Contact information for Clay County non-profit organizations

Agape House-First Baptist Church Middleburg, firstmiddleburg.org, (904) 282-5289. Meeting needs by “sharing the love of Jesus with actions and in truth,” volunteers assisted disadvantaged families in Clay County by providing food and clothing five days a week.

A God Send, agodsend.org, (904) 458-4237. With a vision to make a difference in the world, one person at a time, this ministry developed its Fresh Start Scholarship to support those who have successfully completed a live-in rehabilitation program. The scholarship provides a life coach, resume design, job search assistance, interview training, new outfit and a haircut.

American Red Cross of Northeast Florida, redcross.org, (904) 358-8091. Provide food, shelter, clothing and counseling to people affected by disaster, as well as preparedness education, services to military and family members in crisis, education and training in injury prevention and emergency car to thousands of residents.

AMIkids Clay County, amikids.org/programs-and-services/programs/amikids-clay-county/story/about, (904) 336-0082. Dedicated professionals focused on positively changing young men’s lives through a proven model of education, behavior change, family counseling and career readiness. Last year, at-risk youth, ages 11 to 17, improved academically, increasing math and reading grade levels, volunteered 450 hours in the community and learned values to develop into responsible and productive citizens.

Answers Resource Facility, findansersnow.org, (352) 473-1000. Offered hope and restoration to women facing choices or concerns regarding pregnancy, family dynamics, past hurt from abortion, abuse or other sources of pain. Provided free pregnancy testing, free limited OB ultrasound, community resource referrals, life skills education and support. The B.E.A.T. Girls Club served an average of 50 girls a week at Keystone Heights Junior and Senior highs to enrich the lives of girls with healthy lifestyle workshops.

BASCA, bascainc.org, (904) 541-1742. Committed to improving the quality of life for individuals living with developmental and intellectual disabilities and optimizing their independence through a multitude of services, the agency provided lie and work skills programs, group homes, transportation, support services and expanded its community inclusion programs. The Bargain Boutique, operated by BASCA Ladies Auxiliary, sold gently used items and products built by BASCA Creations.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Florida, bbbnefl.org, (904) 904) 727-9797. Helped Clay County youth facing adversity reach their potential through professional supported one-to-one mentoring relationships, with measurable impact, contributing to brighter futures, better schools and stronger communities for all. Offered four core programs; School-Based Mentoring, Community-Based Mentoring, Beyond School Walls and Big in Blue/Bigs in Badges.

Black Creek Bowl Association of Middleburg, blackcreekbowl.com, (904) 626-6659. Providing a family-friendly community event in history Middleburg, the Annual Black Creek 5k/10k runs attracted kids and adults reinforcing a healthy lifestyle while raising funds for higher education scholarships for graduating Clay County high school seniors.

CalaVida Music and Arts Festival, calavida.com, (904) 208-1011. Celebrated its fifth festival last year by providing quality artistic performances and events promoting the historical, cultural and social importance of the diverse community of Green Cove Springs. Local and national artists were showcased and performances were free for all to enjoy.

Challenge Enterprises of North Florida, challengeenterprises,org, (904) 284-9859. Promoted the Power of People and Possibilities with a unique social entrepreneurial approach by providing training and gainful employment for individuals with disabilities. Celebrated the start of Club Challenge last year, the bridge that removes isolation from peers and community with formal and informal programs that improve the quality of life the Club Members and enhance support services to Clay County.

CJ Acres Animal Rescue Farm, cjacres.org, (904) 600-7676. Reduced animal suffering by rescuing, rehabilitating and reintroducing farmed animals suffering from abuse, abandonment, neglect or catastrophic disaster, Last year, the sanctuary promoted the “Compassion Connection,” an ongoing effort to enhance empathy and appreciation for all living things among people of all ages.

Clamour Theatre Company, clamourtheatre.org, (917) 902-7210. The professional theater company inspired and nurtured a love for theater. Provided free public readings of new plays and opportunities to local actors and writers, continued its search for an artistic home and organized a future event that will involve Clay County in national new play development.

Clay Action Coalition, clayactioncoalition.org, (904) 272-6413. The community anti-drug coalition promoted and enhanced community safety, health, education and development by utilizing people, ideas and resources in the prevention of youth substance abuse. The Hidden in Plain Sight campaign provided parents with an interactive display of more than 100 items in teen bedrooms that can indicated risky, harmful or illegal activity.

Clay Behavioral Health Center, ccbhc.org, (904) 291-5561. Building a healthier community one life at a time, trained professional provided comprehensive integrated behavioral health services to more than 4,000 Clay County residents last year and worked in collaboration with community partners to make care accessible and affordable, to remove barriers and to reduce stigma. Expanded services last year and opened the new Orange Park Center to provide prevention, treatment and aftercare services.

Clay County 4-H Foundation, clay.ifas.ufl.edu, (904) 284-6355. Encouraged position youth development by teaching essential life skills through community service and leadership opportunities. Promoted safe environments, positive relationships, autonomy and the development of work competencies and marketable skills. Youth had the opportunity to participate in more than 40 different project areas.

Clay County Archives, clayclerk.com, (904) 371-0027. A hub for genealogical enthusiasts and researchers, the Archives allowed citizens to view records that link us to our county’s storied past. Staff organized and preserved records and artifacts of enduring value and expanded community outreach efforts to educate and increase public awareness. Provides Clay County History Week each May in partnership with Clay Schools to make an impact on more than 3,000 eighth graders.

Clay County Fair Association, claycountyfair.org, (904) 284-1615. Provided the leading venue for agriculture, exhibits, entertainment and education for Clay County at its annual agriculture fair. The “Our Fair Cares” program gives back to the community through college scholarships, canned food drivers, ticket donations and more. Initiated the Unlimited Opportunities Goat Show last year, bridging the gap between agriculture and students with special needs in the community.

Clay County Habitat for Humanity, clayhabitat.org, (904) 282-7590. Recognizing the need for all citizens to have the opportunity to become homeowners, CCHH strives to eliminate substandard housing by building and renovating safe, decent, affordable housing in partnership with the community and God’s people in need. Homeowners pay an affordable mortgage and work side-by-side with volunteers to build their home. CCHH celebrated the completion of the 165th home in the community last year.

Clay County Humane Society, clayhumane.org, (904) 276-7729. Clay Humane’s proactive and effective spay/neuter program provided absolutely free cat sterilizations and ALL cats, owned and feral, with no restrictions. This translates to fewer free-roaming cats, lower intake and euthanasia, municipal cost savings, greater volunteer participation, more adoptions and more lives saved.

Clay County Literacy Coalition, (904) 336-4458. With a mission to empower adults with the English literacy skills needed to participate confidently in society, dedicated volunteers provided free training and tutoring to reduce adult illiteracy and promote reading to transform lives.

Clay County Police Athletic League, claycountypal.com, (904) 385-9390. Committed to providing positive role models for children to help them develop self-worth and respect for others, PAL mentored youth ages 4-17 through organized activities, including T-ball, baseball, basketball, basketball, football and cheer programs. The Explorers program trained youth cadets in law enforcement, preparing them to serve their communities as future deputies.

Clay County School District – Project REACH Kids, oneclay.net/page/4943, (904) 65703743. Project REACH (Requisite Education and Academics for Clay’s Homeless) helped remove barriers in achieving academic stability: worked hand-in-hand with community agencies; provided tutoring, counseling, academic planning, school supplies and free school meals. Served 1,150 students during the 2017-18 school year.

Clay Education Foundation, clayeducationfoundation.com, (904) 576-0365. The Clay Education Foundation is a coalition of business, education and community leaders from across the county who collaborate to improve the quality of public education. Together, we work to bring critical resources that are not funded by normal tax revenues to help students succeed in their academic and personal achievements. We advocate for public education achievement, support initiatives to improve student and teacher improvement and raise fund for grants, scholarships and teacher recognition.

The Clothes Closet and Food Pantry of the Church Women’s Christian Ministries, ccfpop.org, (904) 264-5239. This all-volunteer Christian organization combined compassion and hard work to provide emergency and ongoing assistance to more than 6,000 individuals in Clay County. They provided food, clothing, household items, baby supplies, furniture and emergency financial assistance with overdue rent, car repair and other special needs.

Community Hospice and Palliative Care, communityhospice.com, (904) 886-3883. A compassionate team of professionals and volunteers provided comprehensive hospice and palliative car to 794 adults and children in Clay County last year, as well as support services for their families, grief counselling, education and outreach programs for the community.

Community Partnership Schools, www.chsfl.org and oneclay.net, (321) 397-3000. The Community Partnership School model allows the four core partners to collaborate with local nonprofits, businesses, and the faith-based organizations to bring services and solutions into the school. All partners will address key barriers to learning, including poverty, hunger, insufficient access to healthcare and mental health resources, and elevated rates of violence and crime.

Concert on the Green, concertonthegreen.com, (904) 278-9448. With the help of 50 volunteers, the annual outdoor Memorial Day weekend concert showcased the artistic talents of Clay County students, brought live symphony to Clay County, awarded $12,000 in scholarships to music and art students and heightened awareness and appreciation for the fine arts and symphonic music.

Early Learning Coalition of North Florida, elcnorthflorida.org, (904) 342-2267. The coalition’s themed early literacy programs reached more than 1,300 pre-school-aged children in Clay County from economically-challenged families. Children were exposed to quality literature through interactive story times, hands on creative activities relating to the learning theme and received free books to take home.

Episcopal Children’s Services, ecs4kids.org, (904) 726-1500. The Head Start and Early Head Start programs, designed to help break the cycle of poverty by providing preschool children of low-income families with comprehensive programs so they can achieve their full potential, impacted 172 Clay County children and their families last year. The comprehensive program includes high quality learning, nutritious meals and access to mental and dental services.

Family Nurturing Center, fncflorida.org, (904) 389-4244. Provided a nurturing environment for families impacted by divorce, custody battles and domestic violence by keeping children safe during these challenging times and helping parents foster positive relationships with their children. Provided monitored exchange and visitation services and parent education classes.

Fatherhood Pride, nefhealthystart.org, (904) 647-8942, ext, 106). Teaches parental responsibility and inspring fathers with free parenting classes and boot camps for new dads.

Feeding Northeast Florida, feedingnefla.org, (904) 513-1333. The food bank and hunger relief network combatted food insecurity and poverty through its Nutrition Pack Program for seniors, weekend meals for Title 1 school students, mobile pantry distributions, SNAP assistance, wholesale share floor where agencies shop for fresh produce, proteins and dry goods. Distributed a total of 1,136,559 pounds of food in Clay County last year through partnership with 21 other Clay County agencies.

First Coast Highlanders, firstcoasthighlanders.com, (904) 368-8177. Encouraged and supported Celtic culture through the performance and traditional Celtic music at ceremonies, charitable events and public functions throughout Northeast Florida. Band members volunteered more than 4,900 hours last year performing in the community. Also, a teaching organization, free lessons are provided to anyone interested in learning highland bagpipes or drums.

First Coast Women’s Services, fcwsprc.org, (904) 213-9374. With a purpose to prevent the tragedy of abortion and empower women to make informed choices, the Center offered truthful information, emotional support and practical assistance, including free pregnancy tests and ultrasounds to women facing unplanned pregnancies. The Clay County center served 486 new clients last year. All services are free and confidential.

Florida Striders Track Club, floridastriders.com, (904) 860-9189. Seeking to reduce the national epidemic of childhood obesity, the run/walk programs in more than 50 local elementary schools helped more than 15,000 children. Four deserving high school seniors devoted to community service receive a $1,000 scholarship.

Food Bridge – Middleburg United Methodist, middleburgumc.org, (904) 282-5589, Ext. 209. Providing food and hope through the love of Christ, 134 dedicated volunteers supplied enough food to help 641 needy families bridge the gap over a two-week period. Also made deliveries to home-bound clients; shared pantry items with 37 other Clay County charities; and, gave school supplies and Christmas toys to local needy children.

Food Pantry of Green Cove Springs, foodpantryofgreencovesprings.org, (904) 284-0814. A cooperative ministry supported by 23 Clay County churches, businesses and individuals, this all-volunteer agency with more than 90 volunteers assisted more than 7,600 residents in need last year by providing food on an emergency basis. Served Green Cove Springs, Fleming Island, Middleburg, Penney Farms and Maxville.

Freedom Destiny Church, freedomdestiny.org, (904) 272-2266. Reaching out to the community through multiple ministries, volunteers helped distribute Thanksgiving bags to needy families, ministered to inmates in jail, visited the sick in hospital and needy shut-ins and provided families with emergency financial assistance for utility bills and living expenses. Its annual Easter and Fall festivals provided family friendly entertainment and fellowship open to the community.

Girl Scouts of Gateway Council, girlscouts-gateway.org., (904) 388-4653. Preparing girls to succeed in school and life, the Gateway Council served more than 800 Girl Scouts in Clay County last year. Developing leadership skills while helping youth with special needs, Girl Scouts from ninth-to-12th grade, managed the week-long Smile Camp held at North Fork Leadership Center in Middleburg for boys and girls from age 5-11 with physical and mental health challenges.

Good Samaritan Ministry-OPUMC, orangeparkumc.org, (904) 264-6255. Advocates for the underemployed, unemployed, homeless, disabled and those facing family crises, faithful volunteers worked to administer emotional and financial assistance helping more than 10,000 in need through food, gas vouchers, temporary shelter, assistance with utilities, rent, medicine and other urgent needs. The food pantry is open four days a week, 52 weeks a year.

Grace Episcopal Day School, geds.net, (904) 269-3718. The school’s annual 8k River Day provided a community fitness event that benefited both the mind and body of 650 runners. The run raised funds for the financial aide program at the school, benefiting economically-challenged students. Volunteers organized a free Run Club for students, and met two mornings a week from October to February to provide an ongoing outlet for physical activity.

A Heart for Homes-HighPoint Community Church, (904) 610-6632. This all-volunteer ministry helped 114 Clay County families in need last year through a collection and distribution of household items: furniture, bedding, appliances, kitchen goods and more. Helped families facing illness, domestic violence, joblessness, tragedy and other crises. Volunteers personally deliver the needed items to the homes of families in need.

Historical Society of Orange Park, ophistory.org, (904) 215-9177. To foster, promote and educate residents about the rich and colorful history of Clay County and the greater Orange Park area, volunteers provided tours of the Clarke Couse, hosted the annual Carrie Clarke Day, maintained the Veterans Memorial in Orange Park, sponsored student essay contests and held the annual Veterans Day Wreath Laying Ceremony.

Hope Haven Association, hope-haven.org, (904) 346-5100. Serving children and families with intellectual, physical, developmental and learning differences, Haven’s one-the-job internship program provided extra workforce preparation for young adults who are no longer eligible for school system services. Each intern is assigned a mentor and earns a paycheck.

Hope Therapy, hopehearapy.org, (904) 291-6784. This nationally-recognized therapy and therapeutic horse riding to children and adults with special healthcare needs (e.g. cerebral palsy, autism, autism, developmental delays and other diagnoses) and to veterans using the help of horses to improve balance, strength, coordination and range of motion. Expanded services last year and partnered with Kids First to provide therapeutic riding sessions for children in foster care.

Hunger Fight, hungerfight.org, (904) 374-5623. Last year in Clay County, Hunger Fight hosted 544 volunteers in 10 events that funded and packed 164,800 vitamin-enriched meals that were distributed to local food pantries and school backpack programs feeding Title 1 students. In addition, the Feed the Need to Read program provided monthly mailings of books to 6 preschool children in Clay County promoting a love of reading.

Jacksonville Area Leal Aid, Clay County, jaxlegalaid.org, (904) 284-8410. Dedicated professionals provided high-quality civil legal assistance to low-income and special-needs groups, helping hundreds in Clay County. Focused on preventing foreclosures and wrongful eviction, protecting the elderly, supporting active military and veterans and protected spouses and children from domestic violence and abuse.

Jacksonville Children’s Chorus, jaxchildrenschorus.org, (904) 353-1636. Enriched the lives of 718 children last year through its nationally- and internationally-acclaimed choral music education programs crafted not only to teach music and performance excellence, but also to encourage leadership skills and personal ethics.

James Boys-OPUMC, orangeparkumc.org/james-boys, (904) 264-2241. This heart-warming ministry of 45 skilled volunteers repaired and donated a record number 650 bikes, made numerous home repairs for the elderly and disabled, helped build or rehabilitate homes with Clay County Habitat and built a record 47 handicap ramps for Clay County residents in need last year.

J.P. Hall Children’s Charities, jphallcharities.com, (904) 860-8739. Elevated the quality of life for underprivileged children in Clay County through its annual Children’s Charity Christmas Party, providing gifts and necessities and provided scholarship awards to Clay County high school students with need.

Kids First of Florida, kidsfirstofflorida.org, (904) 278-5644. The lead community-based care agency for child welfare and foster car in Clay County, KFF’s Placement Team is responsible for finding a safe place when children are removed from their homes and the Adoption Team works tirelessly to find forever family homes. The independent Living Team provides hope and helps youth plan for their future. KFF partners with many local groups, businesses and individuals who recognize that every child deserves a loving home.

The Kitchen of Clay County, thekitchenofclaycounty.com, (904) 863-5252. Provided free hot meals each weekend at three Council on Aging locations (Green Cove Springs, Middleburg and Orange Park) to those in need of nourishment and companionship. Volunteers from various denominations partnered to serve more than 10,000 hot meals last year.

Lake Area Ministries, lakeareaministries.org, (904) 352-473-2846. Serving the southwest corner of the county where health and human services are extremely limited, this all-volunteer group provided staple food items to families once a month, along with backpacks and school supplies and limited financial assistance for utility and prescription assistance. Served more than 14,000 residents.

Lake Asbury Junior High Band, lakeasburyband.weebly.com, (904) 336-5375. Created a Chapter of United Sound to help students with disabilities participate in band after school. Students in the second year on their band instrument volunteered after school to teach students with disabilities to play a band instrument and read music. Musicians had the opportunity to perform at the Winter and Spring Band Concerts.

Mercy Support Services, mercysupportservices.org, (904) 297-4052. Served Clay County residents who were circumstantially in need by providing services to guide them to self-efficiency through an active network of compassionate-hearted people and organizations. The Resource and Referral Call Center helped get the right help to people in need. The Self-Sufficiency Housing provided housing and support for displaced families while they worked toward self-sufficiency.

Military Museum of North Florida, themilitarymuseumofnorthflorida.com, (904) 410-0781. Museum exhibits and events, dedicated to honoring, preserving and educating the rich military history of our country’s service men and women. Last year, new displays were added covering the Spanish and British colonial periods in North Florida, the Civil War and World War II displays were updated to include more Clay County history.

Miriam’s Basket, miriamsbasket.org, (904) 477-1975. This all-volunteer organization worked with the local child protective service agencies to provide clothing and shoes for children who were removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect or personal tragedy. Impacted 426 children in Clay County last year.

Mission of the Dirt Road, missionofthedirtroad.com, (352) 214-9379. This Wesleyan missional community located in a rural, low-income neighborhood in Keystone Heights is making disciples through community development. Last year, it hosted free summer youth learning programs, holiday events with meals and a neighborhood clean-up on Earth Day. This is in addition to regular Sunday afternoon gatherings offering free dinner and fellowship.

Mobility Wordwide Florida – Penney Farms, mobilityworldwide.org/affiliates/florida-penney-farms/, (904) 529-7215. Dedicated volunteers 975) worked to break the cycle of poverty by nourishing the bodies, stimulating the minds and increasing self-esteem in Green Cove Springs’ neediest and most vulnerable children. Fed needy children at Charles E. Bennett Elementary with its “Maggie Meals” backpack program that provided food over the weekend during the school year. Awarded scholarships to young women at Clay High School for college or vocational programs.

Oakleaf Village Elementary Music Department, facebook.com/oakleaf-village-elementary-music, (904) 336-2425. Provided quality music education to 1,027 elementary students while instilling a love of music that will last a lifetime. A successful fundraising campaign supported by school, parents, community individual and local businesses led to the installation of a full-digital piano lab at the school last year – the only elementary school in Clay County to have a dedicated piano ab. Accomplished entirely through donations and grants at no cost to the school system.

Orange Park Community Theater, opct.info, (904) 276-2599. The theater’s 350 volunteers raised cultural awareness through live theatrical performances entertaining more than 6,000 people. Also educated through nine youth workshop performances for other charitable organizations in Clay County.

Orange Park Outfitters at Orange Park High, oneclay.net/oph, (904) 336-8675. Assisted students and their families with breaking down barriers that impede the education process and the students’ ability to achieve a high school diploma. Provided school supplies, food, new and used clothing and financial support for school programs. Located at Orange Park High and supported by faculty, students, community businesses, churches and volunteers.

PACE Center for Girls Clay, pacecenter.org, (904) 458-0840. Provided girls an opportunity for a better future through education, counseling, training and advocacy. Last year, the Clay center served 116 girls – all residents of Clay County. The 12-to-15-month intervention program is provided at no cost to the students who also receive transportation to and from the center, breakfast and lunch, school and hygiene supplies and other supportive services.

Penney Retirement Community, penneyretirementcommunity.org, (904) 284-0340. PRC is an inclusive, interdenominational Christian community seeking the abundant life in retirement living. With a vision for all people to age well in the place they call home, PRC offers the opportunity to care for one another and the greater community.

Quigley House, quigleyhouse.org, (904) 284-0340, Trained staff and dedicated volunteers provided advocacy and empowerment to save and change lives of victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Provided various services, including community education, counseling, advocacy and emergency shelter and support services. Last year, provided safe shelter to 271 victims and their children and pets, and reached more than 12,000 individuals through community education.

Safe Animal Shelter, safeanimalshelter.com, (904) 375-9122. A no-kill facility, provided shelter, food, medical attention and a love for unwanted dogs and cats until adopted into a permanent home. Promoted adoptions, sterilization and education through social media, web site and community events. Initiated its foster pet program and pet food program last year.

Seamark Ranch, seamarkranch.com, (904) 529-1951. This residential Christian home and school provided a home, loving family and comprehensive childcare services to children from families in crisis, giving them a brighter future. Through a family home model and the lessons of life on a working farm, the children found the ideal setting for healing, hope, education and empowerment.

Shepherd’s Center of Orange Park, tscoop.org, (904) 269-5315. Touched and enhanced the lives of hundreds of seniors in Clay County through its extensive educational programs offered at three locations. More than 50 classes offered covering art, history, technology, exercise and fitness, games and crafts. Also hosted annual Golden Years Gala to celebrate senior adults for outstanding volunteer services in Clay County. Now celebrating 26 years of service.

Soldiers Freedom Outdoors, soldiersfreedomoutdoors.org, (904) 449-2140. Devoted to healing the hidden wounds of war and honoring out military, this all-volunteer charity located on a 350-acre ranch hosts retreats which provided respites from the effects of war. Serves veterans and active duty military and their families.

Special Olympics Florida – Clay County, specialolympicsfloria.org/clay, (904) 264-0577. This all-volunteer organization provided year-round sports training and competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for people with intellectual disabilities giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in the sharing of gifts, skills and friendship. The program served 815 athletes last year.

St. Catherine’s Conference, stcatherineop.com, (904) 264-0577. A small group of 21 dedicated volunteers reached out to provide person-to-person services to the needy and suffering in Clay County. Five days a week they work to provide case management, ascertaining the needs of the poor and providing direct assistance with rent, utilities, food and community referrals. They’ve impacted more than 4,300 Clay County residents last year.

St. Vincent’s Foundation, jaxhealth.com, (904) 308-7306. St. Vincent’s Medical Center Clay County provided quality healthcare to thousands of residents through convenient access to premier medical professionals and outstanding diagnostic, therapeutic and surgical capabilities. St. Vincent’s Mobile Health Outreach Ministry provided free healthcare access and education to hundreds of underserved Clay County residents.

Take Stock in Children of Clay County, fymca.org, (904) 278-9622. First and foremost a mentoring program, Take Stock also provided mentored students a two-year tuition scholarship to college. The program helped at-risk youth realize their full potential for both personal and academic success, breaking the cycle of poverty by mentoring 49 Clay County youth last year.

Teen Court of Clay County, clayclerk.com, (904) 278-3602. Youth-learned respect for laws serving as judge and jury in real juvenile court cases for first-time teen law offenders, giving children a chance to clear their record, yet be held accountable. Last year, increased access to low cost family counseling for teens and their guardians and increased public outreach and participation through technology.

Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Foundation, tcjayfund.com, (904) 543-2599. The Jay Fund provided financial, emotional and practical support to families tackling childhood cancer. The Emergency Household Expenses and Financial Game Plan Program helped families ease their financial burdens and allowed families to focus on their sick child’s needs.

Village Improvement Association Federated Women’s Club of Green Cove Springs, gfwcvia.com, (904) 806-0397. Impacting lives through acts large and small, this all-volunteer women’s charity provided community service programs with a focus on volunteerism in arts, conservation, education, home life, public issues and international outreach. Last year they awarded five scholarships to local high school students.

Waste Not Want Not, wastenotflorida.com, (904) 215-3150. Food belongs in bellies, not landfills. Waste Not Want Not prevents the discarding of food that can be used to fight hunger in our community by rescuing food from various sources and distributing it to those fighting hunger in North Florida. Dedicated volunteers rescued 2.3 million pounds of food and drinks last year, helping to feed 14,000 people each week – 5,600 of them here in Clay County.

The Way Free Medical Clinic, thewayclinic.org, (904) 531-9504. Provided access to healthcare for low-income, uninsured residents of Clay County. Patients received free basic medical services, laboratory testing, referral services, medications, wellness education, prenatal care, chronic illness care and access to behavioral health services and vision care. Launched a three-year capacity building initiative last year to financially stabilize the Clinic and grow its capacity to serve more residents.

Women’s Empowerment Services of Northeast Florida, wesnef.org, (904) 868-7303. Launched last year, this grass-roots agency helped 275 women and children in Clay County. Supported and encouraged women to be strong, independent and self-sufficient. Assisted women with temporary shelter, eviction prevention, household items, gas cards, mentoring and scholarships for adult vocational classes.

YMCAs of Clay County, fcymca.org, (904) 272-4304. The Safety Around Water program taught 512 children ages 5-11 on how to be safe around the water. SAW focuses on ensuring children learn essential water safety skills, which can open up a world of possibilities for them to satisfy their curiosity safely. The program reduces this risk of drowning and gives children more confidence around water.

Young Life Clay County, claycounty.younglife.org, (904) 386-3314. Reached out to teens to introduce them to Jesus by building relationships that entail adventure and are life-changing. Helped young people develop their leadership skills and their God-given potential through fun experiences at camp, clubs and campaigners (Bible study). The YouthLives ministry connected pregnant and parenting teen girls in crisis to well-trained mentorship and tailored support.