KEYSTONE HEIGHTS – Keystone SafetyNet Alliance is a faith-based, non-profit group that continues to serve the southern part of Clay County by sharing information about the services available for individual’s needs like food, clothing, counseling or drug rehabilitation.

It was established in October 2019, when a group of community leaders saw the need for a clearinghouse.

“We recognized that there were a number of people who might be doing the same thing as someone else was doing and was there a way to maybe be more efficient and do things better,” said Mayor Karen Lake, a steering committee member.

The group became Keystone SafetyNet Alliance when they aligned themselves with Clay County SafetyNet Alliance.

“It’s worked out very well,” Lake said.

The group just held its monthly meeting at Mission of the Dirt Road where Carey Morford, founder of Mission of the Dirt Road and Co-Chair of the Keystone SafetyNet Alliance, shared her project called the High Ridge Initiative. The project was inspired by the College Drive Initiative, a project that is focused on turning College Drive in Orange Park into a community hub for families and residents to enjoy.

The High Ridge Initiative project aims to improve High Ridge Estates by addressing major problems such as safety through collaborative work from the community and other community organizations. Though the project is still in the planning process, people responded positively by asking questions and providing helpful feedback.

The meeting also included Victoria Hapner with Clay County Community Services to discuss funding and James Jackson told attendees about his new business, Keystone Delivery. The meeting concluded with lunch provided by Mission of the Dirt Road and a chance to network.

The overall outcome of the Keystone SafetyNet Alliance has been a positive influence on the community. The group not only helps individuals but also assists with the community’s needs. Currently, the group is looking into providing summer activities for students through camps.

“We recognized that there are a lot of students in our community who don’t have enough to occupy themselves during the summer months,” Lake said.

Though the project is not concrete, the members are looking into the steps needed to bring the project into a reality.