: gcpjax Founder & CEO: Jennifer Smith Mission: Our mission is to meet students’ basic needs, so they can build their confidence and self-worth, and have an opportunity for an overall better quality of life.

GLEANERS DISPATCH, INC.

8207 103rd St., 32210 | (904) 777-6344 | gleanersdispatch.org | gleaners4u@gmail.com

FB: gleaners.dispatch.54 Founder & President: H. David Fountain Mission: To challenge hunger by bringing relief to people on fixed but inadequate incomes: senior citizens, disabled, single parents, the under-employed or unemployed between jobs.

GOODWILL INDUSTRIES OF NORTH FLORIDA

4527 Lenox Ave., 32205 | (904) 384-1361 | goodwilljax.org

FB: GoodwillNFL | IG: goodwillnfl President & CEO: David Rey Mission: Goodwill Industries of North Florida is a local, not-for-profit organization that removes barriers to employment through training, education, and career opportunities for the communities we serve. Turning your donated items into career opportunities and contributing to a better community. That’s the power of Goodwill.

GRACE MINISTRY OF HELPING HANDS

1620 Naldo Ave., 32207 | 904-885-5989 | graceministriesjax.org | love@graceministriesjax.org

FB: GraceMOHH | IG: graceministryofhelpinghands Co-Founder: Kathleen Jackson Mission: Grace Ministry of Helping Hands of Jacksonville, Florida, is a grassroots, hands-on program that rescues women on the streets and provides intervention for women recently released from jails and prisons throughout Florida. These women are in the grips of alcoholism, drug addiction and the sex trade, but we share the love of Christ to give them hope and freedom.

GREATER JACKSONVILLE AREA USO

6801 Roosevelt Blvd. Bldg. 1050, 32212 | (904) 608-5946 | jaxuso.org | zforet@uso.org

FB: theUSO | IG: theuso Center Manager: Ryan Fitzgerald, rfitzgerald@uso.org Mission: The Greater Jacksonville Area USO provides more than $1 million annually in services through a wide variety of programs and is the channel for community participation during every war effort and in peacetime.

GREENSCAPE OF JACKSONVILLE, INC.

1468 Hendricks Ave., 32207 | (904) 398-5757 greenscapeofjax.org | info@greenscapeofjax.org

FB: greenscapeofjacksonville | IG: greenscapeofjax Executive Director: Lisa Grubba, lisagrubba@greenscapeofjax.org Mission: Greenscape plants, protects and promotes trees. We envision a thriving tree canopy that benefits residents, promotes resiliency and tree equity, and sustains a growing urban forest. Our volunteer-based tree plantings and community events connect First Coast residents to each other and to the power of nature-based solutions.

Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care Program Marquise came to the Developmental Learning Center (DLC) when he was just three years old as one of the inaugural students in DLC’s Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care program, which serves medically complex children who require full-time nursing care. As a child, he was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, a condition affecting movement and coordination. As a result, he was unable to attend a traditional childcare setting.

While at DLC, Marquise received speech and physical therapies, nursing care and music therapy services. Over the years, he has made tremendous gains developmentally. Through working with DLC’s teaching, nursing and therapy teams, Marquise has learned to sit up on his own, crawl to a desired area, cruise around while holding on to someone or his walker, say simple words, use his electronic communication device to express his wants and needs, tolerate objects touching his lips, try different food textures, and identify colors and animals. Marquise loves to giggle, swing, lay in the warm sun and read books. His teachers think he will be a librarian one day because he loves books so much.

At the Developmental Learning Center, our motto is “Where Anything is Possible,” and Marquise is a living example of the growth that can happen when you’re surrounded by a loving, supportive team of teachers, nurses and therapists.

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uccess stor DREAMS COME TRUE

GREENWOOD SCHOOL

9920 Regency Square Blvd., 32081 | (904) 726-5000 | greenwoodjax.org | info@greenwoodjax.org

FB: GreenwoodJax | IG: greenwood_school_jacksonville Head of School: Jacqueline Herman, jherman@greenwoodjax.org Mission: The Greenwood School’s Mission is to provide a challenging and supportive education to middle and high school students with learning differences. Through adaptive, multisensory instruction and a positive environment, students develop the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve their highest potential in the classroom and beyond.

GREYHOUNDS AS PETS OF NORTHEAST FLORIDA

2600 5th St. W, 32254 | (904) 389-6034 | greyhoundpetsjax.org | gap@bestbetjax.com

FB: GreyhoundsAsPets Mission: We intend to be a safety net for all greyhounds in the northeast Florida area.

GROUNDWORK JACKSONVILLE

P.O. Box 13295, 32206 | (904) 598-5664 | groundworkjacksonville.org info@Groundworkjacksonville.org

FB: groundworkjax | IG: groundworkjax Chief Executive Officer: Kay Ehas, kay@groundworkjacksonville.org Mission: Groundwork Jacksonville’s mission is to bring about the sustained regeneration, improvement and management of the physical environment by developing community-based partnerships which empower people, businesses and organizations to promote environmental, economic and social well-being.

GUARDIAN AD LITEM FOUNDATION OF FLORIDA

P.O. Box 10198, 32247 | (904) 512-6084 | galfoundation.org | info@galfoundation.org

Rue and Bolt – Going 7 Years Strong Anyone who has met 10-year-old Rue knows that she is a spunky little girl, full of energy and always positive. She amazes many with her attitude. With such a large smile and positive attitude, it could be hard to believe that at a young age she was battling cancer.

In October 2015, Rue’s family started noticing that her skin looked yellow.

A routine doctor’s appointment with her pediatrician turned into a special trip to Wolfson Children’s Hospital. After hours of blood work, Rue’s family was given the diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

There were many times Rue could not go to school or be with her friends because of her condition. When it was time to figure out the perfect dream for Rue, there was no question that she needed a special friend to help her through some very daunting times.

Rue has always loved animals, especially dogs. In the summer of 2016, at the age of three, Rue’s dream of a furry friend came true when Dreams Come True surprised Rue with a bernedoodle puppy, named Bolt.

Rue was greeted with a special lick from her new buddy. From day one, Bolt has always been looking over Rue and providing a ray of sunshine during some dark days. Seven years later, they are still inseparable.

“Bolt is the best dog ever! We cannot thank Dreams Come True enough for making this dream happen for Rue! Bolt has brought so much joy to this house!” said Casey Cohen, Rue’s mother.

Rue, with Bolt, served as Dreams Come True Ambassadors for the 2023 DCT5K. Together they have been part of many Dreams Come True activities, showcasing the long-lasting impact a dream can have on local children and families.

In 2024, Dreams Come True will be celebrating 40 years of fulfilling dreams for First Coast children battling life-threatening illnesses. Rue is one of the more than 4,600 children who have seen firsthand the power of a dream and all the moments in between.

To learn more and read additional stories of local children and their dreams, visit DreamsComeTrue.org.

FB: galfoundation.org | IG: galfoundation Board Chair: Felecia Walker Mission: Guardian ad Litem Foundation is dedicated to helping abused, neglected and abandoned children. Programming and funds benefit children directly in various ways, including the recruitment and training of GAL volunteers, so more child abuse victims can be represented in court; providing normalcy programming, so that basic necessities are available to youth; and through The Empowerment Scholarship, supporting youth seeking to rise above their circumstances by furthering their education.

GUARDIAN CATHOLIC SCHOOL

4920 Brentwood Ave., 32206 | (904) 765-1920 | guardiancatholic.com guardian@guardiancatholicschools.org

FB: guardiancatholic | IG: guardiancatholicschool Head of School: Sr. Cynthia Shaffer, S.N.D., cshaffer@guardiancatholic.com Mission: Our mission is to help students attain their potential through high-quality Catholic education in a Christ-centered environment that inspires each of us to think, learn, achieve, pray and serve our communities.

GYO GREENS FARMS, INC.

147 Canal Blvd., Ponte Vedra Beach, 32082 | (904) 473-5029 gyogreens.org

FB: gyogreensPVB | IG: gyogreens Contact: Reed Hepperly, rhepperly@gyogreens.com Mission: Empowering individuals and students in our local community by offering educational experiences in sustainable farming, especially aquaponics and urban agriculture.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY JACKSONVILLE (HABIJAX)

40 E. Adams St., Ste. 200, 32202 | (904) 798-4529 | habijax.org

FB: HabiJaxfans | IG: habijax President & CEO: Monte Walker, mwalker@habijax.org Mission: Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope so that the world might become a place where everyone has a decent residence to live.

HART FELT MINISTRIES

7235 Bentley Rd., #108, 32256 | (904) 861-2799 | hartfelt.org | info@hartfelt.org

FB: HartFeltMinistries | IG: hartfeltministries President/Executive Director: Kelly Moorman Coggins Mission: Our vision is a community where frail seniors no longer fear where and how they age.

HAVEN

9143 Philips Hwy., Ste. 480, 32256 | (904) 733-9818 | beyourhaven.org

FB: haven.hospice | IG: haven.hospice President: Pauline Taylor Mission: Honoring life by providing comfort, care and compassion to individuals and families we serve. Haven is the choice for end-of-life and advanced illness care.

HEAL FOUNDATION

P.O. Box 140, Ponte Vedra Beach, 32004 | (904) 716-4198 healautismnow.org | info@healautismnow.org

FB: HEALAutismNow | IG: heal_foundation Executive Director: Jason Gurka, jason@healautismnow.org Mission: Inspiring, educating and funding services for those affected by autism in our community.

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THE HEALING HEARTS PROJECT

CHARI TY RE GIST E R

5454 Normandy Blvd., 32205 | (904) 314-0533 | thehealingheartsproject.org info@thehealingheartsproject.org

FB: thehealingheartsproject1 | IG: thehealingheartsproject Executive Director: Joy Parman, joy@thehealingheartsproject.org Mission: Our mission is to provide ongoing support and services to families and patients as they face the challenges of congenital heart defects.

HEALTHYUNOW FOUNDATION

3800 Joe Ashton Rd., St. Augustine, 32092 | (904) 834-2938 | healthyunow.org

FB: HealthyUNOW Founder & President: Dr. Julie Buckley Mission: The HealthyUNow Foundation’s mission is to develop virtual and physical communities that support the treatment of autism for individuals and their families in a Healthy Living environment. We believe that children on the autism spectrum are the “canaries in the coal mine” (highly sensitive to the environment). They need safe havens that provide comprehensive services for them and their families.

uccess stor FIREHOUSE SUBS P U B L I C S A F E T Y F O U N DAT I O N

HEARING LOSS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA – JACKSONVILLE CHAPTER 11250 Old St. Augustine Rd., Ste. 15123, 32257 | (904) 631-6357 | hla-jax.org

FB: HLAAJacksonvilleChapter Chapter President: Tom Logue, judygmartin@gmail.com Mission: The mission of HLAA is to open the world of communication to people with hearing loss by providing information, education, support and advocacy.

HEART FOR CHILDREN INC.

1429 Winthrop St., 32206 | (904) 619-6792 | heartforchildreninc.com

FB: HeartforChildrenInc | IG: hfcjax Founder & CEO: Joyce Brinson, brinsonj66@gmail.com Mission: Heart for Children is a family-oriented organization that teaches the importance of education and team building. One of HFC’s many goals is for children to grow into productive adults who will one day positively give back to their communities.

HEARTS 4 MINDS

731 Duval Station Rd., Ste 107-24, 32218 | (904) 625-2770 hearts4minds.org

FB: hearts4minds | IG: hearts4minds Founder: Sheryl Johnson, sheryl@hearts4minds.org Mission: Hearts 4 Minds drives innovative solutions to break down the stigma of mental illness, raise awareness about the importance of mental health, improve the mental health journey and connect people to resources.

HELPING WIN (WOMEN IN NEED), INC.

4940 Emerson St., Ste. 107, 32207 | (904) 831-6046 | helpingwinnefl.org

FB: helpingWINnefl Founder/Executive Director: Gwen Gallagher-Howard, gwen@helpingWINnefl.org Mission: Helping WIN is a nonprofit founded to provide emergency cash assistance to women battling poverty through partner agencies in Northeast Florida.

HENDERSON HAVEN

772 Foxridge Center Dr., Orange Park, 32065 | (904) 264-2522 | hendersonhaven.org info@hendersonhaven.org

FB: HendersonHaven | IG: hendersonhaven Founders: Lee and Sherri Henderson Mission: To protect and support the inherent rights of all people, including those who are developmentally disabled, to choose where and with whom they work, live and play.

HER SONG

10700 Beach Blvd., Unit 17807, 32245 | (904) 513-0203 | hersong.org | info@hersongjax.org

FB: HerSongHQ | IG: hersonghq National Administrative Coordinator: Courtney McClain, courtney@hersong.org Mission: Her Song is interrupting the cycle of human trafficking and leading the exploited to freedom through survivor care, victim outreach and education. Her Song envisions a world where every girl is free.

HERE TOMORROW

910 3rd St., Neptune Beach, 32266 | (904) 372-9087 heretomorrow.org | hello@heretomorrow.org

FB: HereTomorrowCommunity | IG: heretomorrowjax Executive Director: Tracee Holzendorf, tracee.holzendorf@heretomorrow.org Mission: The mission of Here Tomorrow is to transform lives by building a community where suicide prevention is accessible without barriers. Everyone wins when we achieve our vision that all community members in need can access mental healthcare and live full, meaningful lives.

Lifesaving Equipment for First Responders Thanks to you, it’s safer in Jacksonville! Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation recently awarded a variety of lifesaving equipment and disaster relief support to local first responders and Jacksonville-area nonprofits to better serve our communities.

• The American Red Cross of Northeast Florida received an Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) to provide a multitude of disaster response and relief services.

• The ARC of Jacksonville, Hope Haven, Hubbard House, Jacksonville Historic Naval Ship Association and Wildflower Healthcare were awarded automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to provide lifesaving assistance should a cardiac emergency occur.

• Neptune Beach Police Department received an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) to rapidly respond to off-road emergencies inaccessible by traditional rescue vehicles.

• Volunteers in Medicine of Jacksonville was awarded an electrocardiogram (ECG) to better treat cardiac emergencies.

Since the Foundation started, our communities have helped us award more than $79 million to provide lifesaving equipment and resources to first responders and public safety organizations. This includes nearly $5 million along the First Coast. We continue to hear stories of how these grant awards have helped protect and save lives, and we are honored to support our local heroes who dedicate their lives to the safety of our communities.

HOPE FOR A BETTER LIFE

9801-12 Baymeadows Rd., PMD #148, 32256 | (904) 333-9448 | hopeforabetterlife.com

President: Dr. Mary Pentel Mission: Hope for a Better Life, Inc. is dedicated to improving the quality of life for socially and economically disadvantaged children and adults in Northeast Florida by focusing on a different local nonprofit each year to promote its mission, raise awareness and funds.

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uccess stor FLORIDA BLUE

HOPE HAVEN

4600 Beach Blvd., 32207 | (904) 346-5100 | hope-haven.org | info@hope-haven.org

FB: hopehavenjax | IG: hopehavenjacksonville CEO: Stella Johnson Mission: Hope Haven provides excellence in educational, psychological and related therapeutic services for children, families and young adults with special needs.

HOTEL FOR SQUIRRELS

12561 Philips Hwy., Cottage #10C, 32256 | (904) 343-5554 | hotelforsquirrels.org

FB: hotelforsquirrels Mission: We care for and rehabilitate orphaned and injured wild and exotic animals.

HUBBARD HOUSE

P.O. Box 4909, 32201 | (904) 354-0076 | hubbardhouse.org | hubbardhouse@hubbardhouse.org

FB: HubbardHouseInc | IG: hubbard_house CEO: Dr. Gail A. Patin, development@hubbardhouse.org Mission: The mission of Hubbard House is safety, empowerment and social change for victims of domestic violence and their families.

HUGS FROM HUNTER

230 Canal Blvd., Ste. 2, Ponte Vedra Beach, 32082 | (507) 259-2726 | hugsfromhunter.org hugsfromhunter@gmail.com

FB: hugsfromhunterfoundation Founder: Laurie K. Hodges Mission: To heal hearts by serving those in need in the community.

HUMANE ASSOCIATION OF WILDLIFE CARE & EDUCATION (HAWKE)

5285 St. Ambrose Church Rd., Elkton, 32033 | (904) 692-1777 | hawkewildlife.org

Beyond Insurance: The Florida Blue Care Team Scott recently learned he had a heart condition and was doing his best to manage his ongoing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Each condition required him to see medical specialists and take prescription drugs. When he was told he could no longer see his long-time pulmonologist, he reached out to Florida Blue for help.

A phone call changed everything Florida Blue Care Team registered nurse Melissa reached out to Scott because of his heart condition. When she learned he could run out of his COPD medication, she promised to help.

Melissa coached Scott on the best ways to manage his heart condition and answered his questions. Then, she discovered the pulmonologist hadn’t received referral paperwork from Scott’s primary care doctor – something that’s required for his pulmonology visits to be covered by his insurance.

She pulled from her medical training, knowledge of working with doctor’s offices, and understanding of Florida Blue insurance benefits and, within a few weeks, Scott was back to seeing his pulmonologist to treat his COPD. Melissa’s priority was making sure Scott could get the care he needed, and he can’t thank her enough for being his advocate.

“I’d been getting nowhere trying to resolve this on my own, and Melissa fixed it,” he said. “Whatever tree she shook was the right tree.”

Help finding a new doctor – and virtual help anytime Melissa helped Scott switch to a new primary care doctor who would be a better fit moving forward. And because his appointment was a few months away, she taught him on how to use Teladoc for virtual doctor visits in the meantime. the Teladoc doctor refilled his medications, so he’d have plenty on hand until he’d see his new doctor.

Anytime Scott needs support, he knows Melissa is a phone call away.

“She goes above and beyond. She really does care,” Scott said.

Get the support you need at no extra cost Scott was shocked to learn that getting support and care from nurse Melissa came at no extra cost because he’s a member. He now tells anyone with a Florida Blue plan about his experience.

“I want everyone to know how much is included in their Florida Blue plan,” Scott said.

The Florida Blue Care Team nurses support members at every stage of their health care journey, including coordinating with their doctor’s office, educating them on health conditions and prescriptions, and much more.

Melissa hopes more members will call for help.

“Nurses have a better day when we can help people,” she said.

Scott was assigned to a care team due to his diagnosis, but Florida Blue members can also call the team directly at (844) 730-2583 to ask for the support they need.

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FB: hawkewildlife Contact: Melanie Cain-Stage, helphawke@windstream.net Mission: Hawke is a not for profit organization licensed by the State of Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Federal US Fish and Wildlife Service to rehabilitate injured and orphaned wild birds, mammals, and reptiles including endangered species. They also have special permits to possess permanent wildlife for educational programs. These birds and animals can not be released back to the wild.

HUMBLE HARVEST MINISTRIES

4446-1A Hendricks Ave., Ste. 310, 33207 | humbleharvestministries.weebly.com

Leaders: Lori and BJ Ibach, loriaibach@gmail.com Mission: The goal of this annual outreach is to continue to give, in Jesus’s name, to those in need in our communities, through a super-size, free garage sale.

HUNGER FIGHT

2935 Dawn Rd., 32207 | (904) 374-5623 | hungerfight.org

FB: hungerfight2012 | IG: hungerfight Founder & CEO: Sherri Porter Mission: Our mission is to end hunger and illiteracy through the provision of nutritious meals to children, seniors and families in need and age-appropriate books to preschoolers by engaging communities and mobilizing partners. Our vision is that all children and families will have access to food, book programs and the tools necessary to achieve success in future endeavors.

HUNTINGTON’S DISEASE SOCIETY OF AMERICA – NORTH FLORIDA (904) 641-7984 | northernflorida.hdsa.org

FB: HDSANorthFL | IG: hdsanational Contact: Michal Biletzki, hdsa_nfl@yahoo.com Mission: Our mission is to improve the lives of everyone affected by Huntington’s disease and their families.

I’M A STAR FOUNDATION

3909 Soutel Dr., 32208 | (904) 924-0756 | imastarfoundation.org | info@imastarfoundation.org

FB: ImAStarJax | IG: imastarjax Founder & Executive Director: Betty Burney, bburney@imastarfoundation.org Mission: To empower youth to believe they are solution-oriented STARS (Smart Talented And Resilient Students) destined to change the world!

INN MINISTRY

1720 Hamilton St., 32210 | (904) 388-7730 | innministry.org | innministry@bellsouth.net

FB: InnMinistry | IG: n/a Executive Director: Judith Newberg Mission: The Inn Ministry promotes and encourages mothers to become spiritually, physically and mentally stable so they will be capable of providing a home for their children and to become productive members of society.

IN THE PINK

522 Third Street N., Jacksonville Beach, 32250 | (904) 372-0029 | jaxinthepink.com

FB: inthepinkjax Founder & CEO: Jeri Millard, jeri@jaxinthepink.net Mission: In the Pink is a nonprofit boutique and salon dedicated to helping women heal, cope and survive the effects of cancer, physically and emotionally.

ISAIAH 117 HOUSE

CHARI TY RE GIST E R

New home coming soon | (423) 518-3760 ext. 106 | isaiah117house.com/floridahomes DuvalFL@isaiah117house.com

FB: isaiah117houseduvalcofl | IG: isaiah117houseduvalcofl Program Coordinator: Shante McCleod, shante.mccleod@isaiah117house.com Mission: Providing physical and emotional support in a safe and loving home for children awaiting foster care placement. Link to follow upcoming house in Duval: linktr.ee/Isaiah117houseduval

JACK - MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCACY OUT OF THE BOX

P.O. Box 3039, Ponte Vedra Beach, 32004 | (904) 233-6515 | jackmha.org

FB: JACKMentalHealthAdvocacy | IG: jack_mha Founder and Board President: Kim Vincenty Mission: JACK is a nonprofit created to change the way OCD and anxiety sufferers and their families navigate the challenges of mental illness, fight stigma and obtain quality education, support and treatment.

uccess stor GUARDIAN AD LITEM F O U N DAT I O N

JACKSONVILLE ALUMNAE PANHELLENIC ASSOCIATION jacksonvillepanhellenic.org | JAPAGeneralInfo@gmail.com

FB: JacksonvilleAlumnaePanhellenicAssociation | IG: japa1914 President: Jayne Jett, JAPApresident123@gmail.com Mission: Founded in 1914, the philanthropic association has a continuous history of supporting the greater Jacksonville community. Recognized for its achievements by the National Panhellenic Council, JAPA members have given over 25,000 volunteer service hours to help those in the community.

JACKSONVILLE ARBORETUM & BOTANICAL GARDENS

1445 Millcoe Rd., 32225 | (904) 318-4342 | jacksonvillearboretum.org info@jacksonvillearboretum.org

FB: JacksonvilleArboretumGardens | IG: jacksonvillearboretum Executive Director: Dana Doody, danad@jacksonvillearboretum.org Mission: The Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens seeks to cultivate a unique environment for recreation, education and inspiration.

JACKSONVILLE AREA LEGAL AID

126 W. Adams St., 32202 | (904) 356-8371 | jaxlegalaid.org

FB: JaxLegalAid President & CEO: James A. Kowalski, Jr., jim.kowalski@jaxlegalaid.org Mission: The Jacksonville Area Legal Aid works to assist our low-income neighbors in our community with civil legal problems.

JACKSONVILLE AREA SEXUAL MINORITY YOUTH NETWORK – JASMYN 929 Peninsular Place, 32203 | (904) 389-3857 | jasmyn.org jasmyn@jasmyn.org

FB: jasmynjax | IG: jasmynjaxlgbtq Chief Development Officer: Loretta Prescott, lprescott@ jasmyn.org Mission: JASMYN supports the empowerment of LGBTQIA+ teens and young adults through leadership, advocacy, resources and a safe and affirming community.

JACKSONVILLE ARTISTS GUILD

4627 Glenwood Avenue, 32205 | jacksonvilleartistsguild.org | jacksonvilleartistguild@gmail.com

FB: JacksonvilleArtistsGuild | IG: jaxartistguild President: Lisa Lofton Mission: The Jacksonville Artists Guild is dedicated to elevating artistic awareness and participation by artists through dynamic programs and exhibitions that enhance, encourage and promote the arts.

JAX CHAMBER FOUNDATION

3 Independent Dr., 32202 | (904) 366-6633 | jaxchamberfoundation.org | info@jaxchamber.com

FB: JaxChamber | IG: jaxchamber Executive Director: Shamika Wright, shamika.wright@jaxchamber.com Mission: The JAX Chamber Foundation serves Northeast Florida in funding workforce development, leadership and entrepreneurial education programs in support of long-term regional prosperity.

JACKSONVILLE CHILDREN’S CHORUS

62 N. Main St., 32202 | (904) 353-1636 | jaxchildrenschorus.org | info@jaxchildrenschorus.org

FB: jaxchildrenschorus | IG: jcchorus President & Artistic Director: Darren Dailey, ddailey@jaxchildrenschorus.org Mission: The mission of the Jacksonville Children’s Chorus is to provide exceptional music education for children of diverse backgrounds, creating impactful choral performances.

JACKSONVILLE CIVIC COUNCIL

31 W. Adams St., Ste. 204, 32202 | (904) 354-0530 | jaxciviccouncil.com

President & CEO: Dennis Whittle, dennis@jaxciviccouncil.com Mission: To help resolve community issues by studying a problem, proposing one or more solutions, advocating for change, and providing resources and support.

This is What Normal Looks Like The Guardian ad Litem Foundation (GALF) has been serving the vulnerable youth in the Duval, Clay and Nassau counties since 1991. Their mission is dedicated to helping abused, neglected and abandoned children. GALF programming and funds benefit children directly in various ways, including the recruitment and training of Guardian ad Litem Volunteers so more child abuse victims can be represented in court; through The Empowerment Scholarship, empowering youth rising above their circumstances by furthering their education; and through our Normalcy Program, which makes necessities available to youth in the dependency system.

Requests to our Normalcy Program can be as simple as car seats, strollers, school supplies, toys or even payment for extra-curricular activities. Or in this case, lifesaving swim lessons.

GALF received a request by a Guardian ad Litem Child Advocate Manager advocating for children in her care. She was seeking financial assistance with paying for swim lessons for two siblings in the dependency system who were placed in a family home that was very active in boating, fishing and other water activities. The children could not swim upon placement and the family feared for their safety and could not afford the expense of swim lessons on top of additional living expenses.

Through the support of community partners and generous donors, GALF was able to cover the cost of the swim lessons. This not only ensured their physical safety around water in general, but helped the siblings assimilate into the family and participate in all their activities. This eliminated an unnecessary stress for the children and their foster family.

The goal of our Normalcy Program is to give children a reason to smile and feel somewhat “normal” by providing them with simple things that a typical childhood affords. Each day, in our community, there is a need for a normalcy request; and, in turn, an opportunity to change a child’s story for the better. Whether it is swim lessons, a trip to Disney, an experience at summer camp, a pair of cool kicks (shoes), or paying for Pop Warner registration and gear, GALF is there.

The community’s continued support of GALF can literally help put a smile on a child’s face. To learn more, please visit galfoundation.org.

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uccess stor GOODWILL

JACKSONVILLE HISTORICAL SOCIETY

314 Palmetto St., 32202 | (904) 665-0064 | jaxhistory.org | info@jaxhistory.org

FB: jaxhistoricalsociety | IG: jax_history CEO: Alan J. Bliss, alan.bliss@jaxhistory.org Mission: The mission of the Jacksonville Historical Society is to strengthen citizenship by engaging and educating Jacksonville’s people about their history, through preserving and sharing the evidence of the city’s past, and by advocating the value of historic preservation.

JACKSONVILLE HUMANE SOCIETY

8464 Beach Blvd., 32216 | (904) 725-8766 | jaxhumane.org | adoptions@jaxhumane.org

FB: jaxhumane | IG: jaxhumane CEO: Denise Deisler, ddeisler@jaxhumane.org Mission: The Jacksonville Humane Society’s mission is to provide care, comfort and compassion to pets in need while engaging the hearts, hands and minds of our community to end the killing of shelter animals.

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS FOUNDATION

1 EverBank Stadium Dr., 32202 | (904) 633-5437 | jaguars.com/community

FB: JaguarsFoundation Senior Vice President: Peter Racine, racinep@nfl.jaguars.com Mission: The Jaguars Foundation and Community Impact Department are committed to uplifting the Northeast Florida community and beyond by providing economic and equal opportunity through programs that strengthen neighborhoods and develop our youth. The Community Impact team at the Jaguars annually targets three key strategic areas of focus: neighborhood revitalization, youth development and NFL league-wide initiatives.

THE JACKSONVILLE LADIES

Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Rd., 32218 | (954) 647-5123 | jacksonvilleladies.org

Sherri’s Story Sherri was living a good life, raising three children on a small, local farm. After a knee injury while playing with her kids in the yard, she was prescribed opioids for pain. Sherri found out the hard way that addiction is real and devastating, and with addiction comes loss.

Sherri lost her job as a fast-food restaurant manager and her home. Her children had to be raised by family members. Once it was all gone, she eventually found herself in prison.

During her incarceration, Sherri took several self-help courses, including one on victim impact that helped her consider how her actions affected not just herself, but everyone else in her life.

After her release, Sherri sought help through the Operation New Hope program. Upon graduation, she received a Goodwill gift card to buy clothes for interviews. The clothes she found at Goodwill became the entirety of her worldly possessions as she began to rebuild her life.

She soon learned that Goodwill was so much more than a store for gently-used items.

Hear more of Sherri’s story below.

FB: JacksonvilleLadies.org Chairwoman: Linda Edell, linda.edell@yahoo.com Mission: No veteran will be buried alone in the Jacksonville National Cemetery. The Jacksonville Ladies’ objective is to honor those who have served this nation; to assist, accompany and promote a sympathetic relationship with veterans and their families at the interment services as needed, and to be present when no family or friends are able to attend.

JACKSONVILLE PUBLIC EDUCATION FUND

40 E. Adams St., Ste. 110, 32202 | (904) 356-7757 | jaxpef.org | info@jaxpef.org

FB: JaxPEF | IG: jaxpef President: Rachael Tutwiler Fortune, rachael.fortune@jaxpef.org Mission: We spark innovation, relationships and resources to power the potential within and around our public schools to achieve excellent outcomes for all students.

Our vision is that every student is inspired and prepared for success in college or a career and life.

JACKSONVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY FOUNDATION

303 N. Laura St., #334, 32202 | (904) 255-6192 | jplfoundation.org | info@lfjax.org

FB: LFJ1986 | IG: libraryfoundationjax1986 Executive Director/CDO: Scott Evans, scottevans@lfjax.org Mission: The Jacksonville Public Library Foundation helps to strengthen the ability of the Jacksonville Public Library to serve as an educational and cultural resource for the community.

JACKSONVILLE SCHOOL FOR AUTISM

9000 Southside Blvd., Bldg. 900, 32256 | (904) 732-4343 jsakids.org | info@jsakids.org

FB: JacksonvilleSchoolforAutism | IG: jaxschoolautism Founder & Executive Director: Michelle Dunham, mdunham@jsakids.org Mission: Jacksonville School for Autism (JSA) is dedicated to helping individuals with autism and their families by tapping into all available resources to provide “outside of the desk” thinking. With a focus on whole child development and individualized programs that encourage both family and community involvement, JSA is able to nurture each student to reach his/her full potential. Not just a place for learning, JSA creates an environment where relationships grow and lives are changed.

JACKSONVILLE SISTER CITIES ASSOCIATION, INC. (JSCA) P. O. Box 43512, 32203 | (904) 255-5445 | jsca.org | jsca@coj.net

FB: jsca1967 President: Kashi Oliver, jscapresident@gmail.com Mission: The Jacksonville Sister Cities Association fosters and encourages mutual understanding, friendship and peace through cultural, economic, educational and professional exchanges between the people of Jacksonville and the people of our Sister and Friendship Cities.

JACKSONVILLE SPEECH & HEARING CENTER

1010 N. Davis St., Ste. 101, 32209 | (904) 355-3403 | shcjax.org | ewasek@shcjax.org

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FB: jaxspeechhearingcenter | IG: jaxspeechhear President & CEO: Mike Howland Mission: To provide the highest quality professional and compassionate care to all individuals in our community with speech, language or hearing disorders, regardless of the ability to pay.

C H A R I TY R E G I ST E R

JACKSONVILLE SYMPHONY

300 Water St., Ste. 200, 32202 | (904) 354-5479 | jaxsymphony.org

FB: jaxsymphony | IG: jaxsymphony President & CEO: Steven Libman Mission: The Jacksonville Symphony’s mission is to enrich the human spirit through symphonic music.

JACKSONVILLE URBAN LEAGUE

903 W. Union St., 32204 | (904) 723-4008 | jaxul.org | info@jaxul.org

FB: JacksonvilleUrbanLeague1947 | IG: jax.ul President & CEO: Dr. Richard Danford Jr. Mission: The Jacksonville Urban League works to assist African Americans and others to secure economic self-reliance, parity, power and civil rights.

THE JIM & TABITHA FURYK FOUNDATION

P.O. Box 2867, Ponte Vedra, 32004 | jimandtabithafurykfoundation.com information@furykandfriends.com

FB: furykfoundation | IG: jimandtabithafurykfoundation Founders: Jim and Tabitha Furyk, furykfoundation2@comcast.net Mission: Our mission is to help families in need in Northeast Florida by providing food, shelter, educational, emotional and medical support through charitable partners in the community and through project specific funding generated through donations and the annual Constellation FURYK & FRIENDS presented by Circle K.

JTC RUNNING

P.O. Box 58102, 32241 | (904) 384-8725 | jtcrunning.com | jtcrunningclub@gmail.com

FB: JacksonvilleZooandGardens | IG: jacksonvillezoo Director of Development: Nikki Smith, smithn@jacksonvillezoo.org Mission: Inspiring discovery and appreciation of the earth’s wildlife through innovative experiences in a caring environment.

FB: JTCRunning | IG: jtcrunning President: Douglas Tillett, douglastillett@icloud.com Mission: JTC Running is Northeast Florida’s preeminent promoter of healthy lifestyles through running, fitness and fellowship. JTC Running is the creator and operator of the Gate River Run, which, since 1978, has been one of the leading road races in the country. Its four different events encompass over 10,000 national and world class athletes, fitness runners, wheelchair athletes, walkers and children.

JAX HOPE, INC.

JT TOWNSEND FOUNDATION, INC.

JACKSONVILLE ZOO & GARDENS

370 Zoo Pkwy., 32218 | (904) 757-4463 | jacksonvillezoo.org | info@jacksonvillezoo.org

5000 U.S. Hwy. 17 S, Ste. 18 #344, Fleming Island, 32003 | (904) 801-5535 | jaxhopeinc.org support@jaxhopeinc.com

FB: No handle | IG: jaxhopeinc Executive Director: Greg Ritscher Mission: Through education, advocacy and increased resources and services, we empower the community of people with Parkinson’s to fight back against the daily symptoms and the known path of this disease.

JAXSPORTS

1 Gator Bowl Blvd., 32202 | (904) 798-1700 | jaxsports.com | members@jacksonvillesportscouncil.com

FB: JacksonvilleSportsCouncil | IG: jaxsports President & CEO: Greg McGarity, greg@jaxsports.com Mission: The mission of JAXSPORTS is to enhance and positively impact the quality of life and community pride, along with generating economic impact and growth for Northeast Florida through professional and amateur sports. Our values and goals reflect this mission.

THE JERICHO SCHOOL

1351 Sprinkle Dr., 32211 | (904) 744-5110 | thejerichoschool.org | info@thejerichoschool.org

FB: jerichoschool | IG: thejerichoschool Executive Director: Angelo Martinez, jerichoschool@yahoo.com Mission: The mission of The Jericho School is to provide comprehensive, individualized, science-based education not otherwise available in our community. We believe those children with autism and other developmental delays deserve the opportunity to reach their full potential. The school’s curriculum provides effective treatment and education programs to children and their families based on applied behavior analysis and verbal behavior.

JESSIE BALL DUPONT FUND

830 A1A N., Ste. 187, Ponte Vedra Beach, 32082 | (904) 373-0737 | jttownsendfoundation.org

FB: JTTounsendFoundation | IG: jttownsendfoundation Giving Committee: Carmen Townsend, carmenjttf@gmail.com Mission: JTTF is dedicated to providing hope to the community of people living with disabilities by offering financial assistance for adaptive equipment and services that will improve their quality of life.

JUDY NICHOLSON KIDNEY CANCER FOUNDATION

5000 U.S. Hwy. 17 S, Ste. 18 #344, Fleming Island, 32003 | (904) 309-0502 | jnfkidneycancer.org thejudynicholsonfoundation@gmail.com

FB: thejnfoundation | IG: jnkcf President: Linda Ostoski Mission: The Judy Nicholson Kidney Cancer Foundation is fulfilling our “Celebration of Hope-Bringing the Hope to You!” in-depth educational symposiums and webinars to provide support and education to Kidney Cancer Patients and their caregivers.

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT OF NORTH FLORIDA

4049 Woodcock Dr., Ste. 200, 32207 | (904) 398-9944 | northflorida.ja.org

FB: JAofNorthFlorida | IG: janorthflorida President: Shannon Italia, shannon@janfl.org Mission: Junior Achievement’s mission is to inspire and prepare young people to succeed. The inspiration piece comes from community volunteers who not only deliver our lessons, but share their experience. In the process, these volunteers serve as role models helping to positively impact young people’s perceptions about the importance of education, as well as critical life skills. Preparation involves our proven lessons that promote financial capability, work and career readiness, and business ownership.

JUNIOR LEAGUE OF JACKSONVILLE

2165 Park St., 32204 | (904) 387-9927 | jljacksonville.org | info@jljacksonville.org

FB: dupontfund President: Mari Kuraishi, mkuraishi@dupontfund.org Mission: Our mission is to serve the communities that Jessie Ball duPont knew and loved. We envision a world in which every member of those communities feels they belong.

FB: JuniorLeagueofJax | IG: juniorleaguejax President: Courtney Taylor Mission: We are an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Our purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.

JEWISH COMMUNITY ALLIANCE

JUSTICE COALITION

8505 San Jose Blvd., 32217 | (904) 730-2100 | jcajax.org

1935 S. Lane Ave., Ste. 1, 32210 | (904) 783-6312 | justicecoalition.org | info@justicecoalition.org

FB: jcajax | IG: jaxjca Executive Director: Adam Chaskin, adam.chaskin@jcajax.org Mission: The JCA strengthens Jewish life, serves as a common meeting ground and enhances the quality of life of the entire community.

FB: justicecoalition Executive Director: Robert Bracewell Mission: To advocate for innocent victims of violent crime, educate victims about their rights in the justice system and work with law enforcement to make our communities safer.

40 E. Adams St., Ste. 300, 32202 | (904) 353-0890 | dupontfund.org | info@dupontfund.org

JEWISH FEDERATION & FOUNDATION OF NORTHEAST FLORIDA

8505 San Jose Blvd., 32217 | (904) 448-5000 | jewishjacksonville.org | info@jewishjacksonville.org

FB: JaxJewish | IG: jaxjewish CEO: Mariam Feist, mariamf@jewishjacksonville.org Mission: The Jewish Federation of Jacksonville is a fundraising organization supporting the local and global Jewish community funding local and overseas partner agencies; forging strong connections with Israel and helping Jews across the Diaspora; supporting fellow Jews in need; inspiring the next generation to embrace Jewish identity and value Jewish education, and providing programs and services designed to engage the local Jewish community.

THE JIM MORAN FOUNDATION

100 Jim Moran Blvd., Deerfield Beach, 33442 | (954) 429-2122 | jimmoranfoundation.org information@jimmoranfoundation.org

Chairman/President: Jan Moran Mission: The mission of The Jim Moran Foundation is to improve the quality of life for the youth and families of Florida through the support of innovative programs and opportunities that meet the ever-changing needs of the community.

JUVENILE DIABETES RESEARCH FOUNDATION NORTH FLORIDA CHAPTER

1850 Lee Rd., Ste. 132, Winter Park, 32789 | (407) 774-2166 | jdrf.org | northernflorida@jdrf.org

FB: JDRFNorthernFlorida | IG: jdrfnorthernflorida Executive Director: Colleen Saca, csaca@jdrf.org Mission: To improve lives today and tomorrow by accelerating life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat type 1 diabetes and its complications.

K9s FOR WARRIORS

114 Camp K9 Rd., Ponte Vedra Beach, 32081 | (904) 686-1956 | k9sforwarriors.org | info@k9sforwarriors.org

FB: K9sforWarriors | IG: k9sforwarriors CEO: Carl Cricco Mission: Determined to end veteran suicide, K9s For Warriors provides highly-trained service dogs to military veterans suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injury and/or military sexual trauma. With the majority of dogs coming from high-kill rescue shelters, this innovative program allows the Warrior/K9 team to build an unwavering bond that facilitates their collective healing and recovery.

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uccess stor GREENSCAPE OF JACKSONVILLE

KAMP KRITTER RESCUE FOUNDATION

281 McDuff Ave. S., 32254 | (904) 384-2111 | kampkritter.com | kampkritters@aol.com

FB: kamp.kritter Executive Director: Sue Towler Mission: Kamp Kritter Rescue Foundation is a non-profit sanctuary that focuses on the most medically needy and unadoptable dogs from local shelters or other rescues, giving them specialized vet care, a warm safe place to recover and any socialization or training until they become adoptable, or live out their remaining time with dignity in a loving environment.

KATE AMATO FOUNDATION

135 Professional Dr., Ste. 102, Ponte Vedra Beach, 32082 | (904) 629-8300 kateamatofoundation.org | info@kateamatofoundation.org

FB: support.TeamKate | IG: kateamatofoundation Founders: Lisa and Jeff Amato Mission: KAF is dedicated to funding pediatric cancer research to develop safer, smarter and more effective treatments for children with cancer. Our vision is to advance the pace of progress, spare pain and suffering, and save young lives.

KATIE CAPLES FOUNDATION

1617 Atlantic Ave., Fernandina Beach, 32034 | (904) 753-0247 katiecaples.org | info@katiecaples.org

FB: katiecaplesfoundation Founder & Director: Susan Caples Mission: The Katie Caples Foundation is committed to increasing the number of registered organ donors and eliminating the wait for those on the national transplant waiting list.

KIDS FIRST OF FLORIDA

1726 Kingsley Ave., Orange Park, 32073 | (904) 278-5644 kidsfirstofflorida.org h.mccann@firstinclay.org

Save Our Tree Canopy It was a record year for Florida’s oldest tree advocacy organization.

Greenscape hosted more public events, planted more trees and advocated to more city leaders for strong canopy protection than ever before. But the best barometer of our impact was the feedback from citizens directly impacted by our work.

“I will never forget this day for the rest of my life,” a 6-year-old boy said after helping plant trees in his neighborhood park. It’s an urban park that needs shade, and we provided it. It’s an urban park that gets trashed by folks passing through, and we cleaned it up. It’s the only backyard the kids in the public housing complex next to it have, and we’ve shown up countless times to maintain the trees, keep the park clean, troubleshoot problems and listen to the community.

Greenscape has prioritized its tree plantings in the parts of town with low canopy coverage, so that all citizens can experience the benefits of trees: shade, wildlife habitat, stormwater absorption, improved air quality, carbon capture, and now – research is showing – mental health benefits.

It’s a nationwide movement called tree equity, and it’s been our focus for the past few years. Not surprisingly, areas with low canopy coverage are also 10-30 degrees hotter than areas with robust tree canopies. Our goal is to help the city reduce the hot spots and grow the community in the process.

We were honored to represent the tree advocacy community as members of Resilient Jacksonville, which drafted the city’s first Resilience Plan, released in October 2023. We look forward to seeing trees incorporated as tools to solve climate and weatherrelated problems.

The Florida Forest Service awarded us a grant to help our Save Our Tree Canopy campaign by educating property owners on how they can make a direct impact in preserving trees. Learn more about Save Our Tree Canopy at greenscapeofjax.org.

What’s next for us? You are. Together, we can plant more trees, grow this community, and Save Our Tree Canopy.

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FB: KidsFirstFL | IG: kidsfirstofflorida CEO: Elizabeth Franco Mission: Kids First of Florida works to ensure the safety of children through a holistic approach designed to support the health and well-being of families in order to build a healthier community one family at a time.

KIDS TOGETHER AGAINST CANCER

2 Shircliff Way, 32204 | (904) 308-7546 | ktacjax.com | ktacjax@ascension.org

FB: ascensionorg | IG: ascension_org Director: Alexis Atkinson Mission: Kids Together Against Cancer offers support for children whose parents are diagnosed with cancer.

L’ARCHE JACKSONVILLE

700 Arlington Rd. N., 32211 | (904) 721-5992 | larchejacksonville.org | hello@larchejacksonville.org

FB: LArcheJacksonville | IG: larchejacksonville Executive Director: Amy Finn-Schultz, amy@larchejacksonville.org Mission: We believe in creating an environment where people with intellectual and physical disabilities can share their gifts. We are affecting a positive change, transforming the lives of those who are open to receiving them. We celebrate the unique value of every person and recognize our need for one another.

LEADERSHIP JACKSONVILLE

40 E. Adams St., Ste. 230, 32202 | (904) 396-6263 | leadershipjax.org

FB: leadership.jax | IG: leadershipjax CEO: Gracie Simendinger, gracie@leadershipjax.org Mission: To educate, connect and inspire diverse leaders to build and strengthen their communities and to be the catalyst for vibrant, connected communities where diverse perspectives are valued and encouraged for the greater good.

THE LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA SOCIETY NORTH FLORIDA

3505-3507 E. Frontage Rd., Concourse Center III 145, Tampa, 33607 | 904-900-6702 | lls.org/nofl

FB: LLSusa | IG: llsusa Executive Director: Melanie Johnson, melanie.johnson@lls.org Mission: To cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.

LISC JACKSONVILLE

100 N. Laura St., Ste. 600, 32202 | (904) 353-1300 | lisc.org/jacksonville

FB: LISCJAX Executive Director: Dr. Irvin PeDro Cohen, icohen@lisc.org Mission: LISC Jacksonville is the leading nonprofit community development organization in the nation, focused on transforming challenged urban communities into neighborhoods of choice and opportunity—good places to work, do business and raise families.

DID WE MISS YOU?

If your 501(c)(3) nonprofit isn't featured in our list or requires updating, we're here to help. Please submit the correct information at circlescharityregister.com/contact/

by Aug. 1, 2024 to be included in the 2025 edition.

CHARI TY RE GIST E R

LITERACY ALLIANCE OF NORTHEAST FLORIDA, INC.

40 E. Adams St., Ste. LL30, 32202 | (904) 238-9000 | literacyallnefl.org | admin@literacyallnefl.org

FB: LiteracyAllNEFL | IG: literacyallnefl CEO: Marcus Haile, marcus@literacyallnefl.org Mission: The Literacy Alliance of Northeast Florida’s mission is to increase literacy awareness and improve adult literacy in northeast Florida through formal instruction and volunteer-based tutoring. Since beginning in 1969 as Learn to Read Jacksonville, the Literacy Alliance of Northeast Florida has provided free literacy instruction to adults seeking to improve their reading, writing and math skills.

LITERACY PROS OF JACKSONVILLE

118 E. Monroe St., 32202 | (904) 210-6677 | literacyprosjacksonville.org literacyprosjacksonville@gmail.com

uccess stor GREENWOOD SCHOOL

FB: LiteracyProsJacksonville | IG: n/a Director: Sarah Van Cleve Mission: We are a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching our community through the power of literacy.

LIVE FOR TODAY

P.O. Box 10432, 32247 | (904) 619-9071 | live-for-today.org | mail@live-for-today.org

FB: LFTFoundation | IG: lftfoundation Founders: Todd Blake, Katie Pearsall, Kaitlyn Ash Mission: Our mission is to help young adults with cancer by providing dynamic opportunities, fostering community support and promoting healthy living. Our vision is to inspire each young adult cancer patient and survivor to live every day to its fullest and create a community where they are in support of one another.

THE LJD JEWISH FAMILY & COMMUNITY SERVICES

8540 Baycenter Rd., 32256 | (904) 448-1933 | jfcsjax.org | info@jfcsjax.org

FB: jfcsjax | IG: jfcsjax CEO: Colleen Rodriguez, crodriguez@jfcsjax.org Mission: For over 100 years, JFCS has remained true to our mission: Strengthening the entire Northeast Florida community by providing support services in the Jewish tradition of helping people help themselves by providing quality social and community services including emergency financial assistance, counseling, child safety and prevention support, adoption assistance, senior services, dropout prevention for middle school students, and much more.

LSF DUVAL HEAD START - LUTHERAN SERVICES FLORIDA

3027 San Diego Dr., 32207 | (904) 627-7276 | lsfnet.org/children-families/head-start/duval

IG: lutheranservfla President & CEO: Samuel M. Sipes Mission: Lutheran Services Florida serves to bring God’s healing, hope and help to people in need in the name of Jesus Christ.

LSF HEALTH SYSTEMS – LUTHERAN SERVICES FLORIDA

9428 Baymeadows Rd., Bldg. III, Ste. 320, 32256 | (904) 900-1075 | lsfhealthsystems.org

FB: LSFhealthsystems | IG: lsfhealthsystems CEO: Dr. Christine Cauffield Mission: Our mission is to devleop and sustain an integrated system of behavioral health care through a network of services built on integrity, innovation and collaboration.

LUTHERAN SOCIAL SERVICES OF NORTHEAST FLORIDA 4615 Philips Hwy., 32207 | (904) 730-8239 | lssjax.org contact@lssjax.org

FB: lssjax | IG: lss.jax President/CEO: Bill Brim, bill.brim@lssjax.org Mission: Motivated and guided by the compassion of Christ, we serve and care for people in need.

MAINSPRING ACADEMY

6700 Southpoint Pkwy., Ste. 400, 32216 | (904) 503-0344 | mainspringacademy.org

FB: MainspringAcademyjax | IG: mainspringacademy Head of School: Dina Parisi, dparisi@mainspringacademy.org Mission: Our mission is to provide quality, individualized education in a safe learning environment where children with intellectual and developmental differences can thrive.

MAKE-A-WISH® CENTRAL AND NORTHERN FLORIDA, NORTHEAST REGION 10151 Deerwood Park Blvd. Bldg. 300, Ste. 120, 32256 | (904) 580-5906 | wish.org/cnfl

FB: MAWCNFL | IG: makeawishcnfl President & CEO: Anne Cuba, acuba@cnfl.wish.org Mission: Make-A-Wish® wants each wish experience to be a game-changer for a child with a life-threatening medical condition. The foundation endeavors to be creative in exceeding the expectations of every wish-kid and to make donated resources go as far as possible.

MALIVAI WASHINGTON YOUTH FOUNDATION

1055 W. 6th St., 32209 | (904) 359-5437 | malwashington.com | champion@malwashington.com

FB: loveMWYF | IG: Lovemwyf CEO: Terri Florio, terri@malwashington.com Mission: To develop champions in classrooms, on the court and throughout the community. Our vision is the young people in our program will be provided with the resources they need to rise to their full potential.

Advancing STEAM in the Curriculum The mission of Greenwood School is to provide a challenging and supportive education to middle and high school students with learning differences through adaptive, multi-sensory instruction and a positive environment.

Greenwood always strives to enhance areas of their curriculum to best serve the needs of the students they serve. Their Annual Fund theme for 2023-2024 is STEAM Ahead, raising money for the expansion of science, technology, engineering, art and math in the school.

Greenwood School has offered robotics to high school students for two years. To succeed in robotics takes a lot of patience and the courage to not only make mistakes, but to work through them and improve crucial problem-solving skills. The students in the Greenwood School robotics team exemplify this and have won the Judges Choice award at competition two years in a row. This year, Greenwood has expanded their robotics offering to include Lego robotics for middle school students. They also offer coding classes and have the use of 3D printers to enhance their capabilities.

Students who have been enrolled in STEAM-based classes at Greenwood are always engaged, and the classes appeal to everyone, regardless of their background in STEAM. As William, a coding student, pointed out, “I enjoy the fact that we can go at our own pace no matter our programming experience.”

Many students talk about the social side of robotics and how important teamwork, communication and collaboration are. TJ, a robotics student, said “I am looking forward to creating a successful robot this year. I like getting to build things that will help us to go to competition.”

Ms. Surowiec, STEAM Lab teacher at Greenwood said, “I have seen students stretch their creative muscles, pique their curiosity and motivate themselves to build things that only they can imagine, promoting the perfect learning environment for our students.”

Students who attend Greenwood have often found themselves isolated and unsuccessful in a traditional school environment. By learning the art of multiple programming languages and the ability to solve logic-based problems, Greenwood expects that their students will be able to excel in any career path they choose.

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MANDARIN MUSEUM & HISTORICAL SOCIETY

11964 Mandarin Rd., 32223 | (904) 268-0784 | mandarinmuseum.net | mandarinmuseum@bellsouth.net

FB: MandarinMuseum | IG: mandarinmuseum President: Dr. Patrick Plumlee Mission: The Mandarin Museum & Historical Society shares the stories of Mandarin’s history, culture and natural resources by providing engaging programs that educate, entertain and inspire.

MARGARET’S MEMORIES

819 Park St., 32204 | (904) 355-5491 | margaretsmemories.org | margaretsmemories@hotmail.com

GYO G R E E N S N O N P R O F I T

FB: MargaretsMemories Founder: Nicole Remo Mission: Margaret’s Memories is a standing mission project of the Riverside Park United Methodist Church and makes Bereavement Memory Boxes for parents who lose a child to miscarriage, stillbirth or death shortly after birth. The boxes are donated to local hospitals in Jacksonville, Florida.

MASON’S VOICE

11747 Greenland Oaks Dr., 32258 | (904) 334-5892 | masonsvoiceforsb.org | masonsvoice@yahoo.com

FB: MasonsVoiceforSB Founders: Baylee and Louis Joseph Mission: We are committed to bringing awareness to Spina Bifida, specifically surrounding the diagnosis in utero. Our story will become another family’s reality, and through our platform, we will support and educate families moving forward. The money raised will be sent to a family that will be making their journey to CHOP, just like we did.

MAYPORT CATS

P.O. Box 11093, 32239 | (904) 853-5154 | mayportcats.com | mayportcats@yahoo.com

FB: mayport.cats | IG: mayportcats Mission: Our purpose is to educate the public about feral cats and the overpopulation problem that exists. Our goal is to promote spay-and-neuter programs for a healthier, more stable population and provide an example that a functioning TNR program does work.

Sustainable Agriculture and Symbiosis Education GYO GREENS nonprofit, which derives its name from the Japanese word for fish, has spent the past decade committed to sustainable farming methods, especially aquaponics, that combines traditional aquaculture with hydroponics. This symbiotic relationship not only cultivates nutritious specialty produce and provides a clean environment for aquatic animals, but also utilizes the best of each in a constant loop of beneficial cooperation.

The organization’s commitment to symbiotic relationships reaches further than its flagship aquatic growing model. It provides educational outreach programs, emphasizing the importance of sustainable agriculture through tours, field trips, volunteerism and a partnership with local universities, community organizations and schools.

The organization has hosted several students for summer internships and volunteer work – students like Andrea Acosta, who started with GYO GREENS as a high school volunteer. After volunteering, Andrea became a key staff member, leading farm operations, and soon will complete her education at the University of North Florida.

GYO GREENS’ nonprofit organization uses the farm operations to host the educational projects. The farm sits on a one-acre lot and includes a couple 3,000-sq.-ft. greenhouses and multiple outdoor planters and plants. It provides live and grown-to-order produce to 50-plus local restaurants and chefs who are passionate about the work we do here. The produce includes specialty items like petite greens, microgreens, petit vegetables, edible flowers and savory herbs.

For more information, visit gyogreens.org.

MCKENZIE NOELLE WILSON FOUNDATION

P.O. Box 2529, Ponte Vedra Beach, 32004 | (904) 992-0124 | caregivegrow.org

FB: caregivegrow | IG: caregivegrow

Foundation Director: Adrian Gibbs, info@caregivegrow.org Mission: Our mission is to help youth recognize their full potential by providing programs that encourage caring for others, giving to those in need and growing in their own spirituality. The Foundation is dedicated to empowering young people to discover their purpose in an increasingly complex and challenging world.

MEMORIAL PARK ASSOCIATION

1650-302 Margaret St., Ste. 322, 32204 | (904) 610-9212 | memparkjax.org | info@memparkjax.org

FB: memparkjax | IG: memparkjax

President: Patrick Emmet, pemmet@memparkjax.org Mission: The Memorial Park Association’s mission is to preserve, enhance and promote Memorial Park as the premier historic city park in Jacksonville.

MENINAK CLUB OF JACKSONVILLE

P.O. Box 8626, 32239 | (904) 745-3393 | meninak.org | meninak@comcast.net

FB: meninakjax Executive Director: Catherine Hill Mission: The Meninak Club is dedicated to the overall betterment of the spiritual, cultural and social attributes of Jacksonville.

MERCY SUPPORT SERVICES

P.O. Box 65160, Orange Park, 32065 | (904) 297-4052 | mercysupportservices.org info@mercysupportservices.org

FB: mercysupport | IG: mercysupportservices Executive Director and CEO: R. Patrick Hayle Mission: Mercy Support Services is a Christ-centered organization that serves the people of Clay County who are circumstantially in need by providing services that guide them to self-sufficiency through an active network of compassionate-hearted people and organizations.

METHODIST CHILDREN’S VILLAGE

7915 Herlong Rd., 32210 | (904) 783-1681 | methodistchildrensvillage.com

FB: changingtheworld1childatatime Executive Director: Kelly Paterno, paternovillage@bellsouth.net Mission: The Methodist Children’s Village works to enhance the quality of young children’s lives through nurturing, early intervention and developmentally based education.

MICAH’S PLACE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CENTER

P.O. Box 16287, Fernandina Beach, 32035 | (904) 491-6364 | micahsplace.org | info@micahsplace.org

FB: micahs.place | IG: micahsplace Executive Director: Heather Jones Mission: Micah’s Place’s mission is to provide safety and support for individuals who have experienced domestic violence and to raise awareness regarding its cause, prevalence and impact.

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THE MILITARY MUSEUM OF NORTH FLORIDA

1 Bunker Ave., Green Cove Springs, 32043 | (904) 863-3527 | themilitarymuseumofnorthflorida.com militarymuseumnf@aol.com

FB: TheMilitaryMuseumofNorthFlorida | IG: militarymuseumnf Mission: The Military Museum of North Florida honors all service men and women from every branch of the service.

MISSION HOUSE

800 Shetter Ave., Jacksonville Beach, 32250 | (904) 241-6767 | missionhousejax.org info@missionhousejax.org

FB: MissionHouseJax | IG: missionhousejax Executive Director: Lucas Seilhymer, lseilhymer@missionhousejax.org Mission: To provide housing assistance, health care and supportive services, including food, clothing and case management that inspires hope and rebuilds lives.

uccess stor HUNGER FIGHT

MONIQUE BURR FOUNDATION FOR CHILDREN (MBF)

7807 Baymeadows Rd. E., Ste. 202, 32256 | (904) 299-6128 mbfpreventioneducation.org | info@mbfpreventioneducation.org

FB: mbfchildsafety | IG: mbfchildsafety CEO: Tanya Ramos Puig, tanya@mbfpreventioneducation.org Mission: The mission of the Monique Barr Foundation for Children is to protect children from bullying, digital dangers, abuse and exploitation with comprehensive, evidence-based prevention education programs.

MORNING STAR SCHOOL

725 Mickler Rd., 32211 | (904) 721-2144 | morningstar-jax.org

FB: MorningStarSchoolJax | IG: morningstarschl Principal: Elaine Shott, principal@morningstar-jax.org Mission: Rooted in the Gospel and strengthened by the Sacraments, the mission of Morning Star School is to provide a unique, inspiring education empowering students with learning differences to achieve their full potential. Morning Star is fully accredited by the Florida Catholic Conference. Morning Star is the only special education school in the Diocese of St. Augustine. All faculty are certified in special education.

MURRAY HILL THEATRE

932 Edgewood Ave. S., 32205 | (904) 388-3179 | murrayhilltheatre.com | info@mhtrocks.com

FB: MHTRocks | IG: murrayhilltheatre Founder and President: Tony Nasrallah, tony@mhtrocks.com Mission: Murray Hill Theatre, operated by a non-profit organization established in 1995, is an alcohol-free, drug-free, smoke-free, all-ages music venue that showcases faith-based and positive live music and events. Our goal is to have a positive influence on others through music and relationships.

MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY ASSOCIATION

6196 Lake Gray Blvd., Ste. 105, 32244 | (904) 296-7434 | mda.org

FB: MDAOrg | IG: mdaorg Executive Director: Lauren Herringdine, Mission: The Muscular Dystrophy Association works to save and improve lives of people fighting muscle disease.

MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND HISTORY (MOSH)

1025 Museum Circle, 32207 | (904) 396-6674 | themosh.org | info@themosh.org

FB: moshjax | IG: moshjax CEO: Bruce Fafard, bfafard@themosh.org Mission: The Museum of Science and History inspires the joy of lifelong learning by bringing to life the sciences and regional history.

NASSAU COUNTY ANIMAL SERVICES & ADOPTIONS

86078 License Rd., Fernandina Beach, 32034 | (904) 530-6150 nassaucountyfl.com/845/Animal-Services | animalservices@nassaucountyfl.com

FB: NassauCountyAnimalServices | IG: nassaucountyanimalservices Mission: Nassau County Animal Care and Control promotes and protects public safety and animal care through sheltering, adoption programs, education and animal law enforcement. Our philosophy is to promote responsible pet ownership, compassion towards animals and safe human-animal interactions.

NASSAU HUMANE SOCIETY

639 Airport Rd., Fernandina Beach, 32034 | (904) 321-1647 | nassauhumane.org

FB: NassauHumane | IG: nassauhumane Executive Director: Dionna Sowers, dsowers@nassauhumane.org Mission: Nassau Humane Society is dedicated to the humane treatment of all animals; to alleviate their suffering and neglect, support the human-animal bond and foster an environment in which people respect all living creatures.

NATIONAL BRAIN TUMOR SOCIETY

55 Chapel St., Ste. 200, Newton, MA, 2458 | (617) 924-9997 | braintumor.org

FB: braintumors | IG: natlbraintumorsociety President & CEO: David F. Arons, partnerships@braintumor.org Mission: National Brain Tumor Society (NBTS) unrelentingly invests in, mobilizes and unites our community to discover a cure, deliver effective treatments and advocate for patients and care partners.

A Two-pronged Triumph Against Childhood Hunger and Illiteracy In the realm of nonprofits dedicated to eradicating childhood hunger and illiteracy, Hunger Fight stands as an inspiring success story, showcasing the profound impact a dual-focused approach can have on transforming young lives.

Founded in 2012 in Jacksonville, Hunger Fight embarked on a mission to address two interrelated issues that plague many disadvantaged communities across the United States: childhood hunger and illiteracy. The organization’s founders understood that the cycle of hunger and poverty often goes hand-in-hand with limited access to education.

Hunger Fight’s innovative, two-pronged strategy emerged as a beacon of hope.

The first prong of their approach centers on providing nutritious meals to children in need. Recognizing that hunger can be a significant barrier to learning, Hunger Fight established a meal packaging program that included essentials like oatmeal, rice, pasta, soy, dehydrated vegetables, and vital vitamins and minerals. These nutritious meal packs are not only cost-effective but also easy to distribute to schools and families.

The second prong of Hunger Fight’s strategy focuses on literacy and education. They understand that breaking the cycle of poverty requires equipping children with the tools to succeed academically. Through partnerships with local schools and daycares, Hunger Fight provides literacy resources – free, age-appropriate books – to children who may otherwise lack access to these critical resources.

Hunger Fight’s success is a testament to the synergy between these two initiatives.

By addressing hunger and illiteracy concurrently, they have created a holistic support system for at-risk children. Improved nutrition enhances cognitive development and concentration, while literacy programs empower children to excel academically and envision a brighter future.

What started as a local endeavor in Jacksonville has had remarkable growth, expanding to multiple states and impacting thousands of young lives along the way.

This expansion is driven by passionate volunteers, dedicated staff and generous donors who share Hunger Fight’s vision.

Hunger Fight’s two-pronged approach to addressing childhood hunger and illiteracy serves as an inspiring success story. By providing nutritious meals and fostering educational opportunities, they are breaking the cycle of poverty and giving disadvantaged children a chance to reach their full potential. Hunger Fight demonstrates that when we tackle interconnected issues head-on, we can create lasting change and offer a brighter future to the next generation. Their journey is a testament to the power of compassion and innovation in the nonprofit sector.

Food for Their Bellies – Books for Their Brains – HungerFight.org.

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NATIONAL MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETY NORTH FLORIDA

8940 Western Way, Ste. 16, 32256 | 800-344-4867 | nationalmssociety.org/Chapters/FLN

FB: nationalmssociety | IG: mssociety President & CEO: Cyndi Zagieboylo Mission: We will cure MS while empowering people affected by MS to live their best lives. Our vision is a world free of MS.

NEMOURS CHILDREN’S HEALTH

10140 Centurion Pkwy. N., 32256 | (904) 697-4103 | nemours.org | giving@nemours.org

FB: Nemours | IG: nemours Chief Development Officer: Jim Digan Mission: Nemours is committed to improving the health of children.

NEUROSURGERY OUTREACH FOUNDATION, INC.

NORTHEAST FLORIDA WOMEN VETERANS, INC. 103 Century 21 Dr., Ste. 201, 32216 | (904) 862-6039 forwomenvets.org | info@forwomenvets.org

CEO/President: Dee Quaranta, dquaranta@forwomenvets.org Mission: Northeast Florida Women Veterans, Inc. is focused on ensuring women who have served on active duty, National Guard or Reserves and their children, transition into the civilian community with the tools they need to become self-sufficient. We operate a resource center to provide support and career services to women veterans, plan and participate in community events to encourage women veterans to get involved and reintegrate into the community, and advocate for and promote community awareness of their challenges and accomplishments at the local, state and national level, ensuring each has a voice.

3545 St. Johns Bluff Rd. S., Ste. 118, 32224 | (866) 735-9536 | neurosurgeryoutreach.org info@neurosurgeryoutreach.org

NORTHSIDE COALITION OF JACKSONVILLE

FB: NOF2010 | IG: nofjax Founders: Dr. Philipp and Carmina Aldana Mission: The Neurosurgery Outreach Foundation, Inc. is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization with the mission to advance neurosurgical care in underserved communities through service, education and support.

FB: northsidecoalitionofjax | IG: northsidecoalitionofjax President and Founder: Ben Frazier Mission: Since 2016, they’ve been working with elected officials, law enforcement, business professionals and religious fellowships as advocates to empower, educate and organize communities to establish greater self-sufficiency. They focus on improving social, racial and economic injustice, particularly for minority youngsters and the elderly.

NEW HEIGHTS OF NORTHEAST FLORIDA

3311 Beach Blvd., 32207 | (904) 396-1462 | newheightsnefl.org | AdultServices@newheightsnefl.org

FB: NewHeightsNEFL | IG: newheightsnefl President/CEO: Sue Driscoll Mission: Formerly Cerebral Palsy of Northeast Florida, New Heights works to enrich the lives of persons with disabilities and their families and empower their independence and lifelong growth through quality services.

THE NONPROFIT CENTER OF NORTHEAST FLORIDA

40 E. Adams St., Ste. 100, 32202 | (904) 425-1182 | nonprofitctr.org | admin@NonprofitCtr.org

FB: NonprofitCenter | IG: nonprofitnefl CEO: Rena Coughlin, rcoughlin@NonprofitCtr.org Mission: The Nonprofit Center of N.E. Florida connects, strengthens and advocates for nonprofits, creating a more vibrant Northeast Florida.

NORTH FLORIDA LAND TRUST

843 W. Monroe St., 32202 | (904) 479-1967 | nflt.org | info@nflt.org

FB: nflandtrust | IG: northfloridalandtrust President and CEO: Rev. Cn. Alllison Defoor, Mission: To preserve and enhance our quality of life by protecting North Florida’s irreplaceable natural environment.

NORTH FLORIDA SCHOOL OF SPECIAL EDUCATION 223 Mill Creek Rd., 32211 | (904) 724-8323 northfloridaschool.org | info@northfloridaschool.org

FB: NorthFloridaSchoolOfSpecialEducation IG: nfsse_jax Head of School: Sally Hazelip, shazelip@northfloridaschool.org Mission: The mission of North Florida School of Special Education is to discover and foster each student’s unique abilities revealing their highest potential within an engaged community.

NORTHEAST FLORIDA AIDS NETWORK (NFAN) 2715 Oak St., 32205 | (904) 356-1612 | nfanjax.org

FB: nfanjax | IG: nfan_jax Executive Director: Donna Fuchs Mission: Northeast Florida AIDS Network provides compassionate leadership, services and advocacy in meeting the prevention, health, spiritual and social needs of individuals, families and communities.

NORTHEAST FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS

7801 Deercreek Club Rd., 32256 | (904) 394-9132 | nefarcharitablefoundation.org

FB: nefarcf CEO: Glenn East Mission: With a vision to be the charity of choice for real estate professionals, the mission is to serve as an advocate and resource for local nonprofit communities in Northeast Florida.

NORTHEAST FLORIDA HEALTHY START COALITION, INC.

751 Oak St., Suite 610, 32204 | (904) 723-5422 | nefhealthystart.org

FB: NEFHealthyStart CEO: Faye Johnson, fjohnson@nefhsc.org Mission: The Healthy Start Coalition leads a cooperative community effort to reduce infant mortality and improve the health of children, childbearing women and their families in Northeast Florida.

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1354 N. Laura St., 32206 | (904) 530-1596 | NorthsideCoalitionOfJacksonville.com

ONEJAX INSTITUTE

255 Rivertown Shops Dr. Ste. 102, PMB 104, 32259 | (904) 799-5370 | onejax.org | onejax@onejax.org

FB: OneJaxInc | IG: onejaxinc Interim CEO: Patricia McElroy Mission: OneJax is an interfaith organization dedicated to achieving civility, understanding and respect for all peoples. Our vision is an inclusive community where difference is welcomed and celebrated.

ONEBLOOD

7595 Centurion Pkwy., 32256 | (904) 353-8263 | oneblood.org

FB: myoneblood | IG: myoneblood Chairman: Jeremy P. Miller Mission: Our mission is to enhance the health and well-being of others through our work with blood and stem cell products and by facilitating scientific research. Our vision is to become the leading world-class blood system in the innovation of new services, technology and research, that positively impacts blood product safety and availability, and enhances the lives of our team members.

ONCE UPON A ROOM

3948 3rd Street South #428, Jacksonville Beach, 32250 | (904) 509-1816 onceuponaroom.org/jacksonville | hello@onceuponaroom.org

FB: onceuponaroomjacksonville | IG: onceuponaroomjax President/CEO: Barbara DeWitt, Jacksonville@onceuponaroom.org Mission: Enrich the lives of hospitalized children, teens and infants who are fighting serious illnesses and long-term acute trauma. To provide personalized hospital room makeovers, in-hospital and outpatient events to promote happiness and healing in the lives of critically ill and extended stay pediatric patients.

OPERATION NEW HOPE

1830 N. Main St., 32206 | (904) 354-4673 | operationnewhope.org | info@operationnewhope.org

FB: RenewHope | IG: renewhope President/CEO: Reggie Fullwood, rfullwood@operationnewhope.org Mission: Operation New Hope provides support, life and job skills training for people with a history of involvement with the criminal justice system, and places them in employment that offers a sustainable quality of life.

OPERATION NEW UNIFORM (ONU)

8825 Perimeter Park Blvd., St. 503, 32216 | (904) 328-1600 | onuvets.org | info@onuvets.org

FB: OperationNewUniform | IG: onuvets CEO: Michelle McManamon Mission: Ensuring all our nation’s veterans have a successful transition after service.

PACE CENTER FOR GIRLS

6745 Philips Industrial Blvd., 32256 | (904) 421-8585 | pacecenter.org

FB: PaceCenterforGirls | IG: pacecenterforgirls President & CEO: Mary Marx Mission: Pace provides girls and young women an opportunity for a better future through education, counseling, training and advocacy.

PAJCIC FAMILY FOUNDATION

102 Palm Pl., Neptune Beach, 32266 | (904) 358-8881

President: Helen Pajcic Nicholson Mission: The Pajcic Family Foundation promotes social justice, animal welfare and the preservation of mother nature, with a focus on the Jacksonville community.

PANCREATIC CANCER ACTION NETWORK

CHARI TY RE GIST E R

National Office: 1500 Rosecrans Ave., Ste. 200, Manhattan Beach, CA, 90266 | (877) 573-9971 pancan.org | info@pancan.org

FB: pancan | IG: pancan President/CEO: Julie Fleshman Mission: Our mission is to take bold action to improve the lives of everyone impacted by pancreatic cancer by advancing scientific research, building community, sharing knowledge and advocating for patients. PanCan’s vision is to create a world in which all patients with pancreatic cancer will thrive.

PATIENT ASSISTANCE FOUNDATION OF CANCER SPECIALISTS OF NORTH FLORIDA 7015 AC Skinner Pkwy., Ste. 1, 32256 | (904) 519-2739 | pafcsnf.org | foundation@csnf.us

FB: PAFCSNF | IG: paf_csnf President: Beth Page Mission: The Patient Assistance Foundation of Cancer Specialists of North Florida offers short-term financial assistance for day-to-day living expenses to patients undergoing treatments for cancer or blood-related diseases.

uccess stor JACKSONVILLE ARBORETUM A N D B O TA N I C A L G A R D E N S

PATRONS OF THE HEARTS

c/o Baptist Health Foundation, 841 Prudential Dr., Ste. 1300, 32207 | (904) 202-1442 patronsofthehearts.com | wolfsonchildrens@bmcjax.com

FB: WolfsonChildren | IG: wolfsonchildren Mission: Patrons of the Hearts is a program that functions under the umbrella of the Baptist Health Foundation and benefits international children that live in corners of the world with no access to the specialized care they require.

PAW PAWS PET RESCUE

2850 County Road #2, Hilliard, 32046 | (904) 383-9257 | pawpawspetrescue.org pawpawsrescue@gmail.com

FB: pawpawspet | IG: pawpawspetrescue Mission: We are committed to the rescue, rehabilitation, administration of proper medical care, and loving placement of dogs into second-chance homes. We believe in rescue by need, not breed.

THE PERFORMERS ACADEMY

3674 Beach Blvd., 32207 | (904) 322-7672 | jaxtpa.org | info@jaxtpa.org

FB: Performers.Academy | IG: performersjax Founder and President: Kathryn McAvoy Mission: The Performers Academy works to increase access to the performing arts for all children in the Jacksonville area.

THE PETER BRAGAN FOR BETTER BASEBALL FOUNDATION

1333 Ponte Vedra Blvd. Ponte Vedra Beach, 32082 | (904) 860-3650 | peterbraganbbf.org

FB: PeterBraganBBF Co-Chairs: Peter D. and Nancy Bragan, Jr., peterbraganjr@gmail.com Mission: Our mission is to financially support and promote the game of baseball for the betterment in Northeast Florida, and to provide scholarships for higher education, as well as to assist the community in times of natural disasters. Our vision is to award meaningful grants in perpetuity to organizations and institutions to better the game of baseball, and to open the Foundation’s dream, The Jacksonville Baseball Museum, A History of Professional Baseball in Jacksonville, providing a cultural destination to showcase the historical legacy of baseball.

THE PGA TOUR – THE PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP

1 PGA TOUR Blvd., Ponte Vedra Beach, 32082 | (904) 285-3700 | pgatour.com

FB: PGATour | IG: pgatour Senior Vice President & Executive Director: Jared Rice Mission: The PGA TOUR, its players and tournaments support more than 3,000 charities. These local and national organizations work in a range of areas affecting the lives of millions in the communities where we live and play.

PILLARS PLUS FOUNDATION pillarsplus.org

FB: Pillars Plus Foundation Inc. | IG: pillarsplusfoundationinc Founder: Rev. Tiffany McCall Mission: Pillars Plus Foundation aims to unite the pillars of our community, working together toward the common goal of reducing human suffering and poverty for the next generation.

PINE CASTLE, INC.

4911 Spring Park Rd., 32207 | (904) 733-2650 | pinecastle.org | info@pinecastle.org

FB: pinecastle | IG: pinecastle_florida CEO: Lori Ann Whittington Mission: Pine Castle is committed to empowering adults with intellectual and developmental differences through opportunities to learn, work and connect. We envision a community where persons with differences achieve their highest potential for independence.

DID WE MISS YOU?

If your 501(c)(3) nonprofit isn't featured in our list or requires updating, we're here to help. Please submit the correct information at circlescharityregister.com/contact/

by Aug. 1, 2024 to be included in the 2025 edition.

Rediscovering Our Own Connections The Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens began its year with the incredible success of their first-ever annual meeting, Seeding Jacksonville, which highlighted the Arboretum’s potential and the importance of a family-friendly outdoor environment for a city. At the meeting, the Arboretum shared that it had received a coveted Delores Barr Weaver Challenge Grant for $50,000. If the Arboretum could successfully raise that amount, the Delores Barr Weaver Legacy Fund would match it. Fulfillment of this challenge grant would provide the funds necessary to begin the design of the Children’s Garden as a part of the Arboretum’s Master Plan.

This announcement sparked an exciting, community-wide conversation around the Master Plan that gained the attention of the River Branch Foundation, who generously donated the necessary funds for this challenge grant. Soon after, a partnership with Mason’s Mission was secured for the donation of Mason’s Pavilion at the Arboretum. HBI, a non-profit that serves transitioning military, also joined in the construction of the pavilion and this became a beautiful collaboration of three nonprofits coming together for a meaningful cause. The gorgeous new pavilion with a spectacular view is a wonderful new addition for visitors.

As excitement grew, donations came in for a beautiful memorial garden, Tatyana’s Garden, a remembrance special addition dedicated to a beautiful soul, now memorialized along the subtropical stroll of the Arboretum’s Lake Loop.

These additions are only steppingstones to the monumental growth that the Arboretum expects in the coming years. The support from donors has become the bedrock upon which they have built a beautiful haven for the community — one that’s accessible, affordable and educational. Crafting a dynamic, ever-evolving botanical wonderland isn’t a mere happenstance; it relies profoundly on the generosity of compassionate souls, whose support has helped the Arboretum reach over 15,000 students, 1,375 members, 4,000 volunteer hours and 140,000 annual visitors.

Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens has been able to expand programs and facilitate more events, attracting a greater audience than ever before. Whether visitors come for socialization or peaceful reflection, inspiration or stress-relief, exercise or relaxation, or simply to take in the majesty of nature. The Arboretum is a sanctuary of solace and respite for Jacksonville’s community. It has given visitors a living path to rediscovering their connection with nature and with one another – and it’s just getting started.

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uccess stor T H E L J D J E W I S H F A M I LY & COMMUNITY SERVICES

PINK RIBBON JAX

P.O. Box 483, Ponte Vedra Beach, 32004 | (904) 202-2919 | PinkRibbonJax.org

FB: ThePinkRibbonGolfClassic | IG: pinkribbonjax Chair: Marica Pendjer, philanthropyservices@bmcjax.com Mission: Pink Ribbon Jax, a National Philanthropy Day 2021 honoree, is an all-volunteer nonprofit group that raises funds for local breast cancer research, mammography and patient services at Baptist Health and Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville.

What began as one event, the Pink Ribbon Golf Classic, has grown to multiple fundraising and educational events. To date, we have raised and donated more than $2.5 million in the fight against breast cancer, and it all stays in Jacksonville!

PINK RIBBON BLUE SKIES FOUNDATION

10700 Beach Blvd. #54171, 32245 | (904) 426-9389 | prbsf.org | secretary@prbsf.org

FB: prbsf.org | IG: prbsfi Founder and President: Carlise Charlot Mission: Building community. Creating connection. Embracing life. Join us in our mission to help survivors flourish. Your support helps hundreds of people thrive after a cancer diagnosis disrupts their lives.

PLANNED GIVING COUNCIL OF NORTHEAST FLORIDA

50 N. Laura St., Ste. 2500-44, 32202 | (904) 887-3843 | pgcnefl.org | administrator@pgcnefl.org

FB: PGCNEFL President: Mariette Brodeur, mariette.brodeur@cypressbanktrust.com Mission: Our mission is to foster awareness and to provide an effective forum for education, communication, networking and collaboration for our gift planning community.

POLICE ATHLETIC LEAGUE OF JACKSONVILLE

P.O. Box 351060, 32235 | (904) 854-6555 | jaxpal.com | connect@jaxpal.org

Erin and her family

Connecting Families with Resources to Succeed Case managers at The LJD Jewish Family & Community Services (JFCS) first met with Erin, her husband, John, and two young sons following a Department of Children and Families report about possible problems with alcohol abuse in the home. The meeting revealed deeper, contributing issues that also needed to be addressed.

Erin’s 5-year-old son had recently been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, and their efforts to deal with the diagnosis had worsened the family’s existing financial struggles.

JFCS handled the family’s primary issue by connecting Erin with substance abuse treatment, which she participated in for months, followed by aftercare services.

Erin and John successfully participated in the high-risk newborn program, working together with highly qualified JFCS case managers to ensure they were on the same page when it came to responsibilities in the household. John also took part in anger management sessions.

Throughout this time, JFCS helped the family pay for their utilities and enroll in the YMCA, where both of their sons could safely attend daycare. JFCS continued to monitor the family to ensure they were meeting all their son’s medical needs as well as arranging transportation for them to make appointments as needed. The family was successfully discharged from JFCS in a few months.

This family’s experience perfectly showcases how JFCS so often assists families that are referred through one channel with a combination of resources – including prevention services, counseling, financial assistance and more – to achieve successful outcomes. The agency truly embodies its mission of helping people help themselves.

To learn more about The LJD Jewish Family & Community Services, or to donate to help the families it serves, please visit JFCSJax.org.

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FB: jaxpal | IG: jax_pal Executive Director: Mary Bishop, info@jaxpal.org Mission: The Police Athletic League of Jacksonville works to enrich the lives of children by creating positive relationships between law enforcement officers and the youth of our community through educational, athletic and leadership programs.

PONTE VEDRA WOMAN’S CLUB

P.O. Box 957, Ponte Vedra Beach, 32004 | (904) 654-7281 | pontevedrawomansclub.com admin@pontevedrawomansclub.com

FB: PVWC1 | IG: pontevedrawomansclub President: president@pontevedrawomansclub.com Mission: The club was established in 1970 by 15 women who wanted to work together for a charitable cause; over the decades the list of charities and scholarships has increased.

PRESBYTERIAN SOCIAL MINISTRIES

4115 Post St., 32205 | (904) 338-0920 | psmjax.org | info@presbyteriansocialministries.org

FB: PSMJAX | IG: psmjax1 CEO: Teri Ketchum Mission: A faith-based ministry connecting goods and services with partner agencies who serve those in need.

PRISONERS OF CHRIST

6940 Atlantic Blvd., 32211 | (904) 358-8866 | pocjax.org

FB: Prisoners Of Christ CEO/President: Jeff Witt, president@pocjax.org Mission: Prisoners of Christ (POC) has helped make Jacksonville a safer community since 1990 by assisting individuals who have been recently released from prison. POC’s clients benefit from three primary services offerings: character development/life skills initiatives, residential services and securing employment.

PROJECT: COLD CASE

10 S. Newnan St., Ste. 1, 32202 | (904) 514-9847 projectcoldcase.org | info@projectcoldcase.org

FB: ProjectColdCase | IG: project_cold_case Executive Director: Ryan Backmann, ryanb@projectcoldcase.org Mission: Project: Cold Case provides long-term emotional support to families of cold case victims through support groups, counseling and case-specific, next-step approaches for advancing investigations - all while working to publicize cold cases long out of the public eye and bridging the gap between families and law enforcement.

QUIGLEY HOUSE

3373-1 US Hwy. 17, Green Cove Springs, 32043 | (904) 284-0340 | quigleyhouse.org

FB: QuigleyHouse | IG: quigley_house Interim CEO: Ellen Siler, esiler@quigleyhouse.org Mission: The Quigley House works to provide advocacy and empowerment to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault while providing community education to heighten awareness.

CHARI TY RE GIST E R

READ USA, INC.

4019 Boulevard Center Dr., 32207 | (904) 732-3872 | readusainc.com | info@readusainc.com

FB: readusainc | IG: readusainc CEO: Robert Kelly, rob@readusainc.com Mission: READ USA works to solve illiteracy through high-interest books and high-quality teaching.

RENEWING DIGNITY, INC.

P.O. Box 330885, Atlantic Beach, 32233 | (904) 716–9161 | RenewingDignity.org

FB: renewingdignity | IG: renewingdignity Founder: Jan Healy, Jan@RenewingDignity.org Mission: To eliminate period poverty through direct period product distribution, education and advocacy. We believe that unmet menstrual hygiene needs are health and safety, dignity, equity and social justice issue. Our vision is to create a world in which every woman and girl is empowered to manage her menstruation safely, hygienically, with confidence and without shame, where no one is limited by something as natural and normal as her period.

uccess stor LUTHERAN SOCIAL SERVICES OF NORTHEAST FLORIDA

RETHREADED

515 9th St. E., 32206 | (904) 438-8109 | rethreaded.com | info@rethreaded.com

FB: rethreadedinc | IG: rethreadedinc Founder and CEO: Kristin Keen, kristin@rethreaded.com Mission: Human trafficking destroys lives. Rethreaded exists to restore choice, eliminate vulnerabilities to exploitation and break the cycle of generational trauma for survivors of human trafficking by providing employment, career development and supportive services.

THE RITA FOUNDATION

8334 Amherst Hills Ln., 32256 | (904) 363-1493 | the-rita-foundation.org | info@the-rita-foundation.org

Volunteer Chairman: Charles R. Jantz Mission: The Mission of The RITA (Research Is The Answer) Foundation is to raise awareness and money to help in the fight against all cancers, with an emphasis on breast cancer.

RITZ CHAMBER PLAYERS

300 Water St., Ste. 200, 32202 | (904) 472-4270 | ritzchamberplayers.org

FB: RitzChamberPlayers | IG: ritz_chamber_players Founder: Terrance Patterson, terrance@ritzchamberplayers.org Mission: The Ritz Chamber Players foster the appreciation of chamber music through performances and educational outreach featuring preeminent African American musicians and composers, with an emphasis on building audiences and arts inclusion that reflects our diverse society.

RIVER GARDEN SENIOR SERVICES

11401 Old St. Augustine Rd., 32258 | (904) 260-1818 | rivergarden.org | foundation@rivergarden.org

FB: rivergardenseniorservices CEO: Mauri Mizrahi, mmizrahi@rivergarden.org Mission: To Provide a wide range of quality senior care services in residential, outpatient and community based settings. To Create a comfortable and dignified home for seniors, serving all in our care with excellence regardless of financial resources. To Serve people of all faiths, while maintaining an environment supportive of Jewish identity and informed by Jewish values. To Act as a valuable senior services resource for the entire community.

RIVERSIDE HOSPITAL FOUNDATION

9090 Barrister Ct., 32257 | 904-739-7363 | riversidehospitalfdn.org

Executive Director: Helen Werking, hwerking@hotmail.com

RIVERSIDE TRADITION HOUSE

2911 Riverside Ave., 32205 | (904) 384-1839 | thjax.org

FB: rthjax Direction: Mark Ragland, RTH1971@yahoo.com Mission: Established in 1971 by Riverside Presbyterian Church to provide a safe, secure residence for adult men wishing to recover from the problems resulting from substance abuse.

RIVER REGION HUMAN SERVICES, INC.

3901 Carmichael Ave., 32207 | (904) 899-6300 | rrhs.org

FB: RiverRegionhs | IG: riverregionhs President & CEO: Dr. Jacqueline Dowdy Mission: Our mission is to provide integrated health services that change lives, rebuild families and restore communities. River Region Human Services, Inc. is committed to being the “provider of choice” for integrated health services in Northeast Florida, dedicated to the recovery, restoration and promotion of strong and healthy individuals, families and communities.

DID WE MISS YOU?

If your 501(c)(3) nonprofit isn't featured in our list or requires updating, we're here to help. Please submit the correct information at circlescharityregister.com/contact/

by Aug. 1, 2024 to be included in the 2025 edition.

Beyond Sustenance In 2023, the Lutheran Social Services (LSS) Food Pantry distributed more than 25,000 boxes of food to our neighbors in need – a testament to the power of community, compassion and collaboration.

Hunger relief has been a cornerstone of the LSS mission for almost 45 years, and we remain committed to ensuring that those who need help in our community can find it, with dignity and no strings attached. The LSS Food Pantry is open five days a week, and anyone may get food up to once per month.

While the LSS Food Pantry serves as a vital source of sustenance, it goes beyond that. It provides a lifeline for struggling families, allowing them to redirect a portion of their limited resources to other essentials, like rent or the gas to get to work each day. Thanks to food from our pantry, Jacksonville residents were able to redirect more than $2 million to other vital expenses last year.

We also work with a network of other nonprofits and service providers to host a resource fair every third Tuesday of the month, during pantry hours. In addition to food, pantry clients can access information about vision screenings, Medicare enrollment, vocational programs, substance abuse treatment, childcare, and more.

We couldn’t do it without the steadfast support of our community. Last year, our small pantry staff received invaluable assistance from more than 700 volunteers, who generously contributed almost 4,000 hours of their precious time to the pantry. That’s almost the equivalent of two fulltime employees. Hundreds more chose to participate in a food drive or make a monetary contribution.

The LSS Food Pantry is just one of many services available onsite at our 4615 Philips Hwy. location. Other LSS services include refugee resettlement, comprehensive HIV services, representative payee services, and career and financial coaching. Additionally, our site hosts four other nonprofit organizations that provide crucial health-related services for the uninsured. Collectively, LSS and these partners make up a caring, nurturing campus that touched the lives of more than 80,000 individuals last year.

The LSS Food Pantry is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to noon. To learn more about LSS, including how to volunteer, please visit lssjax.org.

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uccess stor NORTH FLORIDA SCHOOL O F S P E C I A L E D U C AT I O N

RODEHEAVER FOUNDATION

P.O. Box 5, Palatka, 32178 | (386) 983-0658 | Rodeheaverfoundation.org

FB: RodeheaverFoundation Director of Development: Krista Purcell, KPurcell@RodeheaverFoundation.org Mission: Our mission is nurturing children in a safe Christian environment, providing the roots to become thriving adults. We believe that how we care for children, protect their well-being and prepare them for the future are some of the most important issues we face during our lifetime.

RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES JACKSONVILLE

824 Children’s Way, 32207 | (904) 807-4663 | rmhcjacksonville.org

FB: rmhcjacksonville | IG: rmhcjacksonville CEO: Joey Leik, jleik@rmhcjax.org Mission: Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Jacksonville supports the health and well-being of children by providing lodging, meals, transportation and a community of care to critically ill children and their families who need to be near a hospital for treatment. Our vision is that the quality programs of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Jacksonville will continuously evolve to serve the children and families who receive pediatric healthcare in Northeast Florida.

ROTARY CLUB & CHARITIES OF NORTH JACKSONVILLE FL

521 Airport Center Dr., 32218 | (904) 534-0035 | NorthJAXRotary.org

President: Thomas Meissgeier Mission: For over 50 years, we have continuously designed & successfully implemented an amazing number of high-impact health, education, wellness, disaster recovery, economic development, workforce development, environmental and other “signature” outreach programs for families, veterans, elders and young people throughout the entire U.S. and our world.

SAFE HARBOR BOYS ACADEMY

4772 Safe Harbor Way, 32226 | (904) 757-7918 | safeharboracademy.com

Barkin’ Biscuits Barkin’ Biscuits is a microenterprise and vocational training program for young adults with intellectual and developmental differences at North Florida School of Special Education (NFSSE).

Student chefs lovingly create all-natural dog treats for furry friends; they follow recipes, mix ingredients, roll and cut the dough, bake the treats, weigh and package for retail market and prepare custom orders. Postgraduate students make up the heart and soul of the entire operation.

Barkin’ Biscuits started as a pilot program in 2014 in a small kitchen. As the years passed, Barkin’ Biscuits became one of the busiest spaces on the school’s campus, both for volunteering and production. Barkin’ Biscuits ships as far as Seattle, Washington.

What started as a small jobsite for vocational training became a booming business run by students. As NFSSE’s programs expanded, the Barkin’ Biscuits kitchen began to feel as though it was bursting at the seams.

In August 2023, Barkin’ Biscuits moved into its new kitchen after the school purchased and renovated the Lee & Cates building next door to the school. Barkin’ Biscuits chefs truly have the kitchen of their dreams now and continue to lovingly create all-natural dog treats for four-legged friends around Northeast Florida and beyond. The old Barkin’ Biscuits space was renovated to make three new transition classrooms which were desperately needed.

NFSSE celebrates the qualities that set each student apart and recognizes that success is achieved when we draw upon each other’s strengths. When you buy a biscuit for your furry friends, you facilitate an environment of growth, education and joy. NFSSE looks forward to welcoming friends and advocates into the new Barkin’ Biscuits space for years to come. Please visit their website and schedule a tour.

FB: SafeHarborMaritimeAcademy | IG: #safeharbormaritimeacademy Co-Founder & Executive Director: Robbie W. Smith, admissions@boyshome.com Mission: The mission of Safe Harbor is to provide a caring, loving, disciplined atmosphere, to instill self-esteem, responsibility and reliability in the boys. We endeavor to assist the boys in becoming responsible, mature and independent young men through spiritual, educational and vocational training. Our goal is to teach them to live and work in harmony with others, to be accepting and tolerant of their fellow man without compromising the truth, in a word, to become mature.

ST. AUGUSTINE HUMANE SOCIETY

1665 Old Moultrie Rd., St. Augustine, 32084 | (904) 829-2737 | staughumane.org info@staughumane.org

FB: StAugustineHumaneSociety | IG: staughumane Mission: St. Augustine Humane Society is committed to providing resources that strengthen lifelong, human-animal bonds in our community. We strive to eliminate the need for families to relinquish their pets to shelters, enabling pets to live happily and healthfully in their homes.

ST. FRANCIS ANIMAL HOSPITAL

2727 Atlantic Blvd., 32207 | (904) 674-7223 | SaintFrancisAnimalHospital.org

FB: saintfrancisjax | IG: saintfrancisjax Founder & Medical Director: Susan Shelton, DVM Mission: St. Francis Animal Hospital strives to make healthcare accessible to all owned pets.

ST. JOHNS RIVERKEEPER

2800 University Blvd. N., 32211 | (904) 256-7591 | stjohnsriverkeeper.org

FB: stjohnsriverkeeper | IG: sjriverkeeper Executive Director: Jimmy Orth, jimmy@stjohnsriverkeeper.org Mission: The St. Johns Riverkeeper works to be an independent voice that defends, advocates and activates others to protect and restore the St. Johns River.

ST. MICHAEL’S SOLDIERS

1382 Cooper’s Hawk Way, Middleburg, 32068 | (904) 599-7855 | stmichaelssoldiers.org | info@ stmichaelssoldiers.org

FB: StMichaelsSoldiers | IG: stmichaelssoldiers Founders: Kathy and Jim Signorile Mission: St. Michael’s Soldiers is dedicated to the support of the deployed men and women of our United States military, local active military and their families.

SALVATION ARMY OF NORTHEAST FLORIDA 328 N. Ocean St., 32202 | (904) 894-1510 jacksonville.salvationarmyflorida.org

FB: SalvationArmyNEFL | IG: salarmyjax Mission: The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

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SANCTUARY ON 8TH STREET 120 E. 8th St., 32206 | (904) 356-3588 | sanctuaryon8th.org

FB: Sanctuaryon8th | IG: sanctuaryon8th Executive Director: Rick Cartlidge, Jr., rick@sanctuaryon8th.org Mission: To encourage and empower Jacksonville youth and families in need by ministering to their spiritual, physical, social and intellectual needs.

SAVING ANIMALS FROM EUTHANASIA (SAFE)

1250 County Road A1A, St. Augustine, 32080 | (904) 460-0556 | safe-pet-rescue-fl.com

FB: SAFEPetRescue | IG: safe_pet_rescue Mission: SAFE was founded in 2008 with the goal of rescuing animals from kill shelters when they are facing euthanasia. To date, we have rescued over 27,000 pets who, through no fault of their own, became homeless.

uccess stor NORTHEAST FLORIDA WOMEN VETERANS

SEAMARK RANCH

1 San Jose Pl., Ste. 31, 32257 | (904) 288-8885 | seamarkranch.com | jaxoffice@seamarkranch.com

FB: seamarkranch | IG: seamarkranch CEO: Greg Voss, greg@seamarkranch.com Mission: Seamark Ranch is a nurturing Christian home and family system that give children from families in crisis the tools they need for a brighter future. Through a family home model, a specialized residential school and the lessons of life on a working farm community, Seamark Ranch provides the ideal setting for love, stabilization, healing, education and empowerment.

SENIORS ON A MISSION

P.O. Box 10021, 32247 | (904) 509-4784 | seniorsonamission.org | info@seniorsonamission.org

FB: SoaMJAX | IG: soamjax Founder & Executive Director: Joanne Hickox, joanne@seniorsonamission.org Mission: Seniors on a Mission exists to honor, love and encourage independent living senior adults, inspiring them to live invigorated lives filled with purpose and grace.

SERVING UP A CURE

8785 Perimeter Park Blvd., 32216 | (904) 962-1409 | servingupacure.com | info@servingupacure.com

FB: deerwoodservingupacure | IG: servingupacurejax Founder: Bill Sharp Mission: Our mission statement is simple: Helping Jacksonville cure cancer. Serving Up A Cure relies on volunteers, with much of the event’s expenses being covered by sponsorships, players and in-kind donations from local businesses and individuals. All funds go directly to the charities we serve: The Ellie Kavalieros DIPG Fund, The Gabriel House of Care and Community Hospice of Northeast Florida.

SHANNON MILLER FOUNDATION

2472 Dennis St., 32204 | shannonmiller.com/foundation | contact@shannonmiller.com

FB: ShannonMillerOfficial | IG: shannonmiller96 Founder: Shannon Miller Mission: Through education and awareness of the health risks associated with childhood obesity, the Shannon Miller Foundation strives to make a positive impact on children’s health.

SHULTZ CENTER

4019 Blvd. Center Dr., 32207 | (904) 348-5757 | schultzcenter.org

FB: schultzcenter | IG: schultzcenter Executive Director: Simmie A. Raiford, raifords@schultzcenter.org Mission: Schultz Center strives to create a welcoming environment for anyone hosting or attending an event, meeting or training inside. We’re proud to be the best venue in Jacksonville and we love promoting our local roots. Both the outside and inside of our building are adorned with art from local artists that promotes the sense of empowerment we try to cultivate within every person that attends an event, meeting or training under our roof.

SINGLE VISION, INC.

8185 Forest Hills Rd., Melrose, 32666 | (904) 377-7993 | singlevisioninc.org

FB: SingleVision | IG: singlevision Founder: Carl Bovard Mission: Single Vision’s mission is worldwide conservation of endangered species and the preservation of land and habitat essential to earth’s remaining wildlife.

THE SONTAG FOUNDATION

816 A1A N., Ste. 201, Ponte Vedra Beach, 32082 | (904) 273-8755 | sontagfoundation.org

Executive Director: Hilary Keeley, HKeeley@sontagfoundation.org Mission: The Sontag Foundation is one of the largest private funders of brain cancer research in the United States. Established in 2002 by Frederick and Susan Sontag following Susan’s successful battle with a normally lethal form of brain cancer.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS FLORIDA

Tiffany – From Shelter to Success Northeast Florida Women Veterans is a place where women are excelling beyond their own expectations. Tiffany considered herself resourceful and able to handle most things, but she found herself homeless, jobless and not sure what her next step would be.

Tiffany moved into a shelter and immediately began applying for jobs. One day, she was told about a position that might be a good fit for her. She arrived for an interview. As the conversation moved on, Tiffany revealed that she was participating in one of the organization’s programs, HerSPACE, and that she was living in the HerSPACE shelter. The interviewer was surprised but continued with the interview. Tiffany got the job because she was very optimistic, even in her current situation. A month later, she was able to move out of the shelter into stable housing.

The details of Tiffany’s journey parallels many women veterans who have passed through the doors of Northeast Florida Women Veterans. Stories of trauma-to-triumph exist because of the people who thought enough to support a worthy cause: a place serving women who served this country.

The organization provides a food pantry, basic needs financial assistance, personal and professional workshops, counseling and case management. On any given day, there is a workshop in session, food being given out, a mental wellness retreat on a campsite, counseling to a woman who has suffered military sexual trauma, a check being written to pay a light bill, another bed being filled in the shelter, a community event being attended, or a simple hug being given to a woman as she walks through the door. We are a safe space for her to tell her story and, many times, to change the next chapter of her story. Northeast Florida Women Veterans continues to put the woman veteran and her children first.

As the CEO always says, “Just do the work.”

1915 Don Wickham Dr., Clermont, 34711 | (352) 243-9536 | specialolympicsflorida.org

FB: specialolympicsflorida | IG: specialolympicsfl President & CEO: Sherry Wheelock, sherrywheelock@sofl.org Mission: Special Olympics Florida provides year-round sports training, competition and health services to children and adults with intellectual disabilities, at no cost to the athletes or their caregivers, as a means to achieve physical fitness, self-esteem, socialization skills and the life skills necessary to be productive, respected and contributing members of their communities.

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THE SPINA BIFIDA OF JACKSONVILLE

2970 Mercury Rd., 32207 | (904) 699-9886 | spinabifidajax.org

FB: SpinaBifidaJax | IG: spinabifidajax Executive Director: Demery Webber, demery.webber@spinabifidajax.org Mission: The Spina Bifida Association provides support for families living with Spina Bifida.

SPRINGFIELD IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION AND ARCHIVES

210 W. 7th St., 32206 | (904) 633-9308 | historicspringfield.org | siaaweb@historicspringfield.org

PAC E C E N T E R F O R G I R L S

FB: HistoricSpringfield | IG: sparjax President: Debbie Thomopson Mission: We specialize in enhancing the quality of life in Historic Springfield through beautifying its public spaces, providing volunteer service and educating the community, while preserving our archives.

SPRINGFIELD KITTY CAT SHACK RESCUE

(904) 357-0341 | sprkittycatshack.org | info@sprkittycatschack.org

FB: kittycatshack | IG: springfieldkittycat Contact: sprkittycatshack@gmail.com Mission: Our focus is primarily on taming feral kittens that are too big to go to ACPS and not tame enough to go to the Humane Society. We are located in the historic neighborhood of Springfield.

SPRINGFIELD PRESERVATION AND REVITALIZATION (SPAR)

1321 N. Main St., 32206 | (904) 353-7727 | sparcouncil.org | sparoffice@sparcouncil.org

FB: sparjax | IG: sparjax Executive Director: Michael Haskins, executivedirector@sparcouncil.org Mission: The mission of SPAR is to ensure historic Springfield is a preferred place to live and do business by leading programs that drive the preservation, revitalization and balanced growth of our community.

STEP UP FOR STUDENTS

PO Box 54429, 32245 | 877-735-7837 | stepupforstudents.org | schoolchoice@fldoe.org

Transforming Lives, Empowering Futures Pace Center for Girls is uniquely positioned to transform lives and communities through our personalized and holistic approach. We believe in the power and potential of every girl, and we envision a world where all girls, regardless of their circumstances, can thrive and succeed.

With a history spanning over 35 years, Pace has grown from serving 10 girls in Jacksonville, Florida to serving over 3,500 girls annually across Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. Pace’s work has positively impacted the lives of more than 40,000 girls and over the past decade has contributed to a more than 60% decrease in the number of girls that are referred to Florida’s juvenile justice system.

One girl whose life was transformed by Pace is Ryann. She shared: “Before I came to Pace, I was skipping school every day, and had given up on my academics. I also had no voice for myself.

When I first started at Pace, I thought it would be like any other school. I was pleasantly surprised when I was greeted with not just a school but a family. Pace helped me find my confidence and voice once again. I am forever grateful for all the opportunities Pace has given to me and all the girls.”

The impact of Pace goes beyond individual success stories.

When girls graduate from high school, pursue higher education, or join the workforce, they break generational cycles. They become the leaders, mothers, and community advocates who will shape a brighter future for all of us.

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FB: stepup4students | IG: stepup4students President: Doug Tuthill Mission: Step Up is serving more than 170,000 scholarship students across Florida this year, helping public education fulfill the promise of equal opportunity. Our goal is for all Florida students to have access to the tools that best meet their learning needs.

SULZBACHER

611 E. Adams St., 32202 | (904) 359-0457 | sulzbacherjax.org

FB: SulzbacherJax | IG: sulzbacherjax CEO: Cindy Funkhouser, cindyfunkhouser@sulzbacherjax.org Mission: Sulzbacher works to empower homeless and at-risk women, children and men through health, housing and income services thereby restoring hope and self-sufficiency.

SUSAN G. KOMEN - FLORIDA

972-855-4320 | komen.org/community/florida/

FB: SusanGKomen | IG: susangkomen State Executive Director: Sean Gross, sgross@komen.org Mission: Our mission is to save lives by meeting the most critical needs of our communities and investing in breakthrough research to prevent and cure breast cancer.

tag! THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF ST. AUGUSTINE

1 Children’s Way, St. Augustine, 32084 | (904) 647-1757 | tagmuseum.org | info@tagmuseum.org

FB: tagmuseum | IG: tagmuseum Executive Director: Kim MacEwan Mission: Our mission is to inspire play, discovery, exploration and innovation through science and creativity. tag! Children’s Museum creates transformative, play-based opportunities for families.

TAKE STOCK IN CHILDREN

4527 Lenox Ave., 32205 | (904) 730-1872 | takestockjax.org

FB: TSICDuval | IG: tsichildren Student Services Coordinator: Kristin Carter, kcarter@goodwillnorthfl.org Mission: Take Stock in Children works to change the lives of deserving children by combining in-school support through a college support coach, the promise of a college or vocational school scholarship and, most importantly, the guidance of a caring mentor.

TEACH FOR AMERICA

40 East Adams St., Ste. 110, 32202 | (904) 353-6517 | teachforamerica.org

FB: teachforamerica | IG: teachforamerica Executive Director: LaKeisha Wells-Palmer, Heather.Ryan@teachforamerica.org Mission: Teach For America finds, develops and supports equity-oriented leaders – individually and in teams – so they can transform education and expand opportunity with children, starting in the classroom.

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TESORI FAMILY FOUNDATION

101 Marketside Ave., Ste. 404 #345, Ponte Vedra, 32081 | (904)502-1482 | tesorifamilyfoundation.org

FB: TesoriFamilyFoundation | IG: tesorifamilyfdt Founders/Board Co-Chairs: Paul and Michelle Tesori, tff@tesorifamilyfoundation.org Mission: The foundation’s mission is to achieve great things through God by lending a helping hand, providing hope and healing hearts for children. Its vision is to make a positive change in the lives of children in the local community and those touched by the PGA TOUR.

TIM TEBOW FOUNDATION

2220 County Rd. 210 W., Ste. 108, PMB 317, 32259 | (904) 380-8499 | timtebowfoundation.org

FB: TimTebowFoundation | IG: timtebowfoundation President: Steve Biondo Mission: The Foundation’s mission is to bring faith, hope and love to those needing a brighter day in their darkest hour of need.

uccess stor T H E S A LVAT I O N A R M Y OF NORTHEAST FLORIDA

TIMUCUAN PARKS FOUNDATION

9953 Heckscher Dr., 32226 | (904) 374-1107 | timucuanparks.org | info@timucuanparks.org

FB: TimucuanParksFoundation | IG: timucuanparks Executive Director: Mark Middlebrook Mission: The Timucuan Trails Parks Foundation serves to protect, preserve and promote the Timucuan Trail Parks through advocacy, fundraising and marketing.

TOM COUGHLIN JAY FUND FOUNDATION

PO Box 50798, Jacksonville Beach, 32240 | (904) 543-2599 | tcjayfund.org | info@tcjayfund.org

FB: tcjayfund | IG: tcjayfund CEO: Keli Coughlin Joyce Mission: The Tom Coughlin Jay Fund helps families tackling childhood cancer by providing comprehensive financial, emotional and practical support.

TREE HILL NATURE CENTER

7152 Lone Star Rd., 32211 | (904) 724-4646 | treehill.org | info@treehill.org

FB: TreeHillNatureCenter | IG: treehillnaturecenter Executive Director: Mark Mummaw Mission: Tree Hill Nature Center promotes environmental stewardship to the community through hands-on educational programs and low-cost access to natural areas.

TRINITY RESCUE MISSION

622 W. Union St., 32202 | (904) 355-1205 | trinityrescue.org

FB: TrinityRescue | IG: trinityrescue Executive Director: Gary Judd, gjudd@tbc.org Mission: Trinity Rescue Mission provides emergency services and long-term recovery programs to the hungry, homeless and hurting in the greater Jacksonville area.

TRISTYN BAILEY FOUNDATION tristynbailey.com

FB: TristynBaileyStrong | IG: tristynbaileystrong Mission: The Tristyn Bailey Memorial Fund was established to honor the vibrant life of Tristyn Bailey. It’s impact focuses on the four pillars of good acts: scholarship, victim advocacy, self defense and confidence, and education on the dangers of social media.

UCOM UNITED COMMUNITY OUTREACH MINISTRY

3349 St. Augustine Rd., 32207 | (904) 396-2401 | ucomjax.org | ucom.jax@gmail.com

FB: ucomjax | IG: ucomjax Executive Director: Sara Mitchell, saramitchell@ucomjax.org Mission: UCOM serves the community to ensure that no one faces hunger alone, providing emergency relief to those facing food insecurity, providing one hot meal a day to the homebound, and providing help to those willing to break their cycle of crisis.

UF HEALTH JACKSONVILLE

655 8th Street W., 32209 | (904) 244-1061 | ufhealthjax.org | events@jax.ufl.edu

FB: anightforheroes | IG: ufhealthjaxgives CEO: Patrick Green, development@jax.ufl.edu Mission: The mission of the University of Florida College of Medicine – Jacksonville and UF Health Jacksonville is to heal, comfort, educate and discover through quality health care, elimination of health disparities, medical education, innovation and research.

UNF FOUNDATION

1 UNF Dr., 32224 | (904) 620-1833 | unf.edu/foundation

FB: UofNorthFlorida | IG: uofnorthflorida Vice President and Executive Director: Teresa Nichols, teresa.nichols@unf.edu Mission: The University of North Florida Foundation has a focus on fiduciary responsibility, volunteer leadership and endowment growth in order to provide private support to the University’s strategic plan for academic and student life programs to meet such needs as scholarships, faculty instruction, research and facilities.

Towers Center of Hope On March 13, 2023, a young woman, looking tired, scared and hopeless came to the doors of The Salvation Army’s Towers Center of Hope Transitional Housing shelter with her mother and two sons.

Having just been released from a 10-year prison sentence, she was very agitated, and the fear in her face was apparent. Life on the outside seemed impossible. Her mother had been raising her sons while she was in prison, but it was time for this family to be reunited.

It was time for Sherrie* to take responsibility for her family.

The staff at The Towers Center of Hope was able to encourage Sherrie that she was in a safe place, and help was here for her and her boys. She was scared and uncertain of their future but was willing to allow us the opportunity to help her. She was willing to be vulnerable and courageous.

Working with another partner agency, we were able to get Sherrie into a program that helped prior felons obtain job skills, prepare resumes and develop life skills. Sherrie excelled in this program.

After just two weeks of being at the shelter, she had obtained employment, her boys were attending school and, slowly, this family was getting to know one another again. You could see Sherrie’s fear fading away, replaced by a beautiful smile and self-assurance.

Sherrie worked diligently with her case manager at The Towers Center of Hope to apply for housing for her and the boys. She began to see a promising future, and she was enjoying being a mother again. So much time had passed, and she wasn’t about to let another day go by without working hard to show her boys that second chances really do exist.

On May 24, 2023, Sherrie and her two sons moved out of the shelter and into their own home. The shelter was able to provide them with food, furniture and other items for their new home. In less than two months, thanks to The Salvation Army’s Towers Center of Hope, this young lady was able to accomplish so much for her family and her future. *Name has been changed for privacy protection.

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UNITED WAY OF NORTHEAST FLORIDA

40 E. Adams St., Ste. 310, 32202 | (904) 300-8366 | unitedwaynefl.org mail@uwnefl.org

FB: unitedwaynefl | IG: unitedwaynefl President/CEO: Melanie Patz Mission: Celebrating 100 years of serving Northeast Florida in 2024, United Way of Northeast Florida has earned a reputation as a respected and efficient philanthropic organization. Thanks to the contributions of thousands of donors, volunteers and partners, United Way improves economic mobility by addressing basic needs, financial well-being and racial equity.

VISION IS PRICELESS

4615 Philips Hwy., Ste. 100A, 32207 | (904) 503-2423 | visionispriceless.org | info@visionispriceless.org

FB: VisionIsPriceless | IG: vip_nefl Executive Director: Jami Bueker, jami@visionispriceless.org Mission: Vision Is Priceless works to fulfill the need in our community for vision screenings and provide access to vision care – including eye exams, prescription glasses and specialty care – for the uninsured and underserved. Our mission is to assess, sustain and improve the visual health of children and adults in Northeast Florida through education, vision screenings, treatment and referrals.

VOLUNTEERS IN MEDICINE

3728 Philips Hwy. Ste. 34, 32207 | (904) 399-2766 | vimjax.org

FB: vimjax | IG: vimjax CEO: Jennifer Ryan, jryan@vimjax.org Mission: The mission of Volunteers in Medicine Jacksonville is to advance the physical, mental and emotional well-being of the working uninsured to improve quality of life for all. Our vision is a healthy community where we all have access to healthcare.

WAGS & WHISKERS PET RESCUE AND ADOPTIONS

32 Masters Dr., St. Augustine, 32084 | (904) 814-0615 | wwpetrescue.org

Moving God’s Love Forward Young Life has a rich history in Jacksonville, with the first club starting at what is now known as Riverside High School in 1958. Over the past 65 years, we have expanded throughout Northeast Florida, but our mission and vision have remained the same: to introduce teenagers to Jesus Christ and help them walk in their faith. Staff, supported by adult volunteers, go out into the world of kids to build friendships, earn the right to be heard, and care for teenagers and young adults regardless of their response to faith.

Over the years, tens of thousands of young lives have been changed; Chrissy Webb is one example. Chrissy was a teenager when she became pregnant with her daughter, now 11. Chrissy was introduced to YoungLives, Young Life’s outreach to pregnant and parenting teenagers, where she met Jordan Whitmarsh, a former teen mom herself and, at the time, new to YoungLives staff. Jordan mentored Chrissy, took her to camp and watched her dedicate her life to Christ. Today, Chrissy is on staff and runs all direct ministry for YoungLives throughout Duval County.

“It has been such a gift to watch her grow and watch the Lord use her story for good,” said Jordan.

Chrissy is now mentoring Kawanna, who attends YoungLives Club, our large-group outreach to pregnant and parenting teens. The two bonded over shared life experiences, and Kawanna attended weekend camp this year where she was able to further hear the truth about how much Jesus loves her and her baby.

“Getting to walk alongside Kawanna as she experiences motherhood has been the greatest honor. Her baby girl is now six months old, and I always look forward to picking them both up for Club and getting to catch up on life together!” said Chrissy.

Stories like Chrissy’s and Kawanna’s are happening daily all over Jacksonville, as our staff and leaders intentionally and prayerfully interact with young people in all communities: Northwest Jacksonville, Arlington, the Westside, Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra, St. Augustine, Clay County, Avondale/Ortega/San Marco, Nassau County, and beyond. Whether they are teen moms, middle school students, college students, young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities or college students, our desire is that they are known and loved by Jesus Christ.

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FB: WagsandWhiskersPetRescue | IG: Wagsandwhiskerspetrescue Mission: Wags & Whiskers Pet Rescue is a nonprofit, no-kill pet rescue and adoption agency. We are not a shelter. We are a small, local group of volunteers working hard to ensure that every animal in our community can find the perfect home. Forever.

WALK OFF CHARITIES

12620-3 Beach Blvd. Ste. 325, 32246 | 904-343-1049 | walkoffcharities.com info@walkoffcharities.com

FB: WalkOffCharities | IG: walkoffcharities Founder & President: Frank Frangie Mission: Our mission is to provide opportunities, resources and access to the game of baseball for any youth that desires to learn or play.

WE CARE JACKSONVILLE, INC.

4615 Philips Hwy., 32207 | (904) 674-6450 wecarejacksonville.org | info@wecarejacksonville.org

FB: wecarejax | IG: wecarejax Executive Director: Angela Strain, astrain@wecarejacksonville.org Mission: WeCareJax coordinates compassionate specialty healthcare with individualized support for our uninsured neighbors in need.

WHITE OAK CONSERVATION FOUNDATION

581705 White Oak Rd., Yulee, 32097 | (904) 225-3200 | whiteoakwildlife.org | info@white-oak.org

FB: whiteoakwildlife | IG: whiteoakconservation Conservation Experience Coordinator: Maddie Anderson Mission: The White Oak Conservation Foundation is committed to protecting, promoting and preserving endangered species and habitats.

WILDLIFE RESCUE COALITION OF NORTHEAST FLORIDA

5250 Porter Rd. Extension, St. Augustine, 32095 | (904) 779-5569 | wildlifecoalition.com

FB: wildliferescuenefl Founder: Barbara T. Tidwell Mission: Our mission is to ensure respect for all wildlife through education and conservation, while providing orphaned, injured and displaced animals with a second chance at life. Our goal as a Wildlife Rescue Organization is to educate the public as well as treat and rehabilitate wildlife.

THE WILL KING FOUNDATION

2937 Algonquin Ave., 32210 | willkingfoundation.com | willkingfoundation@gmail.com

FB: willkingfoundation | IG: willkingfoundation Creative Director: Courtney Hughes Mission: The Will King Foundation supports international children receiving heart treatment in Jacksonville, Florida.

WJCT PUBLIC MEDIA

100 Festival Park Ave., 32202 | (904) 353-7770 | wjct.org

FB: WJCTJax | IG: wjctjax President & CEO: David McGowan, dmcgowan@wjct.org Mission: WJCT Public Media uses its unique assets as a resource for citizens to come together to celebrate human diversity, experience lifelong learning and actively engage in matters of civic importance, all to improve the quality of our lives and our community. WJCT is to be regarded as an indispensable community resource, connecting citizens to content, sharing ideas and setting the standards through which the community learns and grows.

THE WOMAN’S CLUB OF JACKSONVILLE

1596 Lancaster Terrace #5B, 32204 | (904) 591-2101 | womansclubofjacksonville.org info@womansclubofjacksonville.org

FB: Womansclubjax President: Mattie Fraser Mission: The mission of the Woman’s Club of Jacksonville is to work for the improvement, benefit and advancement of womankind in every direction, and generally, to give aid to worthy causes.

WOMEN FOR CHRIST JACKSONVILLE

P.O. Box 380010, 32205 | | jaxwomenforchrist.org | wfc@jaxwomenforchrist.org

FB: WFCJax | IG: jaxwomenforchrist President: Christy Mobley Mission: Our purpose is to share the gospel of Jesus Christ to the women of Jacksonville through the timely messages of inspirational Christian speakers.

THE WOMEN’S BOARD OF WOLFSON CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

1325 San Marco Blvd., Ste. 802, 32207 | (904) 202-2866 | womensboardwch.com womensboard@bmcjax.com

FB: womensboardwch | IG: thewomensboardwch President: Kendra McCrary Mission: The Women’s Board strives to further awareness in the community of the services and remarkable facilities of Wolfson Children’s Hospital and to raise funds to ensure the best health care for every child who comes through the hospital’s doors.

WOMEN’S CENTER OF JACKSONVILLE

5644 Colcord Ave., 32211 | (904) 722-3000 | thewcj.org development@thewcj.org

FB: TheWCJ | IG: thewcj_ Executive Director: Teresa G. Miles, tmiles@ thewcj.org Mission: The Women’s Center of Jacksonville improves the lives of women through advocacy, support and education, and provides rape recovery services to all survivors in Duval, Nassau and Baker Counties.

WOMEN’S GIVING ALLIANCE

245 Riverside Ave., Ste. 310, 32202 | (904) 356-4483 | jaxcf.org/womens-giving-alliance

FB: cfjacksonville | IG: cfjacksonville Director: Nikki Sabol, nsabol@jaxcf.org Mission: The Women’s Giving Alliance makes grants to nonprofit organizations to support critical community services for women and girls.

WOMEN WRITING FOR (A) CHANGE

(904) 307-3047 | womenwritingjacksonville.org

FB: WomenWritingforaChangeJacksonville | IG: womenwritingjax Executive Director: Jennifer Wolfe, Jennifer@womenwritingjacksonville.com Mission: We are a growing community for Jacksonville writers to nurture and celebrate the individual voice by facilitating supportive writing circles and by encouraging people to craft more conscious lives through the art of writing and the practices of community.

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YMCA OF FLORIDA’S FIRST COAST

40 E. Adams St., Ste. 210, 32202 | (904) 296-3220 | fcymca.org

FB: FirstCoastYMCA | IG: firstcoastymca President & CEO: Eric K. Mann, emann@fcymca.org Mission: The YMCA is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. Guided by core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility, the Y is dedicated to giving people of all ages, backgrounds and all walks of life the opportunity to improve their lives, nurture their families and strengthen their community, together.

YOGA 4 CHANGE

PO Box 330117, Atlantic Beach, 32233 | (904) 510-2004 | y4c.org | info@y4c.org

FB: yoga4changeJax | IG: y4c_jax Executive Director: Michelle LeClair Mission: Yoga 4 Change is a non-profit organization that achieves lasting, demonstrative change for veterans, individuals who are experiencing incarceration, youth and people living with mental health conditions through a purpose-driven yoga curriculum.

YOUNG LIFE IN NORTHEAST FLORIDA

P.O. Box 2173, 32203 | (904) 913-7811 | northeastflorida. younglife.org | admin@nefl.younglife.org

IG: ylnortheastflorida Associate Regional Director: David Bast, davidbast@me.com Mission: Young Life introduces adolescents to Jesus Christ and helps them grow in their faith. We are committed to reaching all teenagers and young adults in Jacksonville and the surrounding areas, including those from diverse backgrounds, pregnant and parenting teens, and those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

YOUTH CRISIS CENTER

3015 Parental Home Rd., 32216 | (904) 725-6662 youthcrisiscenter.org | info@ycc.org

FB: youthcrisiscenter | IG: youthcrisiscenter President and CEO: Kim Sirdevan, kim@ycc.org Mission: The Youth Crisis Center works to build a healthier community by empowering young people and families to rise above adversity.

THE ZELLNER FOUNDATION FOR MILITARY VETS

6950 Philips Hwy., Ste. 48, 32216 | (904) 718-8301 | zellnerfoundation.com zellnerfoundation@gmail.com

President and Co-founder: Xiomara Spadafora Mission: Empowering disabled and PTSD-diagnosed military veterans to improve their mental health through the beautiful game of golf on Florida’s First Coast.

WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL OF JACKSONVILLE

100 Festival Park Ave., 32202 | (904) 280-8162 | worldaffairscounciljax.org info@worldaffairscounciljax.org

FB: WorldAffairsCouncilJax | IG: worldaffairsjax Board Chair: Amy Margerum Berg Mission: The World Affairs Council of Jacksonville works to promote an understanding of the world and its people and to engage citizens of Northeast Florida in becoming better informed participants in the global community.

WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT

4899 Belfort Rd., Ste. 300, 32256 | (877) 832-6997 | woundedwarriorproject.org

FB: wwp | IG: wwp CEO: Michael Linnington, publicrelations@woundedwarriorproject.org Mission: The Wounded Warrior Project works to honor and empower Wounded Warriors.

YEAR UP JACKSONVILLE - DOWNTOWN

Florida State College at Jacksonville, 101 W. State St., Ste. 3001, 32202 | (904) 647-1990 | yearup.org

FB: yearup | IG: yearup Site Director: Latonya Hines Mission: Year Up’s mission is to close the opportunity divide by ensuring that young adults gain the skills, experiences and support that will empower them to reach their potential through careers and higher education.

YESHÁ TAEKWONDO

9378 Arlington Expressway, Ste. 325, 32225 | yeshatkd.org | YeshaTaekwondo@gmail.com

FB: yeshatkd | IG: yeshataekwondo Founder: Grandmaster Charles Coker Mission: At Yeshá, our mission is to train and develop Disciples of Christ through sanctioned martial arts.

CELEBRATE OUR

10TH ANNIVERSARY WITH US IN CIRCLES 2025!

If your 501(c)(3) nonprofit hasn't been featured or needs an update in our listing, now is the perfect time to join us. As we approach our milestone 10th anniversary in 2025, we're dedicated to showcasing every worthy organization. Please ensure your nonprofit is included by visiting circlescharityregister.com/contact/ and submitting your current information by August 1, 2024. Be a part of our special 2025 edition and celebrate a decade of philanthropy with us!

20 25 C I RC L E S C H ARI T Y REG I ST E R .CO M

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Living Its Mission Through Community Programs.

BROOKS BRAIN INJURY CLUBHOUSE

APHASIA CENTER

Brooks Rehabilitation has been serving patients in Northeast Florida and around the world for more than 50 years, transforming thousands of lives with its dedicated and multifaceted approach to restorative health and healing. While its mission is “to empower people to achieve their highest level of recovery and participation in life through excellence in rehabilitation,” Brooks is something far more essential: it’s community. Brooks is looking toward its second half-century with the same sense of purpose.

“It’s a community where people with similar injuries and disabilities can get to know each other and encourage each other – this is constant with other Brooks community programs,” said Joe Sellars, whose son Michael suffered a traumatic brain injury after a car accident 15 years ago and has benefited from many Brooks treatments and resources during that time. “Community programs offered at Brooks provide the opportunity to make new friends, receive encouragement and continue to recover and thrive.”

Brooks was founded on a legacy of recovery, technology and community. J. Brooks Brown, MD, a visionary in healthcare and a leader in the community, recognized the importance of physical rehabilitation and founded what has grown into the Brooks organization today. Brooks’ offerings now include more than 50 outpatient therapy clinics, three inpatient rehabilitation hospitals, skilled nursing, assisted living, memory care, a physician practice, research and home health services that reach across 23 counties, including significant growth planned for the Orlando market. Brooks has been a longstanding community partner with many local healthcare providers, medical facilities and resources; and recently Brooks Rehabilitation was ranked No. 1 Rehabilitation Hospital in Florida and among the Top Rehabilitation Hospitals in the Nation by U.S. News & World Report.

“For more than 50 years, Brooks has been known for our cutting-edge technology, advanced clinical research, and – most importantly –our exceptional patient outcomes,” said Brooks Rehabilitation President and CEO Doug Baer following the U.S. News & World Report announcement. “We’re thrilled that the dedication and commitment from our staff to enhance our programs and services was recognized with the high ratings this year. We’ll

CLINICAL RESEARCH CENTER

continue working hard to provide the best care and resources for our patients.”

One way Brooks Rehabilitation continues to advance its important mission is through the Brooks Foundation. The foundation raises the key funds Brooks Rehabilitation needs to support its patients and their families, provide the highest possible level of care and resources, and enhance the quality of life for those living with different abilities. The foundation’s efforts continue to increase year after year. Brooks invests more than $12 million annually in these programs allowing us to provide ongoing recovery and support at little to no cost to the patient. In 2024, the Brooks Foundation will be expanding to further support the needs of the community.

“The Brooks Foundation has a long-standing history of raising funds for unfunded programs and services for those living with a differing ability,” said Jessica Cummings, Vice President, Community Engagement. “Established to support the mission of Brooks Rehabilitation, the Brooks Foundation supports community activities that meet the needs of Brooks’ patients and their families through research and education, charity care and community programs that enhance the quality of life for those living with differing abilities.”

The Brooks Foundation supports many low or no-cost community programs that include: • The Clinical Research Center, which investigates innovative treatment protocols and new technologies and integrates the latest discoveries that improve patient outcomes and quality of life into clinical practice. Last year, there were 30 active research studies and 414 active research participants.

• The Neuro Recovery Centers, which offer specialized equipment for customized rehabilitation. These community-focused gyms allow individuals with disabilities to continue ongoing exercise and conditioning to maintain and improve functional movement and abilities.

Last year, the centers logged more than 37,400 check-in appointments and 120 visits per person.

• School Re-entry Program, which provides a continuum of school transition and support services to assist families throughout a child’s educational journey. Last year, the program served 185 students in 42 counties.

• Adaptive Sports & Recreation, which offers the most comprehensive adaptive sports and recreation program in the country, providing fun, fitness and friendship for people of all ages living with various disabilities at no cost to the participant. Last year, the program had 540 participants and 8,183 visits – an average of 15.2 visits per participant.

• Brain Injury Clubhouse, a community day program that provides for the long-term recovery needs of individuals who have suffered an acquired brain injury and bridges the gap between medical rehabilitation, vocational training and community reintegration. It is the only Brain Injury Clubhouse in Florida and one of 17 in the world. Last year, 62 unique individuals were served during 3,776 visits and they received 43 volunteer job placements and 7 paid job placements.

• The Aphasia Center, which offers two programs for participants affected by aphasia, including a community track and a six-week intensive, comprehensive aphasia program (ICAP). Last year, the center served 92 unique individuals including 14 ICAP members for an average of 37.3 visits per member.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 86

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MICHAEL AND JOE SELLARS

• Pediatric Recreation program, which offers a no cost, safe and supportive environment for youth with physical and/or developmental disabilities that, increases socialization through activities that foster a healthy lifestyle and community connection. Last year, the program served 321 unique individuals in Jacksonville and 94 in Daytona Beach.

• Wellness, a program in partnership with local YMCAs of Florida that offers an individualized and supervised exercise program for Stroke and Brain Injury survivors, as well as those battling Parkinson’s disease and Multiple Sclerosis. Last year, they served 225 unique individuals during more than 10,000 visits.

• Motion Analysis Center (MAC), is a specialized clinical and research assessment facility focused on gait and movement impairments in people of all ages. Last year, the center served 151 individuals and conducted 77 research studies in collaboration with the University of Florida.

• The Brooks Rehabilitation Center for Low Vision is proud to offer the Lending Library program, which provides clients with the ability to borrow optical devices and technology for low vision.

Last year alone, the center’s optometry team provided exceptional care to 1,339 patients and served 225 patients with occupational therapy services.

The need for Brooks Rehabilitation services continues to grow, and the Brooks Foundation is leading the way with more opportunities to support patient demands of the future. Through sponsorship opportunities at signature events like the Brooks Rehabilitation Golf Classic and the Brooks Rehabilitation Soiree, as well as encouraging membership in the Brooks Impact Society, foundation leaders are pressing forward with innovative fundraising ideas that heighten awareness of Brooks and support its impactful programs.

Part of this push includes the expansion of volunteer opportunities within Brooks Rehabilitation. During the past year, the 86

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foundation has placed 45 volunteers in various programs to help support Brooks’ day-to-day operations and outreach. Leaders hope to expand that number to more than 200.

“Volunteers are vital to the success of Brooks Rehabilitation and we welcome volunteers year round,” said Cummings. “Our Volunteer Services department provides an opportunity for personal growth, education and service to others.”

Volunteer opportunities with Brooks are varied and are available to people of all ages. Young people can volunteer for Brooks’ Summer VolunTeen Program. People of all ages are welcome to the Brooks Peer Mentoring Program, which is open to those who are one-year post injury and are interested in helping others navigate their new life situations. Other volunteer opportunities currently available include sharing time with the Brooks Adaptive Sports and Recreation and Brooks Pediatric Recreation programs, as well as clinical student observation hours and internships for those pursuing a career in the field of rehabilitation.

“Our goal is to meet the needs of our volunteers while carrying out our vision of providing worldclass service to our patients,” said Cummings.

“Volunteer assignments are made according to

interest, availability, location and the skills needed to fulfill task requirements.”

The Foundation’s work is critical to the mission of Brooks Rehabilitation, which is making a difference in the Northeast Florida community one patient –one family, one caregiver –at a time.

Nowhere is this more evident than the daily miracles and life-altering work being done at the Brooks Neuro Recovery Center, one of the Brooks Community Programs that served the Sellars family so completely during their 15-year recovery journey.

The Neuro Recovery Centers (NRC) are stateof-the-art rehabilitation centers offering specialized equipment for customized rehabilitation during and after traditional therapy has been completed. The gym allows patients to pursue ongoing exercise and conditioning to maintain and improve functional movement and abilities and is staffed by a team of neuro specialists, physical therapists, exercise physiologists, personal trainers and rehabilitation technicians. The centers offer aquatic exercise, personal training, circuit training, outpatient physical therapy, a customized wheelchair and seating clinic, and utilize leading-edge technology resources; one such technology is Cyberdyne

Hybrid Assistive Limb robotic exoskeleton, found only at Brooks and one other location in the United States.

These healing resources at Brooks have changed the life course of many patients and caregivers over the years.

Michael Sellars – who can now walk, drive, and function independently –became an NRC member in 2010, a year after a car accident rendered him in a vegetative state and unable to function.

At the time, he was a promising graduate of Mandarin High School and the University of Florida who had recently landed his first job at Chrysler Financial, now TD Auto Finance. The morning accident caused bleeding on the brain and brain stem. He was transported to Shands, and later Heartland and Brooks, where he began making rapid progress. Sellars miraculously transitioned from inpatient to outpatient to weekly on-site program treatment at Brooks during the course of a year and was among the first patients to use the facility during its inaugural year.

“The NRC was a huge part of our lives from that point on,” said Michael’s father, Joe. The NRC also was a key place of healing for Gainesville student Zach Karpinski. The chemical engineering student was hit by a car while riding his scooter, breaking his C3 and C4 vertebrae and jaw and causing multiple lacerations. In the beginning stages of his healing, it was not clear whether Karpinski would walk again – but a transition to Brooks gave him and his family new hope. Karpinski started his Brooks recovery in the inpatient hospital where he received intensive therapy before being transferred to outpatient therapy in the NRC. Like Sellars, he utilized many of Brooks’ leading-edge therapies including the Cyberdyne Hybrid Assistive Limb robotic exoskeleton. The third phase of his Brooks relationship was engaging in specialized training through the SCI Day Program, which culminated in his hard-earned goal of walking out of Brooks and later graduating from college.

Patient Drew Finkbeiner recovered from incomplete tetraplegia after a fall thanks to Brooks’ many services – including the same Cyberdyne Hybrid Assistive Limb technology Sellars and Karpinski used during their treatment in the NRC. Through intensive therapy, Finkbeiner eventually regained the ability to manage simple physical movements. Part of his inpatient therapy included preparations to help his stand, walk and dance at his wedding, which took place in the Brooks Healing Garden.

As Brooks looks toward its next half-century, its foundation continues to seek new opportunities to sponsor innovative technologies, resources and facilities to build an even more robust and healing community for the thousands of patients it serves each year. And with the community’s help, the future looks bright.

“The Brooks Foundation accepts resources to support the programs and services experienced by our patients and the community in a variety of ways including personal contributions, tribute gifts, planned gifts and gifts of stock,” said Cummings. “Through your financial support, patients and their families experience transformative rehabilitation.”

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Study Finds Majority of Young Floridians are Charitable New research by global generosity movement GivingTuesday shows that the rising generation of philanthropists in Florida are generous and that generosity is spread among causes and modes of contribution. The research shows that 87% of young Floridians –those age 18-45 –give to charity, primarily through the giving of items, though donating and volunteering are also common.

The study, presented at the Florida Nonprofit Alliance annual conference, looked at both donors and non-donors to better understand their reasons for and patterns of giving, their perceptions of nonprofit efficacy, and how they compare to their national peers. This research looked at a variety of types of generosity – including monetary, donations of items and time –and contributions to organizations, individuals, informal groups, and more. This study is a partnership between GivingTuesday, through the GivingTuesday Data Commons, and Florida Nonprofit Alliance (FNA). It was funded by the Jacksonville-based private foundation the Jessie Ball duPont Fund (duPont Fund).

“Florida’s nonprofit sector is growing, but we still rank near the bottom in terms of revenue per capita, so this research is critical to helping us understand the patterns of generosity among under-40 Floridians, and how best to reach them,” said Sabeen Perwaiz Syed, president and CEO of the Florida Nonprofit Alliance. “Our nonprofits serve critical needs in communities across the state, especially as we have one of the fastest-growing populations in the country.

The sector is planning for the future thanks to research like this.”

“It’s heartening to see that the rising generation of Florida’s philanthropists is already quite generous,” said Mari Kuraishi, president of the Jessie Ball duPont Fund. “This new research provides actionable insight so that our state’s nonprofits can further encourage and expand the reach of that generosity.”

This research differs from past surveys in that it captured information about the perspectives, attitudes, and values of survey respondents to generate psychographic giving profiles. These profiles define unique groups that vary in their

patterns of giving and in what engagement style and messages resonate with them. Analyzing generosity through the lens of distinct giving groups allows nonprofits to rethink and reorient messaging to their audiences to attract new donors or reach previous donors in new ways.

This whole-person approach reflects that Millennials and Gen Zers expect to engage holistically with the causes they support and fills in gaps in the sector’s approach to engaging whole populations.

“Our data shows that younger Floridians are committed to supporting local causes, charities and communities,” says Woodrow Rosenbaum, Chief Data Officer at GivingTuesday. “But not all Floridians give in the same way, and nonprofits should embrace these differences to increase their reach and impact. Spontaneous givers need to be compelled through storytelling while frequent givers value efficiency and convenience when they give. To reach the largest group of givers—those who give rarely—charities need to experiment with radically different ways of framing, demonstrating and connecting on an emotional level.”

Key Findings from the Study Include Younger Floridians are slightly more generous and have a minor preference towards donating money compared to the national profile.

$

67% 74%

Younger Floridians give in many ways: Two-thirds (67%) of those surveyed contribute financially to charities, informal groups or individuals.

Similarly, three-quarters (74%) give items and half volunteer or advocate for a cause.

Younger Floridians distribute their generosity through giving time, items, and money in near equal measure: financial contributions from younger Floridians encompass one-third of the total value of their generosity while two-thirds of all giving occurs through volunteering and donating items.

Generosity is concentrated in a small portion of the population surveyed: just 2.3% of the population surveyed gave half of all reported dollars donated.

Similarly, half the value of all donated items came from 5.5% of surveyed donors and half of all reported volunteering hours came from 8.7% of givers.

To read the full report, visit flnonprofits.org/page/GrowingGenerosity.

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Your Assignment Is...

Making Your Mission Possible As they say, change is the only constant.

The landscape of philanthropy and nonprofits is constantly evolving in an ever-changing world. As nonprofit leaders and civic advocates, we, too, must adapt and educate ourselves on the best path forward for success. Whether you’re considering starting a charity, need to maximize its fundraising potential, want to improve management, or create more meaningful impact with your donation dollar, 2023 hosted a bevy of philanthropic guides to help you. Add these recently released titles to your reading list to expand your knowledge, change your perspective and maximize the influence your philanthropy can have on our Jacksonville community.

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE FOR NEW NONPROFIT CEOs

BY BRIAN QUAIL Released: May 1, 2023 Nonprofits are in a leadership crisis; one-third to one-half of new CEOs fail in their first 18 months on the job.

This guide is a must-have for nonprofit CEOs and their boards to defy those dismal odds and succeed. Quail unlocks the secret to long-term leadership excellence.

In it, you’ll learn: a blueprint for your first 90 days, how to raise revenue, how to use the Five Frameworks to solve your biggest problems, analyzing numbers like a pro, strategies to build your dream senior management, using the Three Ts and Three Gs to measure and improve performance.

This is your foundation to leave a lasting leadership legacy and a timeless guide for CEOs who strive to meet the greatest needs of their communities.

If you seek to fulfill your nonprofit’s mission and achieve extraordinary fundraising results during times of crisis as well as abundance, then this book is for you.

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MONEY WITH MEANING: HOW TO CREATE JOY AND IMPACT THROUGH PHILANTHROPY

NONPROFIT FUNDRAISING STRATEGIES: 7 STRATEGIES TO CONSISTENTLY SECURE FUNDING AND ENSURE YOUR ORGANIZATION DOESN’T FAIL

BY ALEX JOHNSTON

Released: July 19, 2023

BY JAMES RUELL

Released: June 20, 2023 Do you want to use your wealth for good? In this book, Johnston empowers you to maximize your impact and your joy as a donor. When it comes to gearing up your giving, the knowledge, skills and mindsets that have served you well in other areas of your life don’t always produce the results you expect. If, instead of giving up, what if all you need to do is make subtle, yet profound, shifts in your thinking and approach?

Through four key concepts – Getting Visionary, Getting Real, Getting Together and Getting Better –Johnston offers a guide to “meaningful giving,” where donor satisfaction and social impact meet. From insights on your personal development as a donor and understanding the true impact of your giving to practical advice on hiring help and designing philanthropic legal structures, this book is a necessary guide for any philanthropists who wants to change the world for real.

The future of your nonprofit rests on successful fundraising; discover how to do it right. Being part of a nonprofit is one of the most inspiring and passionate lines of work someone can do. But as passionate as you are and as hard as you work, your nonprofit won’t be able to achieve its goals without enough funding. This is a struggle many nonprofits experience, and they end up wasting a lot of energy on ineffective strategies that just don’t seem to work.

You need to understand the best practices out there that will help your organization access the funds it needs to keep going.

In this practical guide you will discover: effective strategies for fundraising, the tools of every successful fundraiser, the best ways to find donors and partnerships, how to utilize the internet and social media to fundraise, how to raise awareness with actionable steps, effective techniques for annual giving and event hosting, how to properly plan your fundraising, and more.

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GOOD INFLUENCE: HOW TO ENGAGE INFLUENCERS FOR PURPOSE AND PROFIT

BY PAUL M. KATZ Released: January 26, 2023

NONPROFIT ACCOUNTING: FOURTH EDITION

BY STEVEN M. BRAGG

Have you ever mobilized the power of popular culture, celebrities and influencers to do good? This book is the ultimate guide to creating influencerled, social-impact campaigns.

Punctuated by entertaining stories and illustrative case studies, it provides a step-by-step roadmap – dubbed D.R.E.A.M. –for organizations looking to engage celebrities and influencers to promote social good.

Author Katz is a Grammy-nominated music executive, social entrepreneur, and the founder and CEO of Entertain Impact, an award-winning social impact agency. Having worked on more than 100 marketing campaigns, he has been at the forefront of bridging the worlds of popular culture and philanthropy for over 30 years.

Whether the goal is to raise awareness, support or money, organizations of all sizes and resourcelevels will have the tools they need to harness the power of fame culture for social good.

Released: March 5, 2023 A nonprofit organization is subject to different accounting standards than those applied to for-profit organizations, while also being constrained by limited funding.

This combination may lead to incorrect accounting and cash shortages, which can leave a nonprofit in disarray in short order.

This practical guide shows how to create and operate a nonprofit accounting system and produce financial statements, all while operating in accordance with nonprofit accounting standards. The book walks the accountant through basic nonprofit accounting concepts and then discusses more advanced topics, including budgeting, controls, revenue recognition, joint costs, split-interest agreements, tax reporting, and mergers and acquisitions. In short, the book offers a wealth of information for understanding nonprofit transactions and financial statements.

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GRANT WRITING 101

BY BENJAMIN S. TELFORD Released: May 10, 2023 It can be overwhelming to navigate the complex landscape of funders, proposals and partnerships. This practical guide provides tips and techniques, step-by-step guidance and real-life examples for crafting winning proposals, building lasting partnerships with founders and securing funding for your organization.

Telford has spend the last decade advising nonprofits on how to effectively attract funding. He gives you an inside look at the grant application process, the secret to identifying the right grant opportunities, how to craft persuasive and compelling grant proposals, effective research techniques, a strategic approach to building relationships, the art of storytelling, and everything about budgeting and financial planning.

No matter your level of experience, with this guide, you’ll learn how to overcome the common challenges in the grant-writing process and develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to secure the funding you need to make a lasting difference.

THE BUSINESS OF GIVING: NEW BEST PRACTICES FOR NONPROFIT AND PHILANTHROPIC LEADERS IN AN UNCERTAIN WORLD

BY DENVER FREDERICK Released: January 4, 2023 As a nonprofit leader, you’re committed to doing the most good. Your organization is poised to make real change— yet your mission can be derailed by the unprecedented challenges that have arisen over the past several years. With no playbook to go by, how can you ensure that you’re making the right calls for the organization and the people you serve?

Here, you’ll learn how to improve your organization’s problem-solving capacity, keys to scaling, what derails your decision-making process and how to get back on track, features that make tech-centered nonprofits stand out, plus 150 tips that you can start using tomorrow.

Be the exceptional nonprofit leader your organization needs to thrive and make a difference today. This resource is every nonprofit leader’s master class for successfully navigating turbulent social and economic times. In addition to providing fresh, actionable ideas, it will validate much of what you are already doing. Read it now to make quick, sound decisions about your increasingly complex management challenges.

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THE NONPROFITEER’S FUNDRAISING FIELD GUIDE: 30 PRACTICAL WAYS TO BOOST PHILANTHROPY THROUGH SERVANT-LEADERSHIP

BY EVAN WILDSTEINS Released: April 27, 2023 Non•prof•i•teer (noun): A person who loves being a champion for social impact organizations and their people.

Nonprofits deliver life-changing programs, research and more to impact communities. Philanthropy supercharges nonprofits to go forward, but it’s about more than money. It’s about trust. It’s about storytelling. It’s about big relationships. It’s about doing the right thing. It’s about meaningful conversations. Servant-leadership inspires all this and more. So why hasn't anyone written about it to boost fundraising? Now they have.

This field guide rewrites a century of practice and research for modern nonprofits. It inspires readers to take fast action by exploring the ten core behaviors of servant-leaders – behaviors like listening, empathy, healing, building community, and many more. Heartfelt stories from social impact leaders fill the pages, demonstrating exactly what is possible for everyday nonprofiteers.

For those interested in a realistic, inspiring roadmap, this is your fundraising field guide. It’s for anyone who wants to engage with donors, grow revenue and improve philanthropy.

HOW TO START A NONPROFIT THAT WILL CHANGE THE WORLD

BY MAY L. HARRIS Released: July 3, 2023 You know what you want to do, and the change you wish to make in the world, but what is the best way to start the journey? Finding the expert guidance you need from the start is the most important thing you can do to ensure long term success.

This exceptional guide an indispensable guide for aspiring nonprofit leaders. It unveils the secrets to launching and nurturing a successful nonprofit venture with a comprehensive roadmap to transform your vision into reality. From formulating a compelling mission statement and crafting an effective business plan to navigating legal complexities and establishing a strong board of directors, this guide takes you on a step-by-step journey through the entire process of creating and managing a nonprofit organization.

Whether you're a budding philanthropist, an experienced social activist, or someone driven by a desire to make a difference, this book is your definitive guidebook to creating a sustainable, impactful and worldchanging nonprofit organization.

This list and the statements therein are intended for informational purposes only. The information has been gathered from booksellers and the publications’ associated sites. Circles Social Datebook & Charity Register and the Resident Community News Group do not endorse any particular publication or methodology presented, nor have either received any compensation or consideration from any book included in this list.

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Your donations help us improve the lives of people with cancer and their families. Thanks to your support, we are combating cancer through advocacy, research, and patient support, to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer.

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30+

ROAD TO RECOVERY

ACS assists with rides to treatment through the volunteer driver program and invests in transportation grants to Florida health systems.

HOPE LODGE

Offers a home away from home for people facing cancer when treatment is far away. In North Florida, ACS’s Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation Hope Lodge in Jacksonville has been serving the community since 2020.

50+ MILLION LIVES TOUCHED

In 2022, ACS impacted over 50 million lives through its patient support services: 24/7 cancer helpline / cancer.org Road To Recovery Reach To Recovery Cancer Survivors Network and more

Learn more and donate at cancer.org or 1.800.227.2345

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GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENe GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENe GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENe GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENe GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENe GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENe GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENe GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous GENerous By:•Lindsey Gast-Pessia• GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENe GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • The• landscape of charitable giving changes with the generations, GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENe each one poised to redefine philanthropy uniquely from the next.

GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • With a digital-native upbringing, global interconnectivity and a• GENe GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • focus on sustainability and resiliency, this next generation has GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous a voice that, although different from its elders, is no less• GENe GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • passionate.•According to a 2023 survey, more than half (51%)• GENe GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous GENerous • GENerous • GENerous of Gen Z say they have given financially•toGENerous charitable organizations GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous GENerous • GENerous while 61% the next-youngest•generation, Millennials, are already• GENe GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • on par with their older counterparts when it comes to charitable GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENe giving, with Gen X ringing in at 58% •and Boomers at 64%.

GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous GENerous • GENerous • GENerous However,•engaging with this younger generation is much more• GENe GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous GENerous • nuanced than in the past, as charitable organizations •must not GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENe only consider the face-to-face of yesteryears, but also• GENerous the rise GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • in technology and social platforms in schools and the public GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENe GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • sector.

We’ve researched some ways to help catalyze these GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENe emerging donors and bolster giving channels for the future.

GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENe GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • Mentorship GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous Connect the younger generation to seasoned board members or • GENe

A New

Top ways to engage the next generation

trusted advisors. Mentorship is a great way to give younger philanthropists a seat at the table with their older counterparts.

Collective Giving Younger donors don’t generally have the capital of traditional donors, but establishing a “giving circle” allows youth and students to collectively discuss issues and make more impactful change with their unified gifts.

Education Educate the next generation in your foundation’s history, strategies and investment practices. Or, put philanthropy at the forefront by establishing partnerships to design high school or college educational curriculum around philanthropic history, trends in social justice and giving in the modern world.

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• GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GEN erous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GEN erous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GEN erous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GEN erous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GEN erous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GEN Bridging the Gap • GENerous • GENerous • GENerousInspire erousGen • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerousFoster • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous Z is a very vocal generation. Encourage open communication by hands-on involvement by inviting the next generation to visit • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous •your GENerous your site so they can experience first-hand the work of organization • GEN giving them a platform to be heard and an avenue to activate. and be inspired by the people it serves. erous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous Internships • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GEN Build Their Network One of the best ways to build your staffing pipeline is to•create erousinternship • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous opportunities for the next generation. Many colleges even Connect your young donors with those from other organizations.

Just • GEN • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous have avenues for youth to get class credit for their work. as you network to benefit your charity, so will they learn to create erous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENeroussymbiotic • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous relationships between organizations and reinforce the Creating Control • GENerous • GENerous philanthropic • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • web.

GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GEN the next generation by allowing•them to make discretionary erousEmpower • GENerous • GENerous GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous grants. The funding flexibility will allow them the control to align their Put Your Money Where Your •Mouth Is • GEN • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous GENerous giving with their values. first to establish the relationship. Hire younger generations to erous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerousBe•the GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous provide skills they excel at, like social media or video production. Or, Pivot Your Focus • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous GENerous fund grants for them to attend philanthropy•workshops and • GEN Look beyond asks for treasure and establish opportunities for the conferences.

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• GENerous • GENerous We’re a pioneering cultural • GEN institution of America. Jacksonville, erous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous • GENerous

Era of Giving

let’s celebrate this monumental milestone together.

333 N. Laura Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 MOCAJACKSONVILLE.UNF.EDU

IMAGINE TOMORROW

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Thank you to everyone who attended & supported the Furyk Foundation Concert sponsored by Ring Power and Constellation FURYK & FRIENDS presented by Circle K! All proceeds from the concert & tournament have helped us to generate more than $3 MILLION in charitable impact since 2021!

We are especially grateful to Constellation, Circle K, and our Founding Friends for their continued support!

Thank you for being Champions in our Community!

WE'LL SEE YOU SEPTEMBER 30 - OCTOBER 6, 2024 !

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Today's Children Tomorrow's Leaders Prevention programs help youth avoid pitfalls, attain success

By Lorrie DeFrank

Acknowledging the critical importance of the education and overall well-being of children to a safe, productive and healthy community, Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan made campaign promises that became priorities soon after her inauguration on July 1, 2023.

Toward her goal of bringing back what she called a “reimagined and reinvigorated Jacksonville Journey,” she made changes to the board of directors of the Kids Hope Alliance, The Jacksonville Partnership for Children, Youth and Families (KHA) to bring fresh eyes to that vision.

KHA is sharply focused on literacy and workforce development, said Mike Weinstein, who was CEO of the KHA at the time of the mayoral transition.

“The theory is, if you come out of middle school with no hope about your future, you basically are lost. We can’t neglect the problems kids have as they get older, but if we don’t fix the early process, we’ll be stuck with generation after generation of problems,” he said. “We need to change the front end so we don’t have those challenges later on. Everybody’s got to read at grade level –everybody. We do everything in between but, ironically, our real focus is at both ends of the spectrum – workforce and literacy.”

It would be hard to find someone in Northeast Florida who knows more than Weinstein about the dire necessary of providing constructive programs to save children from crime, drugs, poverty and other pitfalls later in life, as well as how to pay for them. He previously served as finance director for three Jacksonville mayors and as president of Take Stock in Children, a statewide mentoring program for at-risk children. His resume, mostly in public service, also includes service as a Florida legislator and prosecutor in the State Attorney’s Office. Tapping into his extensive expertise, Deegan

asked him to serve as the city’s interim chief financial officer until appointee Anna Brosche was available to take over in October.

Although ending up in the criminal justice system is the best illustration, numerous behavioral issues and other challenges keep youth from fitting in and being contributing members of society. Many children’s programs can effectively help prevent social ills, but education has the most impact on their future, according to Weinstein.

In some of Jacksonville’s low-performing schools, fewer than 20% of students can read at grade level, he said. A National Adult Literacy Survey showed that 70% of incarcerated adults can’t read at fourth-grade level.

Last summer, Saralyn Grass took over from Weinstein as CEO of the KHA, a funding agent for the City of Jacksonville that provides and manages grants to nonprofit organizations that provide services to about 30,000 youth at more than 200 community and school locations.

“In a concerted effort to empower the children and youth of Jacksonville amidst the challenges posed by social media and societal pressures, Kids Hope Alliance partners with close to 100 local nonprofits to provide community support. This collaboration aims to provide the city's young residents with opportunities to excel academically and fulfill their civic potential,” Grass said. “Kids Hope Alliance is committed to guiding youth toward becoming productive members of society through a diverse range of programs. Their support extends to after-school and summer programs, incorporating robust literacy and family engagement components, as well as mentoring services for teenagers. Furthermore, the organization funds an extensive portfolio of juvenile justice prevention and intervention programs.”

Grass said donors such as the KHA are pivotal in sustaining nonprofits’ efforts. KHA’s collaboration with community-based providers emphasizes the importance of breaking down silos between agencies and encouraging CONTINUED ON PAGE 100

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funders to work closely with local nonprofits to bring positive changes to the community.

Mayor John Peyton established the original crime-fighting Jacksonville Journey in 2007. Ten years later Mayor Lenny Curry merged the Jacksonville Children’s Commission with the Journey’s youth programs to form the KHA. Improving the literacy rate is one of Deegan’s major goals in the renewed initiative that is called Jacksonville Journey Forward.

Funding kids’ programs and the power of philanthropy The City of Jacksonville’s strong support for the welfare of its youth is evident by the nearly $54.5 million budgeted this year for the KHA. Through the KHA, funding * from city, state and federal dollars support programs in five essential service categories: early learning, of Duval County out-of-school time, pre-teen and teen, juvenile justice and special students can’t read needs. at grade level The city money comes from the general fund, although there have been efforts to change that dating to the early 1990s.

“Back in Mayor Ed Austin’s time, we had a referendum to do a sales tax for children, but that didn’t pass,” Weinstein said. “So, we all share the pie instead of having a direct funding source.”

In 1994, Austin created the Jacksonville Children’s Commission to coordinate city spending on children’s services.

Weinstein said some of the large cities and counties around the state that do have direct funding have as much as double the funding per child that Jacksonville has, which increases the local need for philanthropy.

KHA employs about 45 people to look for grants and manage the contracts.

51%

The grant money goes to the nonprofits that provide the services. Often, it’s not enough. Virtually all KHA’s nonprofit providers have information on how to donate on their websites.

Frequently, the missing piece is money.

“The only thing that stops us is financial support. We owe this to our children,” said Ellen Wiss, co-founder of READ USA, Inc., a local nonprofit that is gaining national acclaim for its success at combating illiteracy, and a prominent Northeast Florida philanthropist and community volunteer.

“By investing in our children, we are investing in our future,” said Rob Kelly, CEO of READ USA. “Putting high-interest books in kids’ hands and teaching them how to read those books not only changes their trajectories to avoid negative outcomes but helps them be more successful contributors to our community.”

Each day in our community, children are removed from their homes for their safety and well-being. These children face many challenges in their journey for a safe, healthy home, family and future. Guardian ad Litem Foundation (GALF) is dedicated to helping these abused, abandoned, and neglected children as they navigate the dependency system. GALF is there to support them in each stage of their journey by providing programming and initiatives that benefit children directly in various ways:

RECRUITMENT AND TRAINING OF GUARDIAN VOLUNTEERS So more child abuse victims can be represented in court.

NORMALCY PROGRAMMING

Providing basic necessities to youth so that they can assimilate and thrive.

THE EMPOWERMENT SCHOLARSHIP

Empowering youth rising above their circumstances by furthering their education.

SUPPORTING CHILDREN IN DUVAL, CLAY AND NASSAU COUNTIES SINCE 1991.

PLEASE CONTACT US FOR COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS, SPONSORSHIP, VOLUNTEERING OR TO DONATE. 100

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Early Education and Literacy Unlocking Potential and Mitigating Poverty Nonprofits include literacy components in programs as often as possible.

Cathedral Arts Project (CAP) shows how going to a theater can be transformative for some children. Volunteers from Jacksonville University’s Reading Lab read with children at The Carpenter’s Shop Center. Young students improve reading comprehension and build trusting relationships with teen tutors though READ USA’s Literacy Tutoring program. These are among many examples of intentional efforts to combat illiteracy in Northeast Florida.

Dr. Rob Kelly, CEO of READ USA, Inc., compared the $1,300 per student cost of its literacy programming to the enormous costs of ending up with poor health that is preventable, becoming incarcerated or being unable to get consistent employment.

“Helping children change their life trajectories is a no brainer,” he said.

“These outcomes are very likely to happen if we don’t intervene now.”

Kids Hope Alliance (KHA) partnered in a recent study that showed that 51% of students in Duval County can’t read at grade level.

“I was a volunteer and saw the impact that one teacher was making in the classroom in a high poverty neighborhood. That experience showed me that education is the best path to lift folks out of poverty. It is a right for all of us to be able to read well and live well,” said Ellen Wiss, co-founder of READ USA.

“We can't neglect the problems kids have as they get older, but if we don't fix the early process, we'll be stuck with generation after generation of problems.”

- Mike Weinstein, Former CEO of Kids Hope Alliance For youth who fail to avoid those negative outcomes and end up in the juvenile justice system, securing financial help from the community is even tougher.

“Nobody wants to give to that, and that’s one of our biggest challenges,” said Vicki Waytowich, executive director of the Partnership for Child Health that runs the Duval County Diversion System of Care, funded through the KHA. Diversion programs redirect youthful offenders from the juvenile justice system through programming, supervision and support. People don’t realize that often the trauma these kids experience in their lives is an underlying factor in why they do what they do, she said. The perception that youth in the delinquency system are bad kids is wrong most of the time. Most are seeking connection, not attention. When they don’t have a safe place to go to or engage in positive activities with friends, kids tend to get in trouble.

“A lot of these kids are from low socioeconomic backgrounds. If parents can’t afford court costs, and fees and restitution, and 12- and 13-yearolds can’t get jobs, then ultimately, the state won’t let them be free from diversion until it’s paid off. So, what is supposed to be a 90-day program can last 190 days,” Waytowich said.

“Everybody has a way they can contribute, and not necessarily just money,” said Wiss, stressing the importance of the private and public sectors, providers and community collectively investing in the same goal to achieve social change for the better. “If we can do it through philanthropy, then we should. Ultimately, it benefits us all, not just those we are helping.”

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This summer, CAP, in partnership with KHA, Florida Theatre, Duval County Public Schools and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, launched a pilot field trip program for elementary school students. Research from CAP’s work with the University of North Florida’s Data Science for Social Good program revealed that just one trip to a cultural destination can improve grades in literacy, math and science. Before attending “Doug Berky’s Gems: The World’s Wisdom Stories” at Florida Theatre, the more than 2,000 summer learning students read the story and created masks.

“Once they got to the theater, seeing the show was like bringing what they read to life. It reinforced what they learned in the classroom, and by reading the material, they were learning a new vocabulary,” said Lucy Chen, CAP’s vice president of advocacy and community engagement.

The PNC Foundation, funded by the PNC Financial Services Group, and the Rice Family Foundation are financing the program. PNC’s philanthropic mission focuses on early childhood education and community and economic development.

“PNC is really focused on making sure everyone in the community has access to the arts. If you expose children at an early age, they know they belong and are welcome in those spaces,” said Karen Feagins, vice president of client and community relations director, PNC Foundation. “Arts has the power to change lives and change the vitality of a community.”

Each week at The Carpenter’s Shop Center, education majors from Jacksonville University’s Reading Lab work with students who need language arts help, said Founder/Executive Director Cheryl Doro Wilder, who praised the university as a valued community partner.

“Literacy is something our whole city must focus on and contribute to because it helps everyone. It’s about our future,” Kelly said.

The Developmental Learning Center’s Mission is to provide year-round inclusive education, therapies and nursing care to children with medical complexities, physical impairments and unique abilities.

904-387-0370 4101-1 College Street Jacksonville, FL 32205

www.DLCNL.org DLCJax |

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“We put expectations on 18-year-olds to all of a sudden know everything, how to have these conversations that a lot of adults don’t know how to navigate.”

— John Everett,Director of Workforce Development, KHA

34%

*

of Duval County students enter kindergarten not ready to learn

Embracing Families. Transforming Lives.

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21%

*

of Duval County students are living below the poverty line

Hunger, neglect and safety hinder literacy efforts Factors that contribute to illiteracy and other causes of developmental and social problems are numerous. Area nonprofits address many of them, including neglect, hunger, isolation and safety.

For instance, children who are hungry struggle to learn. The First Coast Chapter of Blessings in a Backpack sends a weekend’s worth of healthy, ready-to-eat meals home from school on Fridays with more than 5,500 qualifying students through 45 school partners in Clay, Duval, Nassau and St. Johns counties, according to Brent Glass, vice president, chapter relations.

“Hunger can cause physical health problems and shorten attention spans, and lack of nutrition can lower IQ over time and keep students from making good grades. That ties into the development of a child into an adult,” he said.

A common term is “hangry,” Glass said. With kids, manifesting missed meals might come out as anger or being a smart aleck, and most frequently as being fatigued and unable to concentrate.

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Academic Excellence

Leadership

For 75 years, RPDS has been dedicated to our mission to “educate the mind, nurture the spirit and foster the development of the whole child.” From the time students enter PreK 3 through their journey to 6th Grade, RPDS focuses on providing a challenging academic program, a foundation for leadership and service, opportunities for students to pursue interests in the arts and athletics, all enveloped in a warm and vibrant community.

Service

Athletics

Explore your future at Riverside!

Now accepting applications for PreK 3 - 6th Grade for the 2024-25 school year.

Community

www.rpds.com

904.353.3459

Arts

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Student survey results show that children who receive weekend food from Blessings in a Backpack’s First Coast Chapter experience the following positive impacts:

78%

On Christmas Day in 1924, Memorial Park, a historic Olmsted Brothers-designed park in Jacksonville, was dedicated as Florida’s World War One Memorial and home to the iconic Spiritualized Life sculpture, honoring the memory of the over 1,220 Floridians who lost their lives in the First World War. We invite you to join us as a Centennial Sponsor and a guest at our Memorial Park Centennial Gala. Your sponsorship will extend and enhance our work for the next 100 years. Please join us!

SAVE THE DATE

70%

feel cared for by their community

say their attendance at school is better

69%

67%

say it is easier to learn

say their family is happier

62%

60%

say they are hungry less often

have fewer behavioral issues at school

MEMORIAL PARK

CENTENNIAL GALA SATURDAY, JANUARY 20, 2024 TIMUQUANA COUNTRY CLUB To learn more about becoming a Centennial Sponsor and the Memorial Park Centennial Gala, please visit memparkjax.org

TRADITION. EXCELLENCE. FAITH. Memorial Park Association is a nonprofit organization working since 1986 to enhance, promote and preserve Memorial Park—the premier historic park in Jacksonville and a vibrant destination for the community and visitors alike.

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Community Bolsters Nonprofit Services Having safe places to go after school to interact and receive help from people who care makes huge differences in the lives of kids, but community support is necessary to do so.

Sanctuary on 8th Street

“We want them to be learning and not worrying where their next meal or snack might come from,” he said.

“Living in generational poverty is like being chased by a lion,” said Rick Cartlidge, executive director, Sanctuary on 8th Street, which provides after school, summer camp, tutoring, feeding and other programs to children in the greater Springfield area near downtown Jacksonville. Often children who have been up too late are yanked out of bed and handed a bag a Doritos and a sugary drink to get their days started, he said.

“The parents love their children. I see it,” he continued. “But they are going from job to job or are overworked for minimal pay and are up against it every day. That sprinkles over to the kids; they see and feel this. When it comes to academics, and literacy in particular, most likely it’s not set at an early age because usually mom and dad, and uncles and aunts, and grandparents didn’t have that.”

“We find ourselves having to have additional funds for just basics.”

— Cheryl Doro Wilder, Founder/Executive Director Carpenter’s Shop Center

Workforce programs ease transition to adulthood

The Carpenter’s Shop Center is a faith-based organization that provides out-of-school time programs to empower and educate underserved children, youth and families in Jacksonville’s Arlington area. Founder/Executive Director Cheryl Doro Wilder said that while the KHA is the lifeline to funding its programs, which include workforce development, philanthropy is essential to keeping them going as costs skyrocket.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 106

At the Sanctuary on 8th Street, children from the Springfield area gather after school for activities, homework help, meals and more.

Kiya Evans went there from kindergarten through ninth grade. Now 21, she works there, planning and engaging in youth activities. She said the program helps kids stay out of trouble through a positive environment and teaching them to work hard and have a good attitude.

The nonprofit depends heavily on the generosity of its many community supporters to operate its after-school, summer camp, tutoring and other programs.

“Everything is helpful,” said Executive Director Rick Cartlidge.

“Donations are a big part, but we also have a plethora of people who work behind the scenes.”

Blessings in a Backpack, First Coast Chapter Through its partnership with Sysco Food Services and others, Blessings in a Backpack provides meals on weekends to thousands of children in Northeast Florida who qualify for free or reduced lunches at school.

“That’s often a 65-hour hunger gap,” said Brent Glass, vice president, chapter relations. “Plenty of those homes may have no food, or very little, on weekends.”

A staff nutritionist ensures that the prepacked, ready-to-eat food is nutritious and something kids will eat. The packages are discreetly slipped into their backpacks on Fridays so classmates are unaware. Frequently, they also contain positive note cards.

Because the nonprofit receives no federal, state or city funding, financial contributions are vital.

“We are 100 percent donation driven,” Glass said. “For as little as $150, we can feed a child every weekend for a school year. That’s four bucks a weekend,” he said.

The Carpenter’s Shop Center Services at The Carpenter’s Shop Center include after-school and summer camp programs with academic and enrichment opportunities for children, youth and families in the Arlington area.

“The whole mental health thing is very big with us,” said Founder/Executive Director Cheryl Doro Wilder. “Many students don’t know how to behave or act respectfully toward authority or deal with challenges they are facing.”

She said lack of parental guidance is a big factor in preventing children from reaching their potential. “Many are being raised by grandparents or single moms who are working a couple of jobs.”

“We would not function if we did not have foundation, individual and major donors,” Wilder said.

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17%

*

of Duval County students have special education needs

“The gap we haven’t significantly invested in is that once kids turn 18, who’s going to transition them to that next phase.”

— John Everett,Director of Workforce Development, KHA

“We find ourselves having to have additional funds for just basics,” she said, sharing that insurance has risen to $34,000 a year. “Local grassroots, single site nonprofits are different from the nonprofits that are national.

So, philanthropic opportunities are even more critical as we do not have national support and publicity.”

Community support is essential to its workforce development program that creates a solid foundation for employment by focusing on readiness, including academics, leadership and strengthening families, Wilder said.

For example, through Carpenter’s Shop’s alliance with Miller Electric Company, older teens and young adults, and even some of their parents, receive free electrician training.

The community also can support the nonprofit sector through in-kind donations of equipment and supplies, and by volunteering, she said.

Carpenter’s Shop’s work readiness initiatives play an important role in connecting a missing link in services and supporting KHA’s focus on workforce development.

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“We’ve done a great job of investing in early learning, in addressing the middle school population and with the high school population. The gap we haven’t significantly invested in is that once kids turn 18, who’s going to transition them to that next phase,” said John Everett, director of workforce development, KHA. “We put expectations on 18-year-olds to all of a sudden know everything, how to have these conversations that a lot of adults don’t know how to navigate.”

To that end, KHA has an innovative system in place to assist in the transition to * adulthood that includes going into the workforce or to college, he said. In collaboration with multiple entities, it addresses of Duval County barriers such as housing and students experience transportation. In addition, as food insecurity many as 400 students annually participate in the Mayor’s Youth at Work Partnership where they gain career skills and experience.

Last spring, the city launched the Jacksonville Upward Mobility Program (JUMP) that allows the KHA to utilize up to 1% of the city’s approved economic development agreement incentives for apprenticeship and workforce training programs for Duval County residents. Through JUMP,

13%

How To Help Nonprofit organizations throughout Northeast Florida rely heavily on monetary contributions and other types of support from the community. Nearly all their websites contain information on how to donate and participate.

Here are a few from this article: Blessings in a Backpack, First Coast blessingsinabackpack.org Duval County Diversion System of Care, Partnership for Child Health partnershipforchildhealth.org a cross section of partners provides opportunities for youth and adults to achieve post-secondary training and gain workforce skills needed for Jacksonville’s growing economy.

Literacy is essential to its success, Everett said. “We can’t get you a good job if you can’t read. At our basic level, we must have that so we can prepare them for the workforce.”

“We try to take care of people’s problems and invest in their futures,” Weinstein said. “Literacy is the investment in the future, or we can’t correct the problems.”

Read USA readusainc.com Sanctuary on 8th Street sanctuaryon8th.org The Carpenter’s Shop Center carpentersshop.org

*Source: Survey of Duval County parents and youth completed in 2022 by the Kids Hope Alliance in partnership with NLP Logix, LLC, and the Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida, Inc.

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Jacksonville Journey

Forward

The Jacksonville Journey is back with multiple approaches to addressing crime and a strong grassroots foundation. It provides tools to empower residents to take ownership and make sustainable changes to their communities.

As promised during her campaign, Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan made renewing the initiative – now called Jacksonville Journey Forward – a priority soon after taking office in July.

Starting last summer, committees consisting of representatives from numerous entities including city departments, police, schools, nonprofits and the community identified gaps in communities and looked closely at what worked before and what needs to be done before producing a proposal for the renewed program that is operated out of the Mayor’s Office. The

focus area, which is expanded from the original initiative to encompass several high-crime neighborhoods. Numerous agencies provide reading programs, after-school opportunities, summer camps and more toward keeping youth out of the juvenile justice system and helping them grow into responsible citizens.

“If kids are not reading proficiently by the third grade, their chances of entering the criminal justice system really increase,” Deegan said. “So, improving literacy will be a big focus of our efforts around reviving the Journey.”

Shortly after appointing Lakesha Burton to her executive team as director of community initiatives last summer, Deegan charged her with overseeing the renewed initiative. A former Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office assistant chief and zone commander, Burton knew the value and

committees looked at bringing all city-funded youth programs that fall under prevention and intervention under the umbrella of Jacksonville Journey Forward.

Former Mayor John Peyton created the Jacksonville Journey in 2007 with a major goal of reducing the city’s alarming violent crime rate.

The initiative, which targeted a low-income, high-crime area, is credited with reducing the city’s violent crime rate by more than 30%. In addition to programs to enhance law enforcement and assist ex-offenders, the original Journey addressed core causes of crime such as illiteracy and kids getting in trouble because they aren’t kept busy with constructive alternatives.

Deegan’s citywide efforts to encourage reading and improve the literacy rate are intensified in the Jacksonville Journey Forward’s

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Jacksonville Journey Numerous nonprofits providing diverse services have been awarded funding to support the Jacksonville Journey since its inception.

Here is a sampling: Jacksonville Youth Works, Inc. success of fostering partnerships with residents using the principles of community-oriented policing. However, in a sad turn of events, Burton resigned from the administration in October to care for her critically ill husband.

While she was still working to help develop the goals and directives of Jacksonville Journey Forward, she was enthusiastic about its potential for success and she encouraged all Jacksonville residents to embrace its public safety incentives.

“It’s a mistake to think that what is happening in other communities can’t happen in yours.

Preventing crime means doing something to help, whether participating in community meetings, giving back to a nonprofit, volunteering or just being informed. Getting actively involved is often just having a conversation that we are uncomfortable talking about.”

Goodwill Industries of North Florida Northeast Florida Community Action Agency

Twin Oaks Juvenile Development, Inc. Boys and Girls Club of Northeast Florida Don’t Miss a Beat, Inc.

Kipp Jacksonville, Inc.

FreshMinistries

Wayman Community Development Corporation

Girl Scouts of Gateway Council

Daniel Juvenile Intervention Program

Early Learning Coalition of Duval

Turning Point: Rethinking Violence

Police Athletic League of Jacksonville

Groundwork Jacksonville

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Phoenix TIMES-UNION ARCHIVE

S

Rising RENDERING/FLORIDA

From partnerships and The mid-century modern Hardwick wrote building surrounded by large in his book, Taylor collaboration to events concrete fins, at 40 E. Hardwick: 60 Years Street in downtown of Design, that he and special occasions, Adams Jacksonville, has attracted wanted his design of attention for nearly 60 years. the building to one local institution Opened on Nov. 29, 1964, the Haydon Burns attract people and Library escaped demolition forty years later when create in them an interest to enter and find out rebirthed a historical icon the Jessie Ball duPont Fund bought it. The Jessie, what was going on inside. The Jessie continues to as it is now known, continues to live out the do just that, attracting a diverse group of people to provide an anchor original vision that its architect, Taylor Hardwick, under its expanded vision by the Jessie Ball for it as “a bright spot” that is contributing duPont Fund. for North Florida’s had to the vibrancy of an urban environment.

Once considered "odd-looking" by some Jacksonville residents, The Jessie’s architectural nonprofit ecosystem.

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affordable housing and crime – facilitate dialogue about positive change.

The building’s spaces lend themselves to accommodating a wide range of events: private parties, film festivals, galas, music series, business meetings and even weddings.

“From clients of our nonprofit tenants to people who finally see themselves represented in our public art, to the next generation of community leaders, to people who host their weddings here, everyone is welcome.”

Connecting a Collaborative Community

Mark Walker, director of The Jessie, oversees administration and operations, as well as serving as senior program officer for Jessie Ball duPont Fund grantees in Jacksonville. He manages all aspects of the LEED-certified rental office building, which now has 29 tenants.

“The core of our business is providing belowmarket rates for our nonprofit tenants,” Walker said. “We offer Class A office space and stateof-the-art technology to create a space where they can afford to collaborate effectively. We can do that because we rent the building to tenants at break-even without generating profit for ourselves and generate revenue by renting the space to outside groups that want to host their events in our building.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 112

- Mark Walker, Director of the Jessie and Senior Program Officer for Jessie Ball duPont Fund

PHOTO/BO RADER, THE FLORIDA TIMES-UNION

PHOTO/DON BURK, THE FLORIDA TIMES-UNION

PHOTO/FLORIDA TIMES-UNION ARCHIVES

design took on new life as an exemplifying badge of the duPont Fund’s commitment to the community: regardless of how you look or who you are, you belong here. The nonprofit center hosts all manner of events and community conversations and is focused on placemaking as a welcoming space for everyone who walks through the door, especially for people who might not feel that they belong in other places in Jacksonville.

“From clients of our nonprofit tenants to people who finally see themselves represented in our public art, to the next generation of community leaders, to people who host their weddings here, everyone is welcome,” said Mark Walker, Director of the Jessie and Senior Program Officer for Jessie Ball duPont Fund.

The Jessie’s flagship program, Moving the Margins: Artist in Residence, is a quarterly artistin-residence opportunity for underrepresented artists in partnership with 904WARD. During each exhibition, Moving the Margins facilitates a creative evening where art moves change. The hosted conversations with artists around community issues – such as homelessness,

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PHOTO/CRE8JAX

“For the duPont Fund, The Jessie is an asset, along with our grantmaking and impact-investing work, that helps us achieve our mission in Jacksonville,” Walker said. “The tenants are highly impactful in our community partly because they’re able to operate in a Class A facility and cooperate with each other.”

“Access to business leaders, nonprofit partners and peer organizations, along with being centrally located for our board of directors is a tangible benefit,” said Eric Mann, president and CEO of the YMCA’s Florida First Coast.

“As an organization co-located at The Jessie with the Nonprofit Center for Northeast Florida, we can access their multiple programs designed around very topical issues of importance to the tenants, who share best practices among one another,” said Bill Haley, Family Foundations of Northeast Florida’s president and CEO. Family Foundations and Eckerd Connects are examples of two nonprofit tenants that often work together to help clients. Family Foundations offers tools, skills, support and solutions for families and individuals to benefit by translating financial

trade program,” Walker said. “He can refer them to Eckerd Connects for help.”

“The Jessie provided new options for adult learners to participate in continuing education and also launched a formal digital literacy curriculum,” said Marcus Hale, CEO for the Literacy Alliance of Northeast Florida. His organization’s location in The Jessie has enabled the other nonprofit tenants to refer their own participants into the Literacy Alliance adult education classes.

“That ease of access led to more than double growth in enrollment since moving into The Jessie,” he said.

knowledge into better financial behaviors. Eckerd Connects’ Workforce Development provides a network of community services to give participants the skills needed to further their education or obtain jobs in today’s competitive labor market.

“Sometimes clients come to Bill Haley for counseling, and he realizes they have literacy challenges or need to achieve GEDs or get into a

Serving as a true "anchor institution" in downtown Jacksonville for four decades, it is remembered by thousands of residents who attended performances in the second-floor theater, affectionately called the "puppet theater" because of the puppet shows performed there.

Many recall the "children's room" on the second floor and the stacks in the basement.

Built to Be Better

PHOTO/YNA CRUZ

The Haydon Burns Library, named after Mayor Haydon Burns, the longest standing mayor in Jacksonville (1949-1965) and Governor of Florida (1965-1967), was opened on Nov. 29, 1964, at 122 N. Ocean St. It was the city’s second public library, the first one having been the Jacksonville Free Public Library, opened in 1905 as the first tax-supported library in Florida.

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The original structure was designed to be both aesthetic and useful; in its renovation, both were preserved, yet adapted to meet modern needs.

The Jessie Ball duPont Fund worked with local architectural firm KBJ on the renovation. From 2013 to 2016, Brooke Robbins was the project architect and manager through multiple tenant build-out packages before she started her own firm, Robbins Design Studio. Her offices are in The Jessie, and she has continued as the resident architect for the building.

“As an architectural project, the adaptive reuse of an abandoned building showed that these historic structures are viable and deserve to be adapted for new uses,” Robbins said. “They provide an important element in the fabric of the downtown Jacksonville cityscape by acknowledging our architectural history and helping create a visual diversity to the environment.”

The duPont Fund focuses on making The Jessie a healthy, efficient and cost-saving green building.

The 88 concrete fins that surround the building provide structural support but also affect winds and shadows, helping to cool the building. The south façade, at the corner of Forsyth and Ocean streets, features gardens and tree wells, accommodating the eight-foot slope of the site from north to south.

A cistern and pump are part of a system that captures rainwater from the roof, filters and stores it in the cistern, and then pumps it to irrigate the gardens around and on the roof of the building.

The building is wrapped in panels of tiny Italian glass tiles in shades of blue, green and yellow.

During renovation, local collectors returned thousands of the tiles that had fallen from the building through the years so they could be used in the renovation. An elaborate glazed brick mural surrounds the east elevator tower. Designed by local artist Ann Williams, the mural's exterior wall is yellow and faces Ocean Street.

Filled with bright colors and awash in light, The Jessie’s 120,000 square feet of space fills four floors – three above-ground and one below.

Brightly colored clouds over the reception desk improve acoustics and add visual punch.

From the details in its design to the innovation in its intent, The Jessie stands as a flagship beacon for the people of Jacksonville to remember that our histories matter, our collaborations make us stronger, and our adaptability makes us resilient.

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BRANDING

DIGITA L E X PERIENCES

January TBD 2024

3rd Annual Flight of Fancy

Angels for Allison The Garden Club of Jacksonville | 1005 Riverside Ave. 7-11 p.m.

Fundraising gala celebrating the impact of Angels for Allison, with over 1,000 families served and $1 million funded.

JANUARY 1

Child Cancer Fund Helicopter Ball Drop

Child Cancer Fund Jacksonville Golf and Country Club Community 4:30 p.m.

(904) 396-4223 | childcancerfund.org/events Get ready for an unforgettable experience as a helicopter flies over the target and drops hundreds of numbered golf balls from the sky. Proceeds support Child Cancer Fund services for local families dealing with a childhood cancer diagnosis.

JANUARY 6

JaxPAL 5K and Fun Run

Police Athletic League - Jacksonville Ed Austin Park | 3450 Monument Rd. 8 a.m.

(904) 854-6555 | jaxpalsports.org

Sock It 2 Me Sneaker Ball

Miscellaneous charities WJCT Studios | 100 Festival Park Ave. 7:30-11:30 p.m.

This charitable event is to bring awareness to the needs of the less fortunate. Socks are the least-donated, yet most-requested item needed by this growing population. A portion of proceeds will be donated to local shelters.

JANUARY 13

Hellcat 10K 30K 50K

Military Museum of North Florida Historic Lee Field | 1 Bunker Ave., Green Cove Springs 7 a.m.

(904) 655-6511 | hellcatrace.com

RITA Cash 5K

The RITA Foundation Nocatee Station Field | 400 Nocatee Center Way 8 a.m.

(904) 363-1493 | the-rita-foundation.org

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JANUARY 17

Florida Forum - Steve Wozniak

Women's Board of Wolfson Children's Hospital Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts | 300 Water St. 7 p.m. womensboardwch.com/2023-florida-forum JANUARY 20

Jacksonville Bar Association Charity Clay Shoot Jacksonville Bar Association Jacksonville Clay Target Sports | 12125 New Berlin Rd. 8:45 a.m.

(904) 399-4486 | jaxbar.org/events

Matanzas 5000

Ancient City Road Runners Francis Field | 29 W. Castillo Dr. ancientcityroadrunners.org/matanzas-5000 The Matanzas 5000 benefits youth running programs in St. John's County and cross-country running programs at county high schools, middle schools and the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind.

Memorial Park Centennial Gala

Memorial Park Association Timuquana Country Club | 4028 Timuquana Rd. 5:45-9:30 p.m.

(904) 610-9212 memparkjax.org/event/memorial-park-centennial-gala Join us for an evening of celebration, live music, dinner and drinks as we reflect on the history of Memorial Park and raise money to preserve and protect a vital destination in Jacksonville for generations to come.

JANUARY 27

Little Big Run

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Florida Southbank Riverwalk | 1001 Museum Circle 9 a.m.

(904) 727-9797 littlebigrun.itsyourrace.com/event.aspx?id=15309 The purpose of this event is to raise funds and awareness for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Florida and our one-toone mentoring programs. Little Big Run is a great opportunity to focus on connecting with the environment, building a sense of community and starting off the new year with healthy habits.

Wolfson Children’s Challenge

Wolfson Children's Hospital Nocatee Station Field | 400 Nocatee Center Way 7 a.m.

(904) 202-2919 | wolfsonchildrenschallenge.com Lace up your sneakers for the 15th Annual Wolfson Children's Challenge at Nocatee Station Field. Participants can register for the 55K Ultra, 30K Run, and 1-mile Fun Run, or get a team of up to 11 friends for the 55K Relay.

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February FEBRUARY 1

Smoking Clays for Kids

Wolfson Children's Hospital Bradford Sportsmen's Farm | 11394 SW 106th Ave. Graham, FL 8:30 a.m.

(904) 202-2919 | smokingclaysforkids.com Teams of four are invited to play two 14-staton target courses.

The stations include tower and ground level presentations that are varied often to keep the course fresh and challenging.

FEBRUARY 2-4

DONNA Marathon Weekend

The DONNA Foundation City of Jacksonville & The Beaches (904) 355-7465 | breastcancermarathon.com DONNA Marathon Weekend returns Feb. 2-4, 2024. This year’s theme, Destination: Hope, reinforces DONNA Marathon Weekend as a destination race that appeals to both local and international runners, while envisioning a future defined by something brighter than any one place or race, a future where love always wins out over fear. It celebrates the progress and resilience required to reach the finish line we all believe is possible: a world without breast cancer. Events include a 5K, DONNA Dash, Half Marathon, Marathon, Ultramarathon and Health & Wellness Expo.

FEBRUARY 3

17th Annual A Night for Heroes Gala

UF Health Jacksonville Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront | 224 E. Coastline Dr. 6 p.m.

(904) 244-1061 | ufhealthjax.org/heroes The A Night for Heroes Gala is an annual black-tie fundraiser celebrating UF Health Jacksonville staff and first responders who are true heroes, raising funds to provide state of the art equipment to better serve the community, raising awareness in our community of the value of a Level I trauma center and providing a joyous occasion to advocate for all the great work done daily at UF Health Jacksonville.

EVENT SPOTLIGHT

DINKS AND DRIVES FOR DRAGONFLIES Hearts 4 Minds

When: February 25, 2024 | 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Where: The Yards | 254 Alta Mar Dr., Ponte Vedra Beach Info: hearts4minds.org/pickleball This tournament is a pretty big “dill.” The inaugural Dinks and Drives for Dragonflies pickleball event launches into Jacksonville with tournament play, awards, giveaways and celebratory camaraderie. Spectator admission is free and sponsorship opportunities are available. Net proceeds will benefit Hearts 4 Minds, a local nonprofit striving to break the stigma of mental illness and change how we view mental health. Ball’s in your court, folks.

Help us be the voice of hope, help, healing and change.

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FEBRUARY 3

Annual Breakfast and Luncheon

Women for Christ UNF Herbert University Center | 1 UNF Dr. 9-10:30 a.m. breakfast, 11:30-1 p.m. luncheon jaxwomenforchrist.org Featuring speaker Quisha King.

C.A.R.S. - Children Are Rock Stars

The Foundation of Community Hospice & Palliative Care The Brumos Collection | 5159 San Pablo Rd. S 6:30-10 p.m.

(904) 886-3883 | thefoundationcares.org/upcoming-events/c-a-r-s The annual C.A.R.S. fundraiser benefits organizations whose mission is to provide life-enhancing care for children (The Foundation of Community Hospice & Palliative Care and Every Child Counts).

FEBRUARY 4

The Power of Color Champagne Brunch

Jewish Federation & Foundation San Jose Country Club | 7529 San Jose Blvd.

10 a.m. - noon (904) 448-5000 | jewishjacksonville.org/upcoming-events Creating spaces of connection, creativity, collaboration and community.

FEBRUARY 7

8th Annual Women with Heart Luncheon

Volunteers in Medicine Florida Blue Conference Center | 4800 Deerwood Pk. 11 a.m.

(904) 399-2766 | vimjax.org/vim-events/women-with-heart2024 Women with Heart honorees are chosen because they are committed to leadership, advocacy and the health of our community.

SOUPer Bowl VII

Blessings in a Backpack First Coast Chapter 5-8 p.m.

(904) 237-9340 | firstcoast.blessingsinabackpack.org First Coast Blessings in a Backpack and Sysco Jax are hosting Blessings SOUPer Bowl VII to raise funds and awareness regarding child hunger in our hometown. SBVII will feature 20+ chefs including culinary students who will present their signature soups to the crowd! Event includes a private VIP Clubroom with dessert, wine & whiskey tastings, Silent Auction, Cocktail Bar, Live Music, and more. Local students create beautiful, unique handmade soup bowls for every participant. Every Ticket sold brings Blessings to the table for a local child struggling with hunger.

FEBRUARY 8

14th Annual Planned Giving Symposium

Planned Giving Council of Northeast Florida Florida Blue Deerwood Campus | 4800 Deerwood Campus Pkwy.

8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m (904) 887-3843 | pgcnefl.org/events DecemberWith Keynote Speaker Jeremy Belsky and plenary speaker Johni Hays.

FEBRUARY 9

Night to Shine 10th Anniversary Tim Tebow Foundation (904) 380-8499 | timtebowfoundation.org Night to Shine is an unforgettable prom night experience, centered on God's love, for people with special needs ages 14 and older. Thousands from around the world will come together to honor those with disabilities.

FEBRUARY 10

Drink for Dyslexia

DePaul School of Northeast Florida Intuition Ale Works | 929 E. Bay St. (904) 223-3391 | depaulschool.com

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W.W. Gay Ortega River Run

Episcopal School of Jacksonville Episcopal School of Jacksonville, St. Mark's Campus 4114 Oxford Ave. 8 a.m. 1-mile fun run | 8:30 a.m. 5-mile run / walk (904) 308-7300 | esj.org/support/events/ortega-river-run For the past 46 years, the St. Mark’s Campus has been home to the Ortega River Run. Proceeds benefit the financial aid program at the school.

FEBRUARY 14

Heart of the Runway

North Florida School of Special Education North Florida School of Special Education | 223 Mill Creek Rd. (904) 724-8323 | northfloridaschool.org FEBRUARY 15

Clay Shoot

Angelwood Jacksonville Clay Target Sports | 12125 New Berlin Rd. 8 a.m.

(904) 288-7259 | angelwoodjax.org/sporting-clay-shoot You are invited to the 9th Annual Angelwood Walter “Chuck” Foster Sporting Clay Shoot presented by ChopHouse Thirteen and hosted at Jacksonville Clay Target Sports. Bring your friends, colleagues and clients for a morning of fun for a great cause.

Breakfast, awards lunch, and ammo are included.

FEBRUARY 17

2024 Daddy Daughter Dance

Girls, Inc. WJCT Studios | 100 Festival Park Ave. 4-8 p.m.

(904) 731-9933 | girlsincjax.org/events For the first time since 2019, Girls Inc. of Jacksonville will be bringing back and hosting our annual Daddy Daughter Dance!

We know how important the relationship between a girl and the significant male figure in her life is and we are encouraging it with a night of music, dancing, food and fun.

Jax Vegas, Baby! Annual Fundraiser

Jewish Community Alliance 7:30 p.m.

(904) 730-2100 | jcajax.org/calendar/jax-vegas-baby What happens in Jax Vegas, stays in Jax Vegas and you won't want to miss it! Join us at the party of the year and prepare to be entertained all night long. Your support allows us to provide an array of recreational, eduational, social and cultural opportunities to families throughout Northeast Florida.

Masquerade Ball

Ponte Vedra Women's Club Ponte Vedra Concert Hall | 1050 A1A N., Ponte Vedra (904) 654-7281 | pontevedrawomansclub.com With live and silent auctions, food, beverages, music and dancing, this event benefits five local charities.

FEBRUARY 22

2024 Poker Tournament

Jacksonville Children’s Chorus bestbet Jacksonville | 201 Monument Rd. 6:30-7:30 p.m.

(904) 353-1636 | jaxchildrenschorus.org Come play a hand and help support The Jacksonville Children’s Chorus!

2024 Youth of the Year Awards

Boys & Girls Club of Northeast Florida Florida Blue Conference Center | 4800 Deerwood Campus Pkwy.

6-8 p.m.

(904) 913-8100 | bgcnf.org/events Each year, all Clubs that make up Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida nominate up to three Youth of the Year candidates for elementary school, middle school and high school categories. These Youth of the Year nominees represent their Boys & Girls Club in this competition, celebrating Club members’ academic achievements, leadership abilities and communication skills.

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FEBRUARY 23

2024 Flea Market Preview Party

Garden Club of Jacksonville Garden Club of Jacksonville | 1005 Riverside Ave. 5-8 p.m.

(904) 355-4224 | gardenclubjax.org Get the best selection one day before the Flea Market, and enjoy small bites, a beverage and music while you shop.

41st Annual Red Rose Ball

Ascension St. Vincent's Foundation The River Club | 1 Independent Dr. #3500 7 p.m.

(904) 308-7306 | givestvincents.org/red-rose-ball/ The Red Rose Ball benefits Ascension St. Vincent’s 24 Community Outreach Programs including Medical Mission at Home, Mobile Health Outreach Ministry and the Good Samaritan Program. In 2020, our Mobile Health Outreach Ministry provided over 6,800 unique patients with access to primary care, medication management and healthcare education.

#DTJax Gala: Duval Rouge

Downtown Vision 6-9 p.m.

(904) 634-0303 | dtjax.com/gala The must-attend downtown party of the year returns in 2024 with a Moulin Rouge-twist. Proceeds from the #DTJax Gala benefit PlacemakingJax, a collaborative process for the people of Jacksonville to engage in the creation of pop-up activations or large-scale interventions in Downtown Jacksonville to transform underused public spaces into celebrated community places.

HEAL Gala & Bobby Weed's Golf Gig

HEAL Foundation Ponte Vedra Inn & Club | 200 Ponte Vedra Blvd Golf: 8 a.m., Gala: 6:30 p.m.

(904) 716-4198 | healautismnow.org Bobby Weed's Golf Gig will be held on the PVIC's Ocean Course. Players enjoy a light breakfast at 8 a.m., followed by the golf tournament at 8:30 a.m. Then at 6:30 p.m., HEAL Gala guests will enjoy dinner, open bar, dancing and charity auctions. Tickets and sponsorships: HealAutismNow.org.

FEBRUARY 24

15th Annual "Lift Ev'ry Voice & Sing" Concert

Jacksonville Children’s Chorus Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church | 4001 Hendricks Ave. 2 p.m.

(904) 353-1636 | jaxchildrenschorus.org Join us as we celebrate Black History Month and the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in our 15th annual performance. All proceeds and donations from the concert will benefit The Jacksonville Children's Chorus' ongoing programming and scholarship funds.

2024 Flea Market

Garden Club of Jacksonville Garden Club of Jacksonville | 1005 Riverside Ave. 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

(904) 355-4224 | gardenclubjax.org Score fantastic finds at this gigantic yard sale featuring enticing items from homes across Jacksonville.

Extravaganza 2024: Alchemy

Douglas Anderson School of the Arts Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts | 300 Water St. 6 p.m.

(904) 346-5620 | dcps.duvalschools.org/domain/7083 With 580 students, Extravaganza offers a night of visual art as DA brings the theme of alchemy to life through the creation of beautiful masterpieces.

Galaxy

Museum of Science and History Museum of Science and History | 1025 Museum Cir. 7 p.m.

(904) 396-6674 | themosh.org/galaxy On Feb. 24, over 600 of North Florida's "brightest stars" will gather at the Museum of Science and History to raise funds for MOSH Genesis, a state-of-the-art, new museum slated to break ground later this year. MOSH Genesis will be a model for the Museum of the Future, a “must-see” attraction drawing visitors worldwide.

EVENT SPOTLIGHT

2024 HEART BALL

American Heart Association When: March 2, 2024 Where: Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa 1000 Tournament Players Club Blvd Info: heart.org or (908) 809-0779

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The Heart of the First Coast Heart Ball is an annual event dedicated to raising critical funds to safeguard that fewer people die from heart disease and stroke and ensuring everyone, everywhere, has the opportunity to live long and healthy lives.

The Heart Ball marks a moment in time to reflect, honor and celebrate the progress made as we work to achieve equitable health through the determination, dedication and passion of all who support the lifesaving mission of the American Heart Association. The black-tie evening will also serve as the first local event where we will celebrate 100 years as an organization.

This year’s event will be chaired by Pat and Inger Geraghty. Please call (908) 809-0779 to learn more and get involved.

JBA Young Lawyers Section Chili Cook-Off Jacksonville Bar Association Riverside Arts Market | 715 Riverside Dr. 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

(904) 399-4486 | jaxbar.org/events This year, the cookoff will benefit GameFace 4:13 and the JBA YLS Ribault Future Leaders Program.

Light the Way Gala

Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville (904) 353-6300 x405 | onecau.se/dsajlighttheway

Mukti Freedom Gala

Rethreaded The Glass Factory | 601 Myrtle Ave. N 6-10:30 p.m.

(904) 438-8109 | rethreaded.com/mukti-2024 Mukti means "freedom" in Benagali and is Rethreaded's largest annual fundraiser. Join us for a champagne welcome, hors d'oeuvres, open bar, seated dinner, silent and live auctions, entertainment and a meaningful story from Rethreaded's community. Valet parking provided. Attire is cocktail attire to semi-formal.

Novo Nordisk Jaguars 5K Stadium Challenge

Jacksonville Jaguars Foundation EverBank Field | 1 EverBank Stadium Dr. 6 p.m.

(904) 633-6599 | 1stplacesports.com/races/stadium5k/ Join the annual Jaguars/Novo Nordisk 5K Stadium Challenge to support the Jacksonville Jaguars Foundation and local youth sports programs. The glow in the dark run will include a unique course both inside and outside EverBank Stadium and is fit for all ages.

Participants will run around the stadium, up and down the ramps, and finish by crossing the football field. The videoboards will show a live feed of runners running across the field! After the race, join us on the stadium field for a glow in the dark themed post-race celebration and dance party.

FEBRUARY 25

Dinks and Drives for Dragonflies

Hearts 4 Minds The Yards | 254 Alta Mar Dr. 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

(904) 200-2845 | hearts4minds.org/2024-pickleball This event is a pretty big "dill." In addition to featuring the fastest growing sport in the country, the inaugural charity tournament benefits Hearts 4 Minds, a local non-profit striving to break the stigma of mental illness and change how we view mental health. Ball’s in your court, folks.

Riverside Craft Beer Festival

Riverside Rotary for the Community Hospice & Palliative Care Foundation Riverside Arts Market | 715 Riverside Dr. 1-4 p.m.

(904) 268-5200 | riversidecraftbeerfestival.com The Riverside Craft Beer Festival is proudly hosted by the The Rotary Club of Riverside to support the Community PēdsCare® and Riverside Rotary Foundation.

The event features more than 100 craft beers from local, regional, and national breweries, live music, and food from Jacksonville’s best food trucks.

FEBRUARY 26

20th Annual Ron Townsend Golf Classic

Guardian Catholic School Timuquana Country Club | 4028 Timuquana Rd. 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

(904) 765-1920 | rontownsendgolfclassic.com Over the past two decades, the Ron Townsend Golf Classic has raised over $2 million for financial assistance for deserving students in North Jacksonville to receive a high-quality, faith-based education at Guardian Catholic School, regardless of financial means or religious preference.

Florida Forum - Adm. James Stavridis (Ret.) Women's Board of Wolfson Children's Hospital Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts 300 Water St. 7 p.m. womensboardwch.com/2023-florida-forum

EVENT SPOTLIGHT

2024 ANNUAL MEETING – 25TH ANNIVERSARY North Florida Land Trust When: March 3, 2024 | Noon-3 p.m.

Where: TPC Sawgrass | 110 Championship Way Info: nflt.org North Florida Land Trust will be celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2024.

Join us March 3 for a mimosa brunch and an afternoon looking back over the past 25 years and ahead to the next 25. The event will be held from noon to 3 p.m. and will include networking, brunch and a mission program.

Visit NFLT.org or email development@NFLT.org for more information.

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FEBRUARY 26

Hayden Hurst Family Foundation Golf Tournament

Youth Crisis Center Deercreek Country Club | 7816 McLaurin Rd. N 7:30 a.m.

(904) 725-6662 | youthcrisiscenter.org/hayden-hurstfamily-foundation-golf-tournament/ Enjoy a beautiful day on the course, a chance to win prizes and an amazing silent auction.

Wine Tasting Gala

Tom Coughlin Jay Fund EverBank Field | 1 EverBank Stadium Dr. (904) 543-2599 | tcjayfund.org/wine Sample culinary delights from the area’s best restaurants, as well as hundreds of renowned wines.

The event helps to provide financial, emotional and practical support to local families tackling childhood cancer.

FEBRUARY 29-MARCH 30

FEBRUARY 29

Pull for Sight Clay Shoot

Vision is Priceless Jacksonville Clay Target Sports | 12125 New Berlin Rd. 11 a.m.

(904) 503-2423 | visionispriceless.org/pullforsight Event participants may register in teams of 4 shooters or as individuals. There are 15 shooting stations. Awards will be given to teams with the highest scores. The event will also feature a prize drawing and happy hour with beer, wine, liquor and snacks immediately after the shoot. This is sure to be a fun and competitive, yet laid back day. All proceeds from the event will support our sight-saving services for children and adults in need in Northeast Florida.

29th Annual Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance

The Foundation of Community Hospice & Palliative Care The Ritz-Carlton, The Golf Club of Amelia Island | 4750 Amelia Island Pkwy.

All day (904) 886-3883 | thefoundationcares.org/upcomingevents/the-amelia The Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance is among the top automotive events in the world. Always held the second full weekend in March, “The Amelia” draws nearly 300 rare vehicles from collections around the world to The Golf Club of Amelia Island and The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island for a celebration of the automobile like no other.

EVENT SPOTLIGHT

38TH ANNUAL CELEBRITY CHEFS TASTING LUNCHEON AND SILENT AUCTION Salvation Army

When: April 4, 2024 | 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: Prime Osborn Convention Center | 1000 Water St. Info: jacksonville.salvationarmyflorida.org/nefl/events/38th-annualcelebrity-chefs-tasting-luncheon-and-silent-auction

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Through this annual fundraising event, the Women’s Auxiliary supports the many Salvation Army programs that contribute to lasting and positive changes in the lives of those in need on Florida’s First Coast.

Great food, local celebrities, decadent desserts and a fantastic auction await guests of the 38th Annual Celebrity Chefs Tasting Luncheon.

Diners stop for a nibble from each station, where a local celebrity is serving up a spoonful of their favorite recipe. Individual tickets are $40 and discounted group tickets are available.

March SPRING TBD

MARCH 2

Girls, Inc. Noon - 1 p.m.

(904) 731-9933 | girlsincjax.org/events This event highlights the needs of the girls served

by Girls, Inc. of Jacksonville, and celebrates a woman community member and an organization making strides for women and girls.

Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort and Spa | 1000 Tournament Players Club Blvd.

(904) 809-0779 | new.event.gives/436113 The Heart of the First Coast Heart Ball is an annual event dedicated to raising critical funds to safeguard that fewer people die from heart disease and stroke and ensuring everyone, everywhere, has the opportunity to live long and healthy lives. The blacktie evening will also serve as the first local event where we will celebrate 100 years as an organization.

This year's event will be chaired by Pat and Inger Geraghty.

2024 Women of Vision Celebration Luncheon

26th Annual Golf Classic

Downs Syndrome Association of Jacksonville (904) 353-6300 | dsaj.org/charity-golf-classic

6th Annual McKenzie's Camp Deep Pond Clay Shoot

2024 Heart Ball American Heart Association First Coast

30th Anniversary Gayla

Boys & Girls Club of Northeast Florida Jacksonville Clay Target Sports | 12125 New Berlin Rd. 9 a.m.

(904) 913-8100 |

JASMYN The Glass Factory | 601 Myrtle Ave. N (904) 389-3857 | jasmyn.org

Golf Classic

JTC Running Jacksonville Fairgrounds | 510 Fairgrounds Pl. 8 a.m.

(904) 384-8725 | gateriverrun15k.com This annual USATF 15K championship race starts on Duval Street in front of Jacksonville Fairgrounds, and finishes on Duval Street next to EverBank Field.

The Synovus 5K for Charity supports over a dozen charities in the Jacksonville area.

Angelwood (904) 288-7259 | angelwoodjax.org

MARCH 1-3

The RITA Championships

The RITA Foundation Club Continental | 2143 Astor St., Orange Park 6-8 p.m. opening party, tournament TBD (904) 363-1493 the-rita-foundation.org/rita-championships/ The RITA Foundation is excited to once again offer the RITA Championships! The tournament started in 1997 and has been in cornerstone in The Rita Foundations fundraising efforts.

Gate River Run

Hats Off to San Jose 2024 Gala San Jose Episcopal Day School (904) 733-0352 | sjeds.org/gala Join us for a joyous evening to benefit San Jose Episcopal Day School. This festive night includes dinner, dancing, live and silent auctions.

EVENT SPOTLIGHT

10TH ANNUAL PAJCIC YARD GOLF TOURNAMENT Pajcic & Pajcic for Jacksonville Area Legal Aid When: April 6, 2024 | 3-8 p.m.

Where: Pajcics’ homes Info: jaxlegalaid.org/pajcicyardgolf The 10th annual Pajcic Yard Golf will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2024, in Avondale and benefits Jacksonville Area Legal Aid. The highlight every year is the celebrity shootout featuring Jacksonville Jaguar players, former pro golfers and other local celebrities. Participants even have a chance to win $6,000 for a hole-in-one on the famous “island green.” Every donation for Jacksonville Area Legal Aid is matched dollar-for-dollar by the Pajcics, going toward the nonprofit’s free civil legal services to those who cannot afford an attorney.

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MARCH 2

Jacksonville Symphony Gala: Music in Vogue

Jacksonville Symphony Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts 300 Water St. 5:00 p.m.

(904) 354-5479 | jaxsymphony.org/giving/24symphony-gala/ Music in Vogue is a fashionable evening celebrating music education and community engagement, featuring music by artists who have graced the cover of Vogue magazine.

YoungLife Homecoming: Celebrating 65 Years of Ministry (904) 913-7811 | northeastflorida.younglife.org/events Join alumni, parents, leaders, staff and board members as we celebrate 65 years of ministry in Jacksonville.

MARCH 3

25th Anniversary North Florida Land Trust Annual Meeting

North Florida Land Trust TPC Sawgrass | 110 Championship Way Noon (904) 479-1967 | nflt.org A look back at the highlights and accomplishments of 2023 and a celebration of North Florida Land Trust's 25th anniversary in 2024.

MARCH 4

Betty Griffin Center First Annual Breakfast

Betty Griffin Center The Plantation at Ponte Vedra Beach | 220 Plantation Cir. 7-9 a.m.

(904) 808-8544 | bettygriffincenter.org/ticketsavailable-for-betty-griffin-centers-first-annualbreakfast-on-march-4 Please join us for our first breakfast to celebrate domestic and sexual violence survivors. Proceeds of the breakfast help the Betty Griffin Center fund its emergency and support services which include an emergency shelter, two Rape Crisis Units, transitional housing, counseling, legal and financial education programs, and preventive education programs.

Masters of Disasters: 31st Annual Golf Invitational

American Red Cross Northeast Florida Chapter Deerwood Country Club | 10239 Golf Club Dr. 9:30 a.m.

(904) 358-8091 | redcross.org/local/florida/northflorida/about-us/news-and-events/events/masters-ofdisasters The day begins with registration opening at 9:30 am.

Players are welcome to warm-up on the putting green, browse an array of auction items, grab a goodie bag, pick-up their player's gift, and load their cart with a delicious boxed lunch before the shotgun start at 11am.

MARCH 9

Giving Tree Gala and W.W. "Bill" Gay Community Impact Award Ceremony

YMCA of Florida's First Coast Jessie Ball duPont Center | 40 E. Adams St. 6-9 p.m.

(904) 296-3220 | givingtreegala.org The Winston Y's Giving Tree Gala is a night to remember the contributions of W. W. "Bill" Gay, and to celebrate our donors and friends who help create the impact happening in and around the Winston Family YMCA. Please join us for dinner and fellowship at this special community event.

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J.B. Coxwell 5th Annual Dreams Come True Bass Tournament

Dreams Come True Palatka City Dock and Boat Ramp | 319 River Street, Palatka 6 a.m. - 7 p.m.

(904) 296-3030 | bit.ly/DCTBassTournament2024 Annual Bass Fishing Tournament, with payouts to 1 in 7 boats. Big Bass award and raffle prizes included.

RunWild 5K and 10K

Boys and Girls Clubs of Nassau County Foundation 123 Tinker St., Wildlight 8:30 a.m. bgcnassau.org MARCH 10

A Taste of France

Nemours Children's Health Ponte Vedra Inn & Club | 200 Ponte Vedra Blvd. nemours.org/jaxgala French culture, food, entertainment and live music.

MARCH 16

2nd Annual Survivor's Strong Celebration Gala Fundraiser

Pink Ribbon Blue Skies Foundation Citi Teen Center Boys & Girls Club of Northeast Florida 313 E. 10th St. 7-11 p.m.

(904) 426-9389 | prbsf.org/event Fundraising to celebrate all cancer survivors. Wear your color to this black tie affair.

MARCH 17

St. Paddy's Run 5K and 10K

Springfield Historical Society Evergreen Cemetery | 4535 N. Main St. 8 a.m.

(904) 633-9308 | historicspringfield.org MARCH 21

Seeding Jacksonville

Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens WJCT Studios | 100 Festival Park 5:30-8 p.m.

(904) 318-4342 | jacksonvillearboretum.org/ eventsactivities Enjoy cocktails with the Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens as we connect with the community and report about the health and future of the Arboretum. Guest speaker will be Donna McGinnis, president and CEO of Naples Botanical Garden.

MARCH 22

Mayor’s Masked Ball Jacksonville

UNCF Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront 225 E. Coastline Dr. 6 p.m.

(407) 491-1264 | uncf.org/events/2024-uncf-mayorsmasked-ball-jacksonville-fl The 3rd Jacksonville UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball is a premier fundraising gala and major social event focusing on raising awareness of the need and benefits of a college education, the students UNCF serves and the contributions of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), including Jacksonville’s very own Edward Waters University—Florida’s first HBCU and first independent institution of higher education.

MARCH 23

16th Annual Fight for Air Climb

American Lung Association Bank of America Tower | 50 N. Laura St. 8 a.m.

(904) 520-7120 | lung.org The Fight For Air Climb - Jacksonville, is returning to the Bank of America Tower, featuring one-of-a-kind views and the best set of stairs in town. The Bank of America Tower is the perfect setting for a day of fun, challenge and camaraderie.

Boots and Bling

Gabriel House of Care Deerwood Castle | 7601 Centurion Pkwy.

(904) 821-8995 | gabrielhouseofcare.org Gabriel House celebrates our spring fundraiser with one of Nashville's best musicians, Trey Taylor and his band.

The Kilwins Jacksonville Ice Cream Run to benefit Clarke Schools for Hearing and Speech

Clarke Schools for Hearing and Speech St. Johns Town Center | 4663 River City Dr. 7:30 a.m.

(855) 203-7085 | clarkeschools.org/events/ice-cream-run/ Join Kilwins Jacksonville and Clarke Schools for Hearing and Speech for this ever-growing event with a timed 5K race and a 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk. At the finish line, participants are rewarded with all-you-can-eat Kilwins Original Recipe Ice Cream while enjoying a lively sponsor and vendor activity area.

Mutt March 2024

Jacksonville Humane Society Markets of Town Center | 4865 Town Center Pkwy.

9 a.m. - noon (904) 493-4606 | jaxhumane.org/events/mutt-march-2024 Walk to raise money for homeless pets and shop a local vendor market of crafters, bakers and artisans. Treat your pup to a doggie massage, meet community partners and more.

MARCH 25

34th Annual Golf Classic

L’Arche Jacksonville Palencia Club | 600 Palencia Club Dr. 9 a.m.

(904) 721-5992 larchejacksonville.org/34th-golf-classic-march-25-2024/ Includes chipping challenge contest, ladies happy hour and awards reception.

EVENT SPOTLIGHT

100TH ANNIVERSARY COMMUNITY CELEBRATION United Way of Northeast Florida When: April 2024 Where: James Weldon Johnson Park | 135 W. Monroe St. Info: unitedwaynefl.org/100years Since 1924, United Way of Northeast Florida has supported families in need, giving hope and creating opportunity to help them thrive. Join United Way staff, donors, partners, volunteers and the community at large for this energetic celebration of the organization’s first century of impact and its vision for the future. One hundred years of uniting and serving Northeast Florida was only the beginning. Visit unitedwaynefl.org/100years to learn more and find out about all opportunities to join the festivities.

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MARCH 25

Child Cancer Fund Golf Tournament presented by Duval Asphalt

Child Cancer Fund Jacksonville Golf and Country Club | 3985 Hunt Club Rd. N (904) 396-4223 | childcancerfund.org The Child Cancer Fund Golf Tournament presented by Duval Asphalt was established to raise funds and awareness for Northeast Florida families battling childhood cancer. Proceeds support Child Cancer Fund's 30 years of caring for families with practical, educational and emotional support during this difficult time.

Duval County Golf Tournament

Salvation Army of Northeast Florida Queens Harbor | 1131 Queens Harbor Blvd.

6:30-10:30 p.m.

(904) 894-1510 jacksonville.salvationarmyflorida.org/nefl/allevents/ MARCH 30

15th Annual Stand Up & Stride Domestic Violence Awareness Walk

Hubbard House Riverfront | 400 E. Bay St. Jacksonville Event opens 8 a.m., Walk begins 9 a.m.

(904) 354-0076 | hubbardhouse.org Hubbard House’s Stand Up & Stride Domestic Violence Awareness Walk is a fun, family-friendly, and free event with special celebrity guests, music, dancing and 1,200 community members coming together to raise awareness about domestic violence. The event is held annually for our community to show that ending domestic violence is a priority, to raise awareness about abuse and to celebrate those who have survived and found beautiful new beginnings. All abilities welcome.

Vilano Bridge 5K and 10K Run

Florida School for the Deaf and Blind Vilano Beach Community Center | 120 Meadow Ave. 8 a.m.

(904) 827-2200 | 1stplacesports.com/races/vilanobridgerun/ Proceeds benefit Florida School for the Deaf and Blind, as well as projects in the Vilano and North Shores communities.

EVENT SPOTLIGHT

RIVER CITY DANCING WITH THE STARS Jacksonville Children’s Chorus When: April 13, 2024 | 6:30 p.m.

Where: UNF Lazzara Performance Hall | 1 UNF Dr. Info:

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River City Dancing with the Stars features some of Jacksonville’s beloved local celebrities, partnered with professional ballroom instructors to learn dance, compete for the mirror ball trophy and be named River City’s favorite dancer. This event garners funding for singer scholarships and programming at The Jacksonville Children’s Chorus. The Chorus serves as a cultural beacon for the children of Northeast Florida, and the scholarships ensure every child can participate, regardless of their family’s ability to pay. Roughly one-third of children who participate receive financial aid generated from this program. | VO L . 0 9 2 024

April APRIL TBD

10th Annual Run for Peace 5K

Betty Griffin Center (904) 808-8544 | bettygriffincenter.org/events

ExZOOberation Gala

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens | 370 Zoo Pkwy.

6-10 p.m.

(904) 757-4463 | jacksonvillezoo.org ExZOOberation raises funds to support the care and feeding of our animals, lush botanical gardens, educational programs and conservation initiatives.

Gather to Reimagine

Here Tomorrow (904) 477-0675 | heretomorrow.org Join Here Tomorrow as we celebrate those who are here today! All donations at the fundraiser and HereTomorrow.org/give will be doubled through the Match to Reimagine Suicide Prevention. The match is courtesy of the Delores Barr Weaver Legacy Fund, the J. Wayne Weaver Fund and Here Tomorrow founder Joe Kenney.

Jax Healing Hearts Race

The Healing Hearts Project FSCJ North Campus 8 a.m. - noon (904) 314-0533 | thehealingheartsproject.org/jaxhealing-hearts-race Jax Healing Hearts Race is a family-friendly community event to raise awareness for congenital heart defects (CHD). Join us for the timed 5K or the 1-mile fun run/walk.

KATE KUP VIP Players Party

Kate Amato Foundation 3 Palms Grille at The Yards | 254 Alta Mar Dr. 6-10 p.m.

(904) 629-8300 | kateamatofoundation.org/kate-kup/ Adult cocktail party to kick off the KATE KUP Triples Tennis Tournament with dinner, beverages and live music.

KATE KUP Triples Tennis Tournament

Kate Amato Foundation The Oak Bridge Tennis Center at The Yards 254 Alta Mar Dr. 9 a.m.

(904) 629-8300 | kateamatofoundation.org/kate-kup/ Family friendly event has a kid zone, and registration includes complimentary admission to the VIP players party, gift bag, costume awards, lunch and beverages during the tournament, and a generous donation to support pediatric cancer research.

The Soiree

Brooks Rehabilitation (904) 345-7069 | brooksrehab.org/brooks-foundation Brooks Rehabilitation is presenting The Soirée a themed evening of fun, food and festivities directly supporting the program and participants of Adaptive Sports and Recreation and Pediatric Recreation. The invaluable support of our community is critical to our ability to provide life-altering programs and services at no cost to the participants.

United Way 100th Anniversary Celebration

United Way of Northeast Florida James Weldon Johnson Park | 135 W. Monroe St. (904) 300-8366 | unitedwaynefl.org Join United Way of Northeast Florida as the organization celebrates 100 years of impact. The event will take place in the very location of their first-ever rally and parade in 1924.

APRIL 2

A Night in the Vineyard

Monique Burr Foundation SoNapa Grille | 2400 3rd St. S Unit 101, Jacksonville Beach 6 p.m.

(904) 642-0210 | mbfpreventioneducation.org/nightin-the-vineyard/ Night in the Vineyard is a charitable night featuring live entertainment, auctions, gourmet food, amazing wine pairings and great company - all while supporting a great cause.

APRIL 3-4

2024 Community Health Symposium

Florida Blue Foundation Hyatt Regency Orlando | 9801 International Dr., Orlando, FL (904) 905-6803 | floridabluefoundation.com An annual two-day event that brings together thought leaders, community partners and nonprofit organizations dedicated to improving the health of the communities in our state.

APRIL 4

38th Annual Celebrity Chefs Tasting and Silent Auction Fundraiser

Salvation Army of Northeast Florida Prime Osborn Convention Center | 1000 Water St. 10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

(904) 894-1510 | jacksonville.salvationarmyflorida. org/nefl/events/38th-annual-celebrity-chefs-tastingluncheon-and-silent-auction Diners stop for a nibble from each station, where a local celebrity is serving up a spoonsful of their favorite recipe. Event includes a silent auction and proceeds support Salvation Army programs that contribute to lasting and positive changes in the lives of those in need on Florida's First Coast.

APRIL 5

2024 Blooms Galore & More Preview Party

Garden Club of Jacksonville Garden Club of Jacksonville | 1005 Riverside Ave. 5-8 p.m.

(904) 355-4224 | gardenclubjax.org Get the best selection of plants one day before Blooms Galore & More, and enjoy live music and a beverage from the donation bar while you shop. Vote for your favorite display in the Container Competition, then bid on a pot to take home.

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APRIL 5

2024 Subaru of Jacksonville BASCA Golf Classic

BASCA Eagle Harbor Golf Course | 2217 Eagle Harbor Pkwy.

(904) 541-1742 | bascainc.org/events/subaru-bascagolf-classic

8th Annual Veterans Cup Clay Shoot

Operation New Uniform Jacksonville Clay Target Sports | 12125 New Berlin Rd. (904) 328-1600 | onuvets.org APRIL 6

10th Annual Pajcic Yard Golf Tournament Pajcic & Pajcic for Jacksonville Area Legal Aid Pacjic Homes and Select Locations 3-8 p.m. jaxlegalaid.org/pajcicyardgolf The 10th annual Pajcic Yard Golf will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2024, in Avondale and benefits Jacksonville Area Legal Aid. The highlight every year is the celebrity shootout featuring Jacksonville Jaguar players, former pro golfers and other local celebrities. Every donation for Jacksonville Area Legal Aid is matched dollar-for-dollar by the Pajcics, going toward the nonprofit’s free civil legal services to those who cannot afford an attorney.

2024 Blooms Galore & More

Garden Club of Jacksonville Garden Club of Jacksonville | 1005 Riverside Ave. 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

(904) 355-4224 | gardenclubjax.org An amazing day of activities throughout the Garden Club campus: Sprout Sale, Green Market, Budding Gardeners, Garden Club Academy and food trucks.

Berry Good Farms Weekend Festival Concert on the Farm

North Florida School of Special Education Delores Barr Weaver Therapeutic Equestrian Center 223 Mill Creek Road 2-6 p.m.

(904) 724-8323 | northfloridaschool.org This rocking new event will be located in the spacious riding arena at the school’s new Delores Barr Weaver Therapeutic Equestrian Center. Guests will listen to the music of Bold City Classics band while enjoying beer, specialty cocktails, and wine.

Don’t forget your stadium chairs or blanket to sit on!

Greenwood Gala

Greenwood School Sawgrass Mariott | 1000 Tournament Players Club Blvd.

6 p.m.

(904) 726-5000 | greenwoodjax.org Join us for an evening of celebration, supporting the expansion of science, technology, engineering, art and math at Greenwood School. With live music from Bold City Classics, silent auction and raffle.

Walk to Defeat ALS

ALS Association Florida Chapter UNF J.B. Coxwell Amphitheatre | 1 UNF Dr. 8:30 a.m.

(888) 257-1717 | als.org/florida/events Help us unlock ALS in Jacksonville. Fundraising through the Walk drives bold and urgent innovation as we march together toward a treatment, and ultimately, a cure for ALS.

Wine & Chocolate Run 5K

San Marco Square and San Marco Merchants Association San Marco Square | 2018 San Marco Blvd.

5 p.m.

1stplacesports.com/races/wine5k The Wine and Chocolate 5K s an awesome run through historic San Marco to raise funds for the continued beautification of the San Marco Square.

APRIL 6-7

Berry Good Farms Weekend Festival

North Florida School of Special Education Delores Barr Weaver Therapeutic Equestrian Center 223 Mill Creek Road (904) 724-8323 | northfloridaschool.org Guest chefs will dish up a culinary weekend filled with live music, delicious food, entertainment, and a celebration of the NFSSE community. Equally fun and innovative, the two-day fundraising event will allow guests to enjoy the NFSSE campus highlighting the exquisite Delores Barr Weaver Therapeutic Equestrian Center.

APRIL 7

Berry Good Farms Weekend Festival Dinner on the Farm

North Florida School of Special Education Delores Barr Weaver Therapeutic Equestrian Center 223 Mill Creek Road 4-7 p.m.

(904) 724-8323 | northfloridaschool.org This signature event will feature local restaurateurs together with Berry Good Farm’s culinary team. Enjoy a farm-to-table dinner, paired with fine wine. Complimentary valet parking. Selfparking available along any side street.

APRIL 7-8

Mulligans for the Mission

Ascension St. Vincent’s Foundation TPC Sawgrass | 110 Championship Way 5 p.m. Sunday Dinner, 9 a.m. Monday Golf Tournament (904) 308-7306 | givestvincents.org/mulligans-forthe-mission Please join us for Ascension St. Vincent's 16th Annual Mulligans for the Mission. We truly enjoy partnering with TPC Sawgrass to provide a top of the line tournament experience while supporting our community's most vulnerable patients. Your contributions directly provide our underserved neighbors with the healthcare they so desperately need.

APRIL 10

28th Annual River Garden Classic

River Garden Deerwood Country Club | 10239 Golf Club Dr. 12-6 p.m.

(904) 260-1818 rivergarden.org/river-garden-foundation/golf-classic/

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APRIL 14

Junior League of Jacksonville

Borland Groover Foundation Fuller Warren Bridge | 715 Riverside Dr. 7 a.m. p2p.onecause.com/mtgs2024 All proceeds from the event benefit the Borland Groover Foundation.

100th Year Anniversary Gala 11th Annual MudRun 5K

Seamark Ranch Seamark Ranch | 3631 Seamark Ranch Rd., Green Cove Springs 6:30 a.m.

(904) 288-8885 | seamarkranch.com Our 5K Seamark Mudrun challenges participants with 26 obstacles along a course that takes advantage of the natural terrain on the 468-acre campus of Seamark Ranch in Green Cove Springs.

Mudders navigate ponds, berms, pits, a rope web, dip into Black Creek, and down a 100-foot slippery slide known as Prayer Hill.

50th Anniversary Party

Youth Crisis Center Ritz Theater | 829 N. Davis St. 6:30 p.m.

(904) 725-6662 youthcrisiscenter.ejoinme.org/groovy Dress in your '70s best and join us in celebrating 50 years of Youth Crisis Center with dancing, drinks, refreshments and reflections on the living legacy of our organization.

First Coast Parkinson's Run

JAX HOPE, INC. Riverside Park | 753 Park St. (904) 874-7083 | jaxhopeinc.org Run to raise awareness. Fight the progression.

Cure the disease.

River City Dancing with the Stars

Jacksonville Children’s Chorus UNF Lazzara Performance Hall | 1 UNF Dr. 6:30 p.m.

(904) 353-1636 | rivercitydwts.com Jacksonville's local celebrities are partnered with professional ballroom instructors to learn dance, compete for the mirror ball trophy and be named River City's favorite dancer. This event garners funding for singer scholarships and programming at The Jacksonville Children's Chorus.

March to Get Screened 5K

APRIL 14-15

The Illumination Golf Classic

Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center TPC Sawgrass | 110 Championship Way (904) 202-2808 | illuminationgolfclassic.com For more than 26 years, the Golf Classic has supported various needs at Baptist Health.

Proceeds from 2024 will benefit Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center's cellular therapy and stem cell transplant program APRIL 18

Annual Spring Fundraiser: Taking Jax to the Max The LJD Jewish Family & Community Services Florida Blue Conference Center 4800 Deerwood Park Center (904) 394-5727 | jfcsjax.org/annualevent2024 APRIL 20

Black & White Soiree

Catholic Charities Adam W. Herbert University Center | 12000 Alumni Dr. 6 p.m.

(904) 224-0077 | ccbjax.org/BW2024 Catholic Charities Jacksonville hosts our most significant event of the year. The Black & White Soiree will continue its tradition of having a great night on the town while raising funds for the most vulnerable in our community.

APRIL 21

Strides for Pride 5K

JASMYN Riverside Arts Market | 715 Riverside Ave. 8 a.m.

(904) 389-3857 | jasmyn.org Family-friendly 5K walk/run to benefit JASMYN's youth programs and services.

EVENT SPOTLIGHT

9TH ANNUAL DIFFERENCE MAKERS BANQUET City Rescue Mission

When: Thursday, May 2, 2024 | 6p.m.

Where: Southbank Hotel Jacksonville Riverwalk 1515 Prudential Drive Info: crmdevelopment@crmjax.org or (904) 421-5147 The City Rescue Mission celebrates its 9th Annual Difference Makers Banquet with an evening of laughs from Robert G. Lee, a seasoned comic who comes armed with a refreshingly clean, relatable act. He’s a sitcom warm-up trained to ad lib off-the-cuff with any type of crowd. Robert has been entertaining audiences behind the scenes on Hollywood sitcoms such as “Golden Girls,” “Wings” and “Old Christine” for over three decades!

Individual tickets are $150. A 10-seat table is $1,500. Sponsorships are available. Contact Angela Washington at (904) 421-5147 or crmdevelopment@crmjax.org.

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Tides and Tails Happy Hour

APRIL 23

Lemon Ball

Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation and Kate Amato Foundation (904) 356-5155 | APRIL 24

THRIVE! 2024

Women's Center of Jacksonville (904) 722-3000 APRIL 26

19th Annual Spring for the Arts

Cathedral Arts Project Epping Forest Yacht & Country Club 1830 Epping Forest Dr. 6:30 p.m.

(904) 281-5599 ext. 118 | Capkids.org/sfta Spring for the Arts is CAP’s signature fundraiser which celebrates community engagement in support of funding arts education initiatives throughout the region. Since its inception, the event has generated nearly $8 million for arts education in the greater Jacksonville area.

2024 Jack Myers Champions for Mercy Golf Tournament Mercy Support Services Eagle Landing Golf Club | 3989 Eagle Landing Pkwy.

8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

(904) 297-4052 | mercysupportservices.org Proceeds from the tournament directly benefit families and children in Clay County, to continue programs to help individuals and families who are circumstantially in need get to a place of selfsufficiency.

Jacksonville Humane Society One Ocean Hotel & Resort | 1 Ocean Blvd.

4:30-6:30 p.m.

(904) 493-4606 | jaxhumane.org/events Happy hour for you and your furry friend. Let us come together and celebrate our lifesaving mission for pets in need and the people who love them.

APRIL 27

PurpleStride Jacksonville

Pancreatic Cancer Action Network Treaty Oak | 1207 Prudential Dr. (877) 272-6226 | pancan.org We’re bringing together pancreatic cancer survivors, families, caregivers, researchers and supporters in your community for a memorable day, and we want you there.

Walk around the event village, grab a snack, write on the tribute wall, take pictures with your family and friends in the photo area, and be inspired during the opening ceremony before you set off on the ultimate walk to end pancreatic cancer.

Run to Feed the Hungry 5K

Rotary Club of Mandarin Mandarin Presbyterian Church 2501 Loretto Rd. 8 a.m.

1stplacesports.com/races/rotary5k/ Rotary Club of Mandarin was established in 1975 and is proud of our 48 years of accomplishments in the community promoting “Service Above Self.” The race will primarily benefit the Mandarin Food Bank at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and the Daily Bread Food Pantry at Mandarin Presbyterian Church.

APRIL 29

23rd Annual “Hank Haynes” Golf Classic Daniel Timuquana Country Club | 4028 Timuquana Rd. (904) 296-1055 | danielkids.org/events

EVENT SPOTLIGHT

WINE WOMEN & SHOES JAX 2024 Episcopal Children’s Services When: May 16, 2024 | 6 p.m.

Where: Timuquana Country Club | 4028 Timuquana Rd. Info: winewomenandshoes.com/event/jax

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Wine Women & Shoes Jax is back for the fourth year in a row. A community favorite, this annual fundraiser for Episcopal Children’s Services allows attendees to sip, shop, savor and support Episcopal Children’s Services in a fun and fashionable way. Raising the bar on nonprofit events, activities include wine tasting, designer shopping, silent auction and a Best in Shoe contest, encouraging all guests to slip on their fanciest shoes and enjoy a night of fun and fashion. Working together with local and national brand partners, Episcopal Children’s Services strives to uplift the mission of the organization: to create opportunity so that the children we serve can achieve their full potential. For sponsorship inquiries, contact Lauren Hopkins at lauren.hopkins@ecs4kids.org.

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May MAY TBD

Fiesta at the Beach

Sulzbacher Casa Marina Hotel | 691 1st Street N 5:30-7:30 p.m. sulzbacherjax.org Join us for a lively evening of fiesta, food and fun with live music, benefitting the Sulzbacher Beaches Health Center. Your support means homeless and disadvantaged people in our community receive the healthcare they need!

The Great Fire Run 5K

Jacksonville Historical Society Old St. Andrew’s Church | 317 A. Philip Randolph Blvd.

7:30 a.m.

(904) 665-0064 | jaxhistory.org MAY 2

9th Annual Difference Makers Banquet

City Rescue Mission Southbank Hotel Jacksonville Riverwalk 1515 Prudential Dr. 6:30 p.m.

(904) 421-5147 | crmjax.org Come support City Rescue Mission and celebrate our 9th Annual Difference Makers Banquet. Enjoy an evening of laughs from Robert G. Lee, a seasoned comic with a refreshinglly clean, relatable act.

Rising Stars!

Communities in Schools of Jacksonville Florida Theatre | 128 E. Forsyth St. #300 6-9 p.m.

(904) 344-3900 x117 | cisjax.org/rising-stars-2024 Rising Stars is Communities In Schools of Jacksonville’s signature fundraiser. The talent show gives students from our programs the opportunity to showcase their talents on stage at the historic Florida Theatre. Event proceeds help us keep thousands of at-risk students on track for graduation through our case management, literacy tutoring, and afterschool programs. An evening filled to the brim with excitement and talent, Rising Stars also includes a cocktail hour, silent auction and celebrity judges to make the night truly sparkle.

MAY 3

9th Annual Jacksonville Walk for Wishes® Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida Jacksonville Beach Seawalk Pavilion | 75 1st St. N 5:30 p.m.

(904) 580-5906 | wish.org/cnfl/our-events Walk for Wishes® is a nationwide Make-A-Wish fundraiser that supports life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. It's a familyfriendly event powered by wish families, volunteers, companies, donors and friends that ensures no child waits even one unnecessary day to experience the hope and joy that a wish brings.

EVENT SPOTLIGHT

WGA MEMBER FORUM Women’s Giving Alliance When: May 22, 2024 Where: TBD Info: wganefl.org The Women’s Giving Alliance, an initiative of The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida, hosts its annual Member Forum to ratify grants to improve the lives of women and girls and contribute to their full potential.

In 2023, the Women’s Giving Alliance made $561,600 of strategic investments in the women and girls of Northeast Florida and inspired others to do the same. More than $8.3 million has been invested in 68 area nonprofits supporting local women since 2002. Learn more and join our nearly 500 members at wganefl.org.

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MAY 4

11th Annual Hula Hustle 5K and 1-mile Fun Run

Young Life Clay County bestbet | 455 Park Ave., Orange Park 8 a.m. claycounty.younglife.org The proceeds from this race will benefit Clay County Young Life with their weekly gatherings for high school teens from Clay County. It will also support our WyldLife (junior high), YoungLives (teen moms) and Capernaum (our friends with special needs) programs. Your support will also provide opportunities to send kids to summer camp.

The Derby Run

Community Hospice & Palliative Care Foundation Tringali Barn | 7310 US-1 S., St. Augustine 4-8 p.m.

(904) 886-3883 | thefoundationcares.org/upcomingevents/derby-run The Derby Run is a fun and fashionable evening full of laughter, cheer and downhome charm which supports Community Hospice & Palliative Care in St. Augustine and St. Johns County.

DLC's Derby and Diamonds

Developmental Learning Center (DLC) San Jose Country Club | 7529 San Jose Blvd.

5 p.m.

(904) 387-0370 | dlcnl.org A Kentucky Derby watch party with festivities, live music, Derby-inspired bites, hat and bowtie contests, diamond drawing, bourbon pull, silent auction, raffles and more.

JDRF One Walk

JDRF UNF J.B. Coxwell Amphitheatre | 1 UNF Dr. 8 a.m.

(917) 865-2324 | jdrf.org When you participate in JDRF One Walk, the money you raise will power more research, enable more advocacy and fund more support for the 1.45 million Americans living with T1D. And, you'll have a great time doing it! That's because you'll walk with a committed community that is passionate about doing whatever it takes to live in a world without T1D.

Root Ball

Greenscape of Jacksonville, Inc. Garden Club of Jacksonville | 1005 Riverside Ave. 6 p.m.

(904) 398-5757 | greenscapeofjax.org/events

The Run Home 5K

Benefiting Sulzbacher and Rethreaded Root Realty | 2574 Herschel St. 8:30 a.m.

(904) 814-0022 | 1stplacesports.com/races/runhome/ Run through Riverside as you support the homeless community and survivors of human trafficing through housing, employment and more.

MAY 6

20th Annual Ante Up for Autism Golf Classic

Jacksonville School for Autism Deerwood Country Club | 10239 Golf Club Dr. 10 a.m.

(904) 732-4343 | jsakids.org Enjoy a day of golf and lunch at the beautiful Deerwood Country Club. All net proceeds from the event will go toward supporting the critical and life-changing programs and services we provide individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).

Visit JSAKIDS.org for more information.

23rd Annual KB Home Dreams Come True Golf Tournament Dreams Come True San Jose Country Club | 7529 San Jose Blvd.

9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

(904) 296-3030 | dreamscometrue.org Annual golf tournament and silent auction.

MAY 9

OneJax Institute’s Humanitarian Awards Event

OneJax Institute Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts 300 Water St. 5:30 p.m.

(904) 620-1529 | onejax.org Each year since 1970, OneJax hosts a Humanitarian Awards Event to honor outstanding individuals who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to our community.

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MAY 10

Women's Leadership Council Fashion Show

The Foundation of Community Hospice & Palliative Care The Glass Factory | 601 Myrtle Ave. N 5:30-7:30 p.m.

(904) 886-3883 | thefoundationcares.org/upcomingevents The Women's Leadership Council Fashion Show brings together families from Community PēdsCare® for an evening of style and fun in support of the Kelsi Leah Young Respite Fund.

MAY 11

DONNA Mother’s Day 5K

The DONNA Foundation Riverside 8-11 a.m.

(904) 551-0732 | runsignup.com/donnamd5k/

FinFest 2024

Jacksonville Speech & Hearing Center Timuquana Country Club | 4028 Timuquana Rd. (904) 717-6934 | shcjax.org/finfest The best beachy bash returns to riase funds to provide the highest quality professional and compassionate care to all individuals in our community with speech, language or hearing disorders, regardless of ability to pay.

Ronald McDonald House McGala

Ronald McDonald House Sawgrass Mariott | 1000 Tournament Players Club Blvd.

(904)807-4670 | rmhcjacksonville.org/events/mcgala As the Ronald McDonald House's signature event in Jacksonville, the McGala blends food, music, dancing and fundraising to celebrate supporters of the mission of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Jacksonville.

MAY 16

4th Annual Wine Women & Shoes

Episcopal Children’s Services Timuquana Country Club | 4028 Timuquana Rd. 6 p.m.

(904) 612-5982 | ecs4kids.org Wine Women & Shoes Jax is back for the fourth year in a row. A community favorite, this annual fundraiser for Episcopal Children’s Services allows attendees to sip, shop, savor and support Episcopal Children’s Services in a fun and fashionable way.

Working together with local and national brand partners, Episcopal Children’s Services strives to uplift the mission of the organization: to create opportunity so that the children we serve can achieve their full potential. For sponsorship inquiries, contact Lauren Hopkins at lauren.hopkins@ecs4kids.org.

MAY 16-18

35th Annual Bass Tournament

Wolfson Children's Hospital Palatka City Dock and Boat Ramp 319 River Street, Palatka 4 a.m.

(904) 202-2919 | giving.baptistjax.com/event/2024wolfson-childrens-bass-tournament/e487694 Since 1989, the Tournament has helped fund specialized treatments, lifesaving technology and capital improvements at Wolfson Children's. This year's event is focused on lifesaving equipment and technology in the C. Herman and Mary Virginia Terry Heart Institute at Wolfson Children's Hospital.

EVENT SPOTLIGHT

10TH ANNUAL WOKV CARE-A-THON Child Cancer Fund

When: August 22-23, 2024 Where: Nemours Children’s Health Info: wokv.com/careathon

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This year marks the 10th anniversary of the annual WOKV Care-a-thon presented by Duval Asphalt, benefiting the Child Cancer Fund, which is now in its 30th year of caring. For the first time ever, Care-a-thon will take over the Cox Media Group airwaves for not one, but two entire days, raising funds to help families in Northeast Florida navigate the painful journey of a childhood cancer diagnosis. Child Cancer Fund is hyper-local to the Jacksonville community and serves more than 300 families annually with financial assistance, tutoring and family support, as well as a new endowment supporting pediatric cancer psychosocial services to help relieve the stress and anxiety that often accompany treatment. Sponsorship opportunities and recurring donation options are available.

MAY 17

2024 Go Red for Women Health Summit and Luncheon

American Heart Association First Coast Florida Blue (904) 903-5210 | new.event.gives/700582 Since 2004, Go Red for Women has addressed the awareness and clinical care gaps of women’s greatest health threat, cardiovascular disease. As Go Red celebrates 20 years of making an impact, for the last 100 years, the American Heart Association has made bold moves to save lives and pioneer scientific discoveries. The Go Red for Women event experience focuses on connection and engagement - fostering an atmosphere of interaction and networking at every turn.

MAY 18

2024 JMC Redfish Roundup Spots Tournament

Jacksonville Marine Charities for Safe Harbor Boys Home Jim King Park and Boat Ramp | 8203 Heckscher Dr. jmcredfishroundup.com The Jacksonville Marine Charities Redfish Roundup Spots Tournament is a long-time tradition in the North Florida Area. The inaugural tournament was in 2001 by the Florida Times Union and has been a spring event at Jim King Park and Boat Ramp.

After several year volunteering with Safe Harbor the tournament was passed on to Jacksonville Marine Charities. JMC continues to count the spots and support Safe Harbor Boys Home.

Evening of Taste

Children's Home Society of Florida Jacksonville Golf and Country Club 3985 Hunt Club Rd. N 7 p.m.

(850) 544-2383 | chsfl.org/EOT Join Children's Home Society of Florida at the 20th Annual Evening of Taste for live music, dancing, hors d'oeuvres and drinks. This special night celebrates all the good happening in Northeast Florida and supports our programs that connect local children and families with the resources they need to thrive.

The Florida Theatre Annual Ball

Florida Theatre Florida Theatre | 128 E. Forsyth St. #300 6 p.m.

(904) 355-5661 | floridatheatre.com/events/annualfundraising-events-1 The evening supports the Theatre's mission to bring memorable entertainment and preserve the Theatre, a unique historic Jacksonville landmark.

Great Strides

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens | 370 Zoo Pkwy.

8 a.m.

(904) 467-0175 | cff.org/north-central-florida

Hope Starts Here 5K

Operation New Hope Operation New Hope | 1830 N. Main St. 8:00 a.m.

(904) 354-4673 | operationnewhope.org/hope-startshere-5k/ Proceeds from the Hope Starts Here 5k will benefit Operation New Hope, where we believe that we are all better than our worst mistake, worst day or worst decision. For over 20 years, we have worked to build a stronger community by creating opportunities for people with a record to realize second chances by reconnecting to the workforce, their families and our communities. Funds raised will be used to provide career readiness training, mental health services, and job placement to help people become successful and self-sufficient after involvement with the criminal justice system.

MAY 18-19

Springfield Tour of Homes and Gardens

Springfield Preservation and Revitalization Council SPAR Council Office | 1321 N. Main St. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

(904) 353-7727 | sparcouncil.org/tour_of_homes Guided tour of homes and gardens in the Historic Springfield neighborhood of Jacksonville.

EVENT SPOTLIGHT

TRANSFORMATIONS Sulzbacher

When: Fall 2024 Where: Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts | 300 Water St. Info: sulzbacherjax.org Transformations is known as “the feel-good event of the year,” and for good reason. It celebrates the hard work of individuals whose lives have been transformed through the help of Sulzbacher and its services. You will hear inspiring stories of people who were struggling, who needed a hand up, and how Sulzbacher was there to help. The event consists of a reception, silent auction and a short program. Sulzbacher provides housing, healthcare and, most importantly, hope to people who are homeless or at risk in Northeast Florida.

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MAY 19-20

Celebrity Golf Classic 2024

Tom Coughlin Jay Fund TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course | 110 Championship Way (904) 543-2599 | tcjayfund.org/signature-events/celebrity-golf-classic/ MAY 22

Junior Achievement Hall of Fame

Junior Achievement UNF University Center | 12000 Alumni Dr. 11:30 a.m.

(904) 398-9944 | northflorida.ja.org/events Join Junior Achievement as we celebrate local leaders that have positively influenced business and education in Jacksonville.

WGA Member Forum

Women's Giving Alliance wganefl.org The Women's Giving Alliance, an initiative of The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida, hosts its annual Member Forum to ratify grants to improve the lives of women and girls and contribute to their full potential.

MAY 27

Memorial Day Picnic & Concert in the Park Memorial Park Association Memorial Park | 1620 Riverside Ave. 5 p.m.

(904) 708-2201 | memparkjax.org MAY 31-JUNE 2

12th Annual Serving Up A Cure Tennis Event

Serving Up a Cure Deerwood Country Club | 10239 Golf Club Dr. (904) 962-1409 | servingupacure.com This year's event serves the nonprofits Ellie Kavalieros DIPG Research Fund, Gabriel House of Care and Community Hospice & Palliative Care.

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June SUMMER TBD

JUNE 8

Florida Theatre (904) 355-2787 | floridatheatre.com

Miscellaneous Youth Programs 6:30 p.m.

1stplacesports.com/races/pies/ Funds go to support high school cross-country and track programs in Duval county and the summer camp scholarship program.

Blues, Brews, Bourbon & BBQ

JUNE TBD

4th Annual Fashion for Action

Betty Griffin Center (904) 808-8544 | bettygriffincenter.org/events Local celebrities rock the runway with fashions from the Betty Griffin Thrift Shoppes to raise funds for the organization.

9th Annual Year of Hope

Project: Cold Case (904) 525-8080 | projectcoldcase.org/yearofhope Our annual Year of Hope event helps us raise money to support families of unsolved homicides while providing an educational opportunity for the Jacksonville community. Survivors, supporters, elected officials and curious citizens are invited to join us as we celebrate accomplishments and announce future goals.

JUNE 1-2

MixedRITA

The RITA Foundation Sawgrass Country Club | 9175 Preston Tr. East 8 a.m.

(904) 363-1493 | the-rita-foundation.org/mixed-rita/ The MixedRITA mixed doubles tennis tournament benefits prostate and breast cancer research and care locally.

Run for the Pies

JUNE 21

Inaugural What's SUP Bridge Run

Riverside Arts Market 6:30 p.m.

1stplacesports.com/races/bridge-the-gap-5k-andone-mile/ Join 1st Place Sports and the City of Jacksonville as we celebration the opening of the Fuller Warren Pedestrian Way joining Riverside to San Marco.

This evening run/walk will will feature a 5K course starting and finishing at the Riverside Arts Market and running out and back on the pedestrian way to San Marco. A post-race celebration featuring music, refreshments, and an awards ceremony will be held at the Riverside Arts Market.

JUNE 28

Day of the Girl

Junior Achievement Schultz Center | 4019 Boulevard Center Dr. 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

(904) 398-9944 | northflorida.ja.org/events Young women in grades 3-8 from across Jacksonville will gather to celebrate, empower, and inspire one another to dream big and reach their full potential.

EVENT SPOTLIGHT

COWFORD BALL

American Cancer Society When: September 2024 Info: keely.kennedy@cancer.org or (904) 425-8526 In its long history, Cowford Ball has become the No. 1 charity fundraising event for the American Cancer Society in the Jacksonville area, having raised more than $9 million since its inception. The western-style extravaganza features live entertainment, dancing, live and silent auctions, gaming tables, midway games and gourmet western fare.

Over the years, Cowford Ball has earned its reputation as Jacksonville’s favorite and most ambitious fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.

The event continues to grow each year, attracting more sponsors and patrons who help support life-saving cancer research, patient services, and education in prevention and early detection.

For tickets and investment opportunities, please contact Keely Kennedy at Keely.Kennedy@cancer.org or (904) 425-8526.

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Located in the Shoppes of Old Ortega

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4208 Oxford Ave. Jacksonville, FL 32210 (904) 387-7002 Visit Gardners of Ortega on Facebook

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July JULY 13-20

44th Annual Greater Jacksonille Kingfish Tournament Jacksonville Marine Charities Jim King Park and Boat Ramp | 8203 Heckscher Dr. kingfishtournament.com JULY 20

2024 Greater Jacksonille Redfish Tournament Jacksonville Marine Charities Jim King Park and Boat Ramp | 8203 Heckscher Dr. kingfishtournament.com

EVENT SPOTLIGHT

DREAMS COME TRUE 5K PRESENTED BY TOTE Dreams Come True

When: Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024 | 7 a.m.- noon Where: UNF J.B. Coxwell Amphitheater | 1 UNF Drive Info: dreamscometrue.org Join Dreams Come True for its largest community-wide fundraising event.

Dreams Come True will be celebrating 40 years in 2024. It all started with one dream in 1984. The 2024 Dreams Come True 5K will once again take over the UNF J.B. Coxwell Amphitheater, and this time they will be traveling back in time and celebrating the 80s as they come together with the community to walk, run and roll for local children battling life-threatening illnesses.

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August AUGUST TBD

End of Summer Soirée

The Foundation of Community Hospice & Palliative Care (904) 886-3883 | thrfoundationcares.org/upcoming-events The End of Summer Soirée, organized by Community Hospice Young Professionals (CHYPs), aims to raise support for the Pet Peace of Mind® program. This initiative provides assistance to hospice patients with pets by ensuring suitable placement and care for their furry companions.

AUGUST 20

Women, Words & Wisdom - Unsung Shero & Hero Awards Women's Center of Jacksonville (904) 722-3000 AUGUST 22-23

10th Annual WOKV Care-A-Thon Presented by Duval Asphalt

Child Cancer Fund Nemours Children's Health | 807 Children's Way 5a-6p (904) 396-4223 | wokv.com/careathon This year marks the 10th anniversary of the annual WOKV Care-a-thon presented by Duval Asphalt, benefiting the Child Cancer Fund, which is now in its 30th Year of Caring. For the first time ever, Care-a-thon will take over the Cox Media Group airwaves for not one, but two entire days, raising funds to help families in Northeast Florida navigate the painful journey of a childhood cancer diagnosis.

EVENT SPOTLIGHT

CONSTELLATION FURYK & FRIENDS PRESENTED

BY CIRCLE K

The Jim & Tabitha Furyk Foundation When: September 30 – October 6, 2024 Where: Timuquana Country Club | 4028 Timuquana Rd. Info: constellationfurykandfriends.com Constellation FURYK & FRIENDS presented by Circle K is excited to return for a fourth year to Timuquana Country Club, Sept. 30 – Oct. 6, 2024, in Jacksonville, Florida. This PGA TOUR Champions event brings a unique approach to golf with our celebrity friends attending and a focus on music, food and fun for all. All proceeds benefit Northeast Florida charities through The Jim & Tabitha Furyk Foundation to improve the lives of children and families in our community.

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AUGUST 24

4th Annual Fields Auto Group Wishmaker’s Ball Jacksonville

Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort and Spa 1000 Tournament Players Club Blvd.

6 p.m.

(904) 580-5906 | wishmakersballjax.com Make-A-Wish's signature black-tie gala that raises money to grant the heart felt wishes of children who are facing lifethreatening illnesses in our local comunities. The evening includes a three-course dinner, open bar, silent and live auctions, wish stoies and a separate after-party.

AUGUST 26

16th Annual Champion’s Challenge Golf Tournament

City Rescue Mission TPC Sawgrass | 110 Championship Way 12:30 p.m.

(904) 421-5147 | crmjax.org Promote your company through a sponsorship or register a team at the Champion's Challenge Golf Tournament. Your support helps City Rescue Mission continue the legacy of providing hope, healing and change to our neighbors in need.

EVENT SPOTLIGHT

SHINDIG Sanctuary on 8th Street When: Early October 2024 Where: Brick and Beam | 1101 North Main Street Info: sanctuaryon8th.org/events Come join the Sanctuary at SHINDIG for a lovely evening to help more kids receive daily enrichment, social and emotional learning, and tutoring. For more information, check out their website, sanctuaryon8th.org, and follow them on Instagram and Facebook @sanctuaryon8th.

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THE FUTURE.

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I S MADE.

BY T H O S E W H O I N V E ST I N I T. Building a better tomorrow is what Jacksonville University does.

It’s the undercurrent of every decision, every investment and every partnership designed to enhance the lives of our students and faculty. It’s the swell created with each graduate’s imprint upon communities here and around the world. Our investments today will shape the results of tomorrow.

Together, we’ll propel the next generation of future makers.

It starts today. It begins with you.

Visit ju.edu/FutureMade to learn how we’ll keep making waves.

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These dedicated students successfully completed the NCCER construction study program, thanks to the incredible support and partnership of Sulzbacher, FSCJ, and Goodwill.

Career training and educational support lie at the heart of our mission.

Invest in someone’s future today!

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Goodwill’s A-STEP (Academic Support Through the Employment Process) Program provides a path to higher earning potential.

Goodwill Industries of North Florida is a local not-for-profit organization that removes barriers to employment through training, education, and career opportunities for the communities we serve. Turning your donated items into career opportunities and contributing to a better community. That’s the power of Goodwill.

September FALL TBD

2024 Transformations

Sulzbacher Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts 300 Water St. sulzbacherjax.org Transforming lives through housing: Join us as we celebrate the milestones and stories of our neighbors whose lives have been transformed through housing.

Beaches BBQ Bash

Boys & Girls Club of Northeast Florida Atlantic Beach BBQ | 461 Atlantic Blvd.

6-9 p.m.

(904) 913-8100

Child Cancer Fund Gala

Child Cancer Fund (904) 396-4223 | childcancerfund.org

KidsHealth Run & Walk

Nemours Children's Health EverBank Stadium | 1 EverBank Stadium Dr. nemours.org/jaxrun 5K, 10K and 1-mile fun run with music, games and scenic routes..

Sizzlin' Soirée

Boys & Girls Club of Northeast Florida The Fountain of Youth 11 Magnolia Ave., St. Augustine 6-9 p.m.

(904) 913-8100

Soaring Possibilities Celebration Angelwood (904) 288-7259 | angelwoodjax.org

Scan for Shop Tour

EUROPEAN AUTO CARE We are a full-service European Automotive Repair facility. From basic oil and brake services to complex and technical repairs we are your dealership alternative. Let’s work together to protect your investment.

Call us today to schedule an appointment!

4522 Irvington Avenue Jacksonville, FL 32210

(904) 900-1671

mackmotorwerks.com

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L I V E O U TS I D E E X P EC TAT I O N S Find inspired ideas for your outdoor home with Walpole Outdoors products—arbors, pergolas, fences, gates, trellises, and more—at Philips Garden Store.

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FENCES • PERGOLAS • ARBORS • GATES • TRELLISES • RAILINGS

SEPTEMBER TBD

26th Annual Toast to the Animals

Jacksonville Humane Society (904) 493-4606 | jaxhumane.org/events Jacksonville's premier tasting event in support of pets in need.

Cowford Ball

American Cancer Society (904) 425-8526 In its long history, Cowford Ball has become the number one charity fundraising event for the American Cancer Society, having raised more than $9 million since its inception. The western-style extravaganza features live entertainment, dancing, live and silent auctions, gaming tables, midway games and gourmet western fare. Over the years, Cowford Ball has earned its reputation as Jacksonville's favorite and most ambitious fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.

Delicious Destinations

Ascension St. Vincent's Foundation (904) 308-7306 | givestvincents.org/delicious-destinations/

DESC Defenders

Downtown Ecumenical Services Council WJCT | 100 Festival Park Ave. 6 p.m.

(904) 358-7955 | descdefenders.com Annual fundrising social uniting DESC supporters teaming up to help families fight poverty during a fun event including an opening reception, dinner and festivities.

Two Piano Journey Benefit

Lutheran Social Services (904) 730-8239 | lssjax.org The mother-son piano team Two Piano Journey joins Lutheran Social Services to celebrate LSS's 45 years of service to the community.

VyStar Emerald Trail 5K and 10K Run, Walk and Ride

Groundwork Jacksonville (904) 598-5664 | groundworkjacksonville.org The 5th annual race will take runners, walkers and cyclists of all ages along the Emerald Trail for a morning of healthy fun and fellowship.

EVENT SPOTLIGHT

HALLOWEEN DOORS & MORE The Foundation of Community Hospice & Palliative Care When: October 2024 Where: Jacksonville Fairgrounds 510 Fairground Pl Info: thefoundationcares.org/upcoming-events Since 2005, Halloween Doors & More has dazzled kids and kids at heart with a fantasy land full of whimsical storybook characters, superheroes, live entertainment and family-friendly fun. Best of all, this “gala of a different sort” supports pediatric palliative and hospice care through Community PēdsCare®.

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Childhood cancer can rip your heart in two.

That’s why we’re here.

For 30 years, the Child Cancer Fund has been at the heart of helping local Northeast Florida families with financial, emotional, practical - and now mental health support. childcancerfund.org

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SEPTEMBER 5

7th Annual Singer/Songwriter Showcase

The Beaches Council on Aging 6th Avenue N. 6 p.m.

(904) 246-1477 | beachescoa.org/singer-songwriter-showcase/ The Beaches Council on Aging’s 7th Annual Singer/Songwriter Showcase supports our two programs: Dial-a-Ride and Beaches Senior Network. We have live, local talent to entertain, with excellent food, drinks and a silent auction. Funds ensure seniors and disabled adults remain independent and live a better, healthier lives.

SEPTEMBER 21

Dreams Come True 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run, presented by TOTE

Dreams Come True J.B. Coxwell Amphitheatre | 1 UNF Drive 7 a.m. - noon (904) 296-3030 | dreamscometrue.org Join Dreams Come True for its largest community-wide fundraising event. Dreams Come True will be celebrating 40 years in 2024. It all started with one dream in 1984. The 2024 Dreams Come True 5K will once again take over the UNF J.B. Coxwell Amphitheater, and this time they will be traveling back in time and celebrating the 80s as the come together with the community to walk, run and roll for local children battling life-threatening illnesses.

SEPTEMBER 28

BASCA CapeABILITIES 5K/1-mile

BASCA (904) 541-1742 | bascainc.org/events/5krunwalkroll SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 6

Constellation FURYK & FRIENDS presented by Circle K

The Jim & Tabitha Furyk Foundation Timuquana Country Club | 4028 Timuquana Rd. 7:45 a.m. constellationfurykandfriends.com The Jim & Tabitha Furyk Foundation is excited to host the second annual Constellation FURYK & FRIENDS presented by Circle K, a PGA TOUR Champions event. All net proceeds from the event will go to charities in Jacksonville to help the community become healthier, stronger and educationally enriched.

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October OCTOBER TBD

28th Annual Reggie Hunt Memorial Golf Classic

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Florida Amelia River Golf Club | 4477 Buccaneer Tr. (904) 727-9797 | bbbsnefl.org/events Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Florida – Nassau County will host the 28th anniversary of our annual Reggie Hunt Memorial Golf Classic in Fernandina Beach. This event is held annually in Nassau County in memory of Reggie Hunt, a former Fernandina High School student athlete and six year participant in our Nassau County program.

6th Annual Pour Your Heart Out

The Healing Hearts Project (904) 314-0533 | thehealingheartsproject.org

Annual Golf Classic

Ronald McDonald House Ponte Vedra Inn & Club | 200 Ponte Vedra Blvd.

(904)807-4670 | rmhcjacksonville.org/events Support Ronald McDonald House Charities of Jacksonville's mission to provide lodging, meals, transportation and a community of care to critically ill children and their families who need to be near a hospital for treatment.

First Coast Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk

American Cancer Society (305) 204-9576 | makingstrideswalk.org/jacksonvillefl The American Cancer Society’s Making Strides movement raises lifesaving funds that support breast cancer patients, survivors, thrivers and caregivers through every step of the journey. We’ve enhanced digital offerings available to anyone across the nation, including one-on-one breast cancer patient support services and the use of video chat to safely connect patients, caregivers and family members with valuable services and resources through our website, in addition to a 24/7 helpline.

EVENT SPOTLIGHT

THE ARMED FORCES TRIBRIDGE 10K CHALLENGE AND FREEDOM 5K Five Star Veterans Center When: October/November 2024 Where: Downtown Jacksonville Info: tribridge10kchallenge.org The Armed Forces Tribridge 10K Challenge and Freedom 5K are not just races; they are vital support for the Five Star Veterans Center, which provides transitional housing for veterans in crisis. Within our 40-bedroom facility, we offer safety and crucial support to those who bear the hidden scars of battle, including PTSD, TBIs, and other mental and emotional health traumas. Beyond housing, we provide comprehensive services to help veterans successfully transition back to independent living without worry.

From cooked meals and laundry to internet access and mental wellness programs led by licensed counselors, we leave no stone unturned. We also collaborate with local groups to secure quality employment, housing, college enrollment, VA benefits, drug interdiction programs, and more for our veterans. Participating in these races raises awareness of the invaluable work done by the Five Star Veterans Center for our veterans in crisis.

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Donate Today!

Bell

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Register to Ring!

Echelon

www.jacksonville.salvationarmyflorida.org

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The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church.

Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

OCTOBER TBD

Grazie Gala Mission House 5-9 p.m.

Halloween Doors & More

The Foundation of Community Hospice & Palliative Care Jacksonville Fairgrounds | 510 Fairgrounds Pl. (904) 886-3883 thefoundationcares.org/upcoming-events Since 2005, Halloween Doors & More has dazzled kids and kids at heart with a fantasy land full of whimsical storybook characters, superheroes, live entertainment and family-friendly fun. Best of all, this “gala of a different sort” supports pediatric palliative and hospice care through Community PēdsCare®.

Merrill Lynch Champions for Children Gala MaliVai Washington Youth Foundation 6-9 p.m.

(904) 359-5437 | malwashington.com

SHINDIG for the Sanctuary

Sanctuary on 8th Street (904) 356-3588 | sanctuaryon8th.org/events Come join the Sanctuary at SHINDIG for a lovely evening to help more kids receive daily enrichment, social and emotional learning, and tutoring.

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER TBD

The Armed Forces Tribridge 10K Challenge and Freedom 5K

Five Star Veterans Center Downtown Jacksonville tribridge10kchallenge.org The Armed Forces Tribridge 10K Challenge and Freedom 5K are not just races; they are vital support for the Five Star Veterans Center, which provides transitional housing for veterans in crisis.

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904.356.6856 seekhairpeace.com 2534 Oak Street |

@seekhairpeace

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OCTOBER 2

Peace in the Pages

READ USA, Inc. EverBank Stadium | 1 EverBank Stadium Dr. 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

(904) 732-3872 | readusainc.com/peace Peace in the Pages celebrates the link between literacy and the values of empathy, peace and freedom, and recognizes seven local leaders for their commitment to literacy and closing the reading gap in Duval County.

The event also features teacher and teen testimonials of triumph and success through literacy.

OCTOBER 5

2024 First Coast Heart Walk

American Heart Association First Coast (904) 903-5210 | heart.org/florida Join your friends, family and coworkers to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives.

We're all tied to heart disease and stroke in some way, and we must change that. Every walker who joins, every dollar donated means more research, more people trained in lifesaving CPR, more medical breakthroughs and more champions for equitable health.

OCTOBER 7

8th Annual CAP Golf Tournament Cathedral Arts Project (904) 281-5599 | Capkids.org OCTOBER 10

2024 CHO Jax Social

Community Health Outreach Mercedes Benz of Orange Park | 7018 Blanding Blvd.

6:30 p.m.

(904) 573-1333 | chojax.org Join us for the 2024 CHO Jax Social, which will be an evening of fundraising, great food and purpose.

Stay tuned for more details as we raise essential funds, showing the love of Jesus by providing vital services to those in need.

OCTOBER 11

18th Annual Coming Out Day Breakfast JASMYN (904) 389-3857 | jasmyn.org

41st Annual Golf Classic

Brooks Rehabilitation TPC Sawgrass | 110 Championship Way 10:30 a.m.

(904) 345-7069 | brooksgolf.org The 41st Annual Brooks Rehabilitation Golf Classic is one of the top charity golf tournaments in Northeast Florida, with approximately 150 corporate and community leaders participating. All proceeds will benefit the programs and services of Brooks Rehabilitation in the care of patients suffering from brain injuries, strokes, spinal cord injuries, comprehensive orthopedic problems and other disabling conditions. When you play, everyone wins. Visit brooksgolf.org to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.

OCTOBER 11-13

SenioRITAs Tennis Tournament

The RITA Foundation Sawgrass Country Club | 9175 Preston Tr. East 8 a.m.

(904) 363-1493 | the-rita-foundation.org/senioritas 2024 marks the 25th anniversary of the SenioRITA Tennis Tournament at Sawgrass Country Club. Our all-volunteer team effort ensures that 100% of SenioRITA proceeds go directly to fighting breast cancer through research and patient services. To date we have raised over $2.5 million to benefit research and patient services at Mayo Clinic, Baptist Medical Center Beaches, and the Buddy Bus Mobile Mammography Unit.

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OCTOBER 19

Red Shield Ball

The Salvation Army of Northeast Florida 6-11 p.m.

(904) 894-1510 | jacksonville.salvationarmyflorida.org/nefl/events/ red-shield-ball The Salvation Army's tenth anniversary of the Red Shield Ball is the place to be to make a real difference in the lives of the men, women and families who call the Towers Center of Hope their temporary home. This elegant, gala-style fundraiser includes dinner, live music, dancing, and live and silent auctions, all to support the life-changing work that takes place at the Towers Center of Hope.

Celebrating 50 Years

of Historic Preservation Excellence PRESERVE. ADVOCATE. CELEBRATE.

OCTOBER 25

Tides and Tails Happy Hour

Jacksonville Humane Society One Ocean Hotel & Resort | 1 Ocean Blvd.

4:30-6:30 p.m.

(904) 493-4606 | jaxhumane.org/events Happy hour for you and your furry friend. Let us come together and celebrate our lifesaving mission for pets in need and the people who love them.

OCTOBER 26

Farm Fun Fall-O-Ween

EPIC Outreach (904) 274-1177 | epicoutreach.org

Halloween Trunk or Treat

Dreams Come True Miller Electric 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m (904) 296-3030 | dreamscometrue.org

RAP 1/2

Since 1974, we have worked to: Preserve Riverside Avondale’s historic fabric and unique character.

Promote local businesses, arts, and culture.

Advocate with and for the neighborhood.

Celebrate community.

Make a contribution!

Celebrate 50 years with us by becoming a member today, no matter where you live. The Riverside Avondale Historic District is home to your favorite parks, restaurants, and friends.

Signature events include our Preservation Awards, Home Tour, Garden Tour, and Luminaria. As host of the weekly Riverside Arts Market, we work to support local artists, musicians, small businesses, and farmers amplifying all the reasons people appreciate living, working, and playing in our neighborhood.

Riverside Avondale Preservation Riverside Arts Market (Saturdays 10am–3pm) 2623 Herschel St., Jacksonville, FL 32204 715 Riverside Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32204 C I RC L E S C H ARI T Y REG I ST E R .CO M 159 RIVERSIDEAVONDALE.ORG RIVERSIDEARTSMARKET.ORG

November NOVEMBER TBD

Dinner With Bill & Friends

The Arc Jacksonville The Arc Jacksonville Village | 3675 Kirbo Way 5:30 p.m.

(904) 355-0155 | arcjacksonville.org Dinner with Bill & Friends is a special evening celebrating The Arc Jacksonville community and those we serve with intellectual and developmental differences. Through the support we receive each year at Dinner with Bill & Friends, we are able to continue being an innovative leader and offering a full range of education, employment, residential and advocacy services in our community.

Kettle Kickoff

Salvation Army of Northeast Florida (904) 894-1510 | jacksonville. salvationarmyflorida.org/nefl/allevents/ The Kettle Kickoff marks the first day of The Salvation Army's iconic Red Kettle Campaign, which has been an iconic representation of the Christmas season for over 100 years and brings help and hope to those in need in Northeast Florida.

Margarita J'ville

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Florida Mavi Waterfront Bar and Grill | 2309 Beach Blvd.

(904) 727-9797 | bbbsnefl.org/events Margarita J'ville brings the island flare and fun of Duval Street, in Key West, to Duval County. Guests will groove to live music, indulge in island-inspired cuisine and sip margaritas while enjoying the Jimmy Buffet vibes.

There's No Place Like Home

Guardian Ad Litem Foundation 904-512-6084 | galfirstcoast.org/nplh-event Each year, Guardian ad Litem Foundation hosts an annual fundraiser, No Place Like Home, to raise money to support abused, neglected and abandoned children in our community. The Emerald City-worthy event invites generous donors, community leaders and sponsors to mix, mingle and enjoy tasty bites, spirits, a live auction and live music, while raising money for our mission. Please help us give a voice to every child in need.

If you can dream it…we can design it!

Start a new tradition today, let us help you take the first steps.

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3975 St. Johns Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32210 | 904-388-4212 | www.nicolaasalexander.com

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT The Ackerman Cancer Foundation was established in 1995, with hopes of lessening the burden of cancer for our patients and their families by improving the quality of life for those touched by cancer. Many times, patients come to us with barriers to care that affect their treatment.

100% of all donations go directly to patients in our community, to aid them during their treatment journey.

Our mission is to provide a variety of patient support services including financial assistance, educational programs, and counseling to patients in need during their cancer treatment.

12,000+ hours of electricity

Over 12,400 gallons of gas for rides to treatment

Over 1,000 patients and caregivers attended programs

Over 90 hotel room nights

We are excited about transforming lives and we know you are too. AckermanCancerFoundation.org

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NOVEMBER TBD

WeCareJax Caring Award Event

We Care Jacksonville (904) 674-6459 wecarejacksonville.org/caringawards Annually, this event honors the volunteer physicians and partners who go above and beyond to make compassionate care possible for our uninsured and under-resourced neighbors experiencing a medical crisis.

NOVEMBER 11

Veterans Day Concert

Memorial Park Association Memorial Park | 1620 Riverside Ave. 6 p.m.

(904) 708-2201 | memparkjax.org NOVEMBER 15

National Philanthropy Day National Philanthropy Day is a special day set aside annually on Nov. 15 to recognize the great contributions of philanthropy to the enrichment of our world.

NOVEMBER 16

32nd Annual River Garden Foundation Gala

River Garden Sawgrass Marriott Resort and Spa 1000 Tournament Players Club Blvd.

7-11 p.m.

(904) 260-1818 rivergarden.org/river-garden-foundation/river-garden-gala

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NOVEMBER 21

10th Annual Tony's Turkey Trot for Brain Injury Awareness UF Health Jacksonville One Ocean, Atlantic Beach 8 a.m.

(904) 244-1061 | ufhealthjax.org

NOVEMBER 23

Riverside Wine Fest

Riverside Avondale Preservation (904) 356-4517 | riversidewinefest.com Join us in the street for the Annual Riverside WineFest and drink for a good cause. Event features food trucks and live entertainment, along with a tasting of over 250 wines.

December DECEMBER TBD

34th Annual Tree of Life & Candlelight Service of Remembrance Community Hospice & Palliative Care Foundation Earl B. Hadlow Center for Caring 4266 Sunbeam Rd. 5:45-7 p.m.

(904) 268-5200 | communityhospice.com/events/

34th Annual Tree of Life & Candlelight Service of Remembrance Community Hospice & Palliative Care Foundation Stephen R. Chapman Family Community Campus 1355 U.S. 1 Hwy. S., St. Augustine 5:45-7 p.m.

(904) 268-5200 | communityhospice.com/events/

40th Annual Luminaria

Riverside Avondale Preservation Riverside/Avondale Communities Celebrating its 40th year, Luminaria is one of the premier holiday events in the Riverside and Avondale communities, illuminating neighborhoods with more than 24,000 kits.

Dazzling Nights

Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens 1445 Millcoe Rd. dazzlingjax.com Dazzling Nights Jacksonville is the garden's largest event and significant fundraiser, ensuring Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens continues to become a beautiful, natural destination for residents and visitors.

Fun Shoot

Ascension St. Vincent's Foundation Jacksonville Clay Target Sports 12125 New Berlin Rd. 8:30 a.m.

(904) 308-7306 | givestvincents.org/fun-shoot

Luminaria in the Park

Memorial Park Association Memorial Park | 1620 Riverside Ave. (904) 708-2201 | memparkjax.org Celebrate the annual Luminaria with special events and entertainment in Memorial Park.

Bridal Hair + Makeup Artist, Goldwell Hair Colorist, Curly Specialist, and Tape-In Extensions Certified

Private Makeup Lessons, Gala Special Events & Bridal Services Available

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2534 Oak Street | 904.356.6856 | seekhairpeace.com C I RC L E S C H ARI T Y REG I ST E R .CO M 163

DECEMBER TBD

Gingerbread Extravaganza

Jacksonville Historical Society Old St. Andrew’s Church 317 A. Philip Randolph Blvd.

(904) 665-0064 | jaxhistory.org The Gingerbread Extravaganza experience includes the traditional gingerbread exhibit at Old St. Andrew's Church, as well as a holiday gift shop and short tour of the Merrill House Museum. On Kids Day, children 10 and under are free,

including a photo op with Santa Claus, facepainting artists, and more.

Holiday on the Farm

North Florida School of Special Education Delores Barr Weaver Therapeutic Equestrian Center 223 Mill Creek Road (904) 724-8323 | northfloridaschool.org Unique gifts with a social impact. Your friends, family, and coworkers will love receiving unique gifts that make a social impact.

Pickleball for Peace

Betty Griffin Center Veterans Park | 1332 Veterans Pkwy.

(904) 808-8544 | bettygriffincenter.org/events Pickleballers are invited to compete in a fun-filled, round-robin tournament to benefit survivors of domestic and sexual abuse in St. Johns County.

San Marco Luminaria

San Marco Preservation Society San Marco Communities Every year, San Marco lights up for the annual luminaria celebration with one of the most beautiful traditions in Jacksonville.

Under the Stars Gala Night

Pillars Plus Foundation Proceeds shared with Pillars Plus Foundation to support Mother's House for Young Adults transitional housing, education and healthcare.

ZOOLights

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens | 370 Zoo Pkwy.

(904) 757-4463 | jacksonvillezoo.org ZOOLights is the winter wonderland for the holiday season. The artistry of interactive lights and sounds in themed areas will bring out the fantastical beauty of the Zoo's gardens.

DECEMBER 6-8

First Coast Design Show

Wolfson Women's Board Prime Osborn Convention Center | 1000 Water St. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. firstcoastdesignshow.com In 2022, The Women’s Board committed to raising $1.5 million for a new Kids Kare Mobile ICU, a Neonatal and Pediatric Critical Care Transport vehicle, including equipment and the services necessary for the operation of the ambulance. The Women’s Board has committed to raising these funds by 2024.

DECEMBER 7

Light Up the House 5K and Block Party

Ronald McDonald House Jacksonville Ronald McDonald House | 824 Children's Way (904)807-4670 | rmhcjacksonville.org/events This vibrant, festive celebration welcomes supporters, donors, volunteers and families on a 5K walk through San Marco, followed by a holiday block party.

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PDXN NOTE: END SIGNATURE #10 (TEXT WEIGHT)

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Our business model is simple: we pay the most and sell for the least. We have been doing business in Jacksonville, Florida for over 45 years. Our buying power, coupled with the many relationships that we have with collectors all over the world, enables us to give you top dollar for your valuables.

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WE ARE NOT AFFILIATED WITH ROLEX CORPORATION OR ANY OF ITS SUBSIDIARIES NOR ENDORSED BY ROLEX IN ANY WAY. ALL TRADEMARKED NAMES, BRANDS, AND MODELS, MENTIONED IN THIS AD ARE USED FOR IDENTIFICATION PURPOSES ONLY AND ARE THE SOLE PROPERTY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE TRADEMARKED OWNERS. A-COIN IS KNOWN WORLDWIDE, AND OUR INTERNATIONAL CONTACTS ASSURE YOU OF SELLING TO THE COMPANY WITH THE WIDEST CLIENTELE OF ANY OTHER. WE GUARANTEE THE HIGHEST CASH PRICES. PLEASE NOTE... THERE IS NO OBLIGATION TO SELL.. NO CHARGE FOR OUR EXPERTS TO EVALUATE YOUR TREASURES. MINIMUM PURCHASES APPLY. A-COIN IS NOT AFFILIATED WITH ROLEX USA. ALL TRADEMARKED NAMES, BRANDS, AND MODELS, MENTIONED IN THIS AD ARE USED FOR IDENTIFICATION PURPOSES ONLY AND ARE THE SOLE PROPERTY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE TRADEMARKED OWNERS.

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PDXN NOTE: COVER STOCK

Jacksonville’s premier dealer of coins, currencies and collectibles

We buy and sell gold, silver and platinum, coins, paper currency, jewelry, diamonds, watches, guns, swords, war items and much more.

www.A-Coin.com . 904.733.1204 6217 St. Augustine Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32217 Hours: Mon. - Fri. 10:30am - 5:30pm Serving Jacksonville for over 45 Years

There for You After An Injury to Piece Your Life Back Together.

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The Law Firm of Pajcic & Pajcic was established in 1974 and has handled more than 12,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases, recovering more than $1.5 billion for our clients.

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