SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2016

jacksonville

GIVES
ONE GREAT CITY,
MANY OPPORTUNITIES
It begins with a passion.
Your passion may be feeding the hungry
or sheltering the homeless or guiding girls
to a happier life. It may be helping to save
lives or bringing joy to those with
disabilities. Whatever that passion is,
put it to good use through at least
one of the many nonprofit
organizations in Northeast
Florida. If you dont yet have a
passion for a cause, read about
the organizations in this section.
Turn the page and find yours.

#jaxgives
J-2 THE TIMES-UNION Sunday, November 6, 2016
jacksonville gives
The I.M. Sulzbacher Center serves more than 1,500 nutritious meals a day free of charge.
This young man is going bowling with the help of the
Brooks Adaptive Sports & Recreation Program.
The Sulzbacher Centers Barnett Childrens Building is
dedicated to laughter, learning and play.
A PASSION
The Sulzbacher Clinics provide an array of oral health-care services for kids and adults.
FOR GIVING
Jacksonville area filled with caring residents
By Barbara Gavan
barbara.gavan@jacksonville.com
It begins with a passion.
Every nonprofit organization is the
result of someones passion. It may
be a passion for protecting children
or providing a safe place to sleep for
the homeless or offering medical
care for the underinsured. There are
as many passions as there are people.
Fortunately, the Northeast Florida
region has been blessed with people
who are passionate about giving
of their time and their assets in an
effort to help others. Because of the
nonprofit organizations in our area,
those less fortunate have always
been able to rely on the deep spirit of
giving that is readily apparent in our
regions residents.
That generosity is an invaluable
asset to the five-county greater Jack-
sonville region, comprised of Duval,
St. Johns, Clay, Nassau and Baker
counties.
In 2013, there were approximately
1,500 nonprofits serving the area,
protecting our children, feeding and
housing our homeless, caring for our
elderly, and welcoming our immi-
grants, helping them find homes and
useful employment in order to be-
come productive members of society.
During that year, these organi-
zations generated $6.8 billion in
revenue, employed more than 56,000
people and depended on 114,000
volunteers.
This special section of The Florida
Times-Union, Jacksonville Gives, is
designed to thank those who give
of themselves, to celebrate the work
they do and to help continue that
work. It turns the spotlight on the
efforts of local people, businesses
and groups doing this valuable and
necessary work in our area.

jacksonville gives
The Jaguars Foundations Alert Today, Alive Tomorrow
campaign is a pedestrian and bicycle safety initiative with
the slogan, Safety doesnt happen by accident, as seen
on the T-shirts of area children attending a Jaguars game.
The Brooks Adaptive Sports & Recreation Program offers experiences to the disabled.
GIVING: BY THE NUMBERS
How philanthropy works
in Northeast Florida
By Barbara Gavan
barbara.gavan@jacksonville.com
On any given day in Jacksonville, a
child will awaken hungry with little
hope of a meal a man will rum-
mage through a trash bin looking for
anything warm to wrap around his
shoulders a woman will cower in
fear of an abusive spouse.
But, they are not alone. There is
hope, and there is help.
There are organizations and
individuals in the community who
are working to meet these problems
head-on and to change the outcome
for the better, thus changing the
quality of life in Northeast Florida,
as well.
According to the 2015 State of
the Sector report, the health of the
nonprofit sector is as critical to our
economic well-being and quality of
life as the health of other sectors of
our economy housing, transporta-
tion, manufacturing and so forth.
With that in mind, the Northeast
Florida region (made up of Duval,
Baker, Clay, Nassau and St. Johns
counties) benefitted from the work
of more than 153,000 volunteers,
who recorded 4.56 million volunteer
hours with a fiscal value just shy of
The Sulzbacher Center ensures that no one goes hungry on Thanksgiving Day.
$100 million.
Independent Sector, a network of
nonprofit organizations, foundations
and corporations, estimates that an
hour of volunteer time in Florida
is valued at $21.61. Volunteering in
America reports that the average
Florida volunteer contributes 29.8
hours per year. Thus, the creators of
the State of the Sector report esti-
mated the value of volunteer labor in
Northeast Florida nonprofits at $98.7
million in 2013.
Donations in the region also were
substantial. The same five-county
region is ranked fourth in giving
for the state of Florida, according to
philanthropy.coms 2015 figures. The
median contribution in the Jack-
sonville Metro area is $3,970 vs. the
state median contribution of $3,346.
The percentage of income given in
the Jacksonville area is 4.08 per-
cent vs. the state percentage of 3.58
percent.
It is clear that Jacksonville is filled
with generous people who give with
their hearts as well as their pocket-
books. But, where do the donations
go? And how are nonprofits in the
five-county area supported mon-
etarily?
According to the National Council
Sunday, november 6, 2016 THe TImeS-unIon J-3
of Nonprofits, the typical organiza-
tion receives about half its income
from fees for service, about a third
from government sources and less
than 15 percent from philanthropy.
However, nonprofits in Northeast
Florida rely more heavily on revenue
from philanthropy than those in
other parts of the country.
Northeast Floridas largest non-
profits (based on 2013 revenues)
typically receive 27 percent of their
revenue from philanthropy more
than twice the national norm. They
also receive slightly less than the
norm in fees for service and govern-
ment funds. But, with Northeast
Floridas smallest nonprofits, philan-
thropy counts for nearly two-thirds
of their revenue.
This is not surprising, since these
organizations have budgets of less
than $50,000 a year, which is not
likely to attract government funding,
and their fees for service tend to be
membership or admission fees. So,
they are dependent on individual
contributions and an occasional
small grant.
That is where you come into the
picture. Even a small donation or
a few hours of volunteer time can
make a difference.
J-4 THE TIMES-UNION SUNday, NOvEMbEr 6, 2016

jacksonville gives
DELORES BARR WEAVER POLICY CENTER

A CARING VOICE
The spirit of
the program
comes through in
everything we do,
and it starts with
the people here
at the [Policy
Center] theyre
so invested in the
program. And
thats why there
has been so much
positive change
in such a short
period of time.
Heather Moore
Volunteer

Teachers and volunteers create safe havens for girls and young women through the See the Girl initiative of the Delores Barr Weaver Policy Center.

From trouble
to triumph
By Barbara Gavan
barbara.gavan@jacksonville.com

See the girl. Dont just

look at her, but see her. See
her for who she is and who
she can become.
See the Girl is the new
campaign from the Delores
Barr Weaver Policy Center
to advance the rights of
girls and young women,
especially those in the
justice system, by engag-
ing communities, orga-
nizations and individuals
through quality research,
community organizing, ad-
vocacy, training and model
programming.
Since its beginnings in
HOW TO GIVE 2013, the Policy Center has
been working toward the
There are many ways goal of making the First
for much-needed Coast a national model of
reform for girls either in
volunteers to help or at risk of entering the
See the Girl. To get juvenile justice system.
Our research is ground-
information on how ed in the voices of the girls
you can best assist we partner with, said
the Delores Barr Tayloe McDonald, direc-
tor of strategic planning &
Weaver Policy public affairs for the Policy
Center and the girls Center. And our programs
come out of that research.
of Northeast Florida, Our goal is to help indi-
email tmcdonald@ vidual girls who have been
seethegirl.org or treated unfairly by the
system, and then to bring
call (904) 598-0901. about shifts in the poli-
Helping girls navigate their worlds
cies and laws that impact
Florida for all children.
With that in mind, we are
focused on reducing the usually involves the loss
incarceration rate for girls
and young women.
And its already working.
In the three years since the
Policy Center opened, the
number of girls incarcer-
ated on the First Coast
has been reduced by 50
percent. And, for the 416
girls serving in the Policy
Centers Girl Matters: Its emotions and to find
Elementary program, there
has been a 91-percent re-
duction in school suspen-
sions while enrolled in the
program.
The Girl Matters: Its
Elementary program has
been implemented in
North Shore and George
Washington Carver
elementary schools to
address the underlying fac-
tors contributing to girls
acting out behavior and the girls in the program
to reduce instances of such
behavior.
We have full-time care
managers in each school to
staff classrooms, so if an
incident takes place, the
girls involved will be em-
braced into the program,
McDonald said. Theres areas girls.
always an unknown fac- The spirit of the pro-
tor in such incidents. It gram comes through in
everything we do, and it
of the mother or main starts with the people here
caregiver through death, at the [Policy Center]
abandonment, incarcera- theyre so invested in the
tion or domestic violence. program, she said. And
The girl is grieving, but thats why there has been
not addressing her grief or so much positive change
acknowledging it. in such a short period of
Through the program, time.
the girls learn to recog- Moore got involved
nize and validate their when she attended a
luncheon and heard Policy
positive ways to respond. Center CEO Lawanda
They learn that they cant Ravoira speak about the
control events, but they program and tell her own
can control their own story. As the first in her
responses. family to attend college,
It teaches the girls how Ravoira knows first-hand
to navigate their worlds, the situations girls are
said Heather Moore, one faced with in todays
of the most active of the world. She went on to earn
many volunteers who are a doctorate and to start
committed to helping girls this program to send other
through this program. girls along the same path
Successful outcomes for that she found.
Moore found Ravoiras
dont come about with- words and experience
out enormous effort on inspiring and she offered
the part of many. Moore to help.
has gotten dirty, paint- I live at the beach, but
spattered and extremely Ive spent the last few
over-tired in her hands-on years going into these
work to improve the learn- Northwest Jacksonville
ing environment for the schools and interacting
with the girls and their
families, trying to help the
kids to a better life, she
said. Its so important that
the girls understand that
were all the same, we just
have different resources.
Moore took on an extra
project with another vol-
unteer, Christie Chandler.
The women saw how dark
and dingy the classrooms
were, so Chandler painted
murals on the outside of
each room and Moore
painted and completely
refreshed the insides of the
classrooms.
We want the girls to
have a bright, welcom-
ing and happy space a
personal space where they
can feel safe, comfortable
and at home, Moore said.
And all the while they are
in these spaces, theyre
learning to handle situ-
ations, to communicate
with each other in non-
threatening and nonviolent
ways, to find adult allies
and guidance help along
their journey.
When I see this hap-
pening, I feel as if Im
the one getting the real
benefits here, she added.
You gain something from
everyone you meet, and I
see life through different
lenses now.

Volunteer Heather Moore talks with a young student in the classroom that Moore completely redecorated to The classroom can be an ideal spot for girls to find friendship,
be a bright and welcoming environment. creativity and imagination, if it is also a safe and happy place.
Sunday, november 6, 2016 THe TImeS-unIon J-5
J-6 THE TIMES-UNION SUNday, NOvEMbEr 6, 2016

jacksonville gives
I.M. Sulzbacher center

A CARING VOICE
It completely
changed my
perspective.
It denitely made
me want to help
even more.
Once you have the
facts, youre eager
to help. Its not
reality until
youre there,
actually helping.
Salma Shaalan

The way home

Volunteer from The Bolles Salma Shaalan spends her first volunteer day in the kitchen at the Sulzbacher Center and promises to return.
School

Offering shelter, skills for life

By Barbara Gavan
barbara.gavan@jacksonville.com
HOW TO GIVE
The I.M. Sulzbacher
the I.M. Center offers not only shel-
ter to the homeless, but a
Sulzbacher caring and compassionate
center needs welcome. And, the center
your help with both is so much more than just
a cot and a meal.
donations and your In one day at the Sulz-
time as a volunteer. bacher Center, 360 men,
Visit www. women and children will
find safe shelter, health
sulzbachercenter. care will be provided to
org and click on 200 patients, more than
1,500 meals will be served.
Support Us. Then And that is just the tip of
click on Volunteer, the iceberg.
Donate Now or Families stay together
at the center and are
both. provided with one-on-
one support from a case
manager who develops a
plan that serves that fam-
ilys particular needs. That
plan may include life skills
classes, GED and other
education programs, a
model childrens program,
and three healthy meals
a day. The average stay at
the center is three months,
but families may stay lon-
ger if their circumstances
require.
Not only do Sulzbacher
Center residents receive
nutritious meals, but non-
residents are welcome
twice a day for lunch and
dinner, as well. Many
regular volunteers help
provide these meals to
residents and to the public.
The Centers smallest
residents are not forgot-
ten, either, in the plans
for care case managers
ensure that all children are
registered in school.
And the Barnett Chil-
drens Building is an
inviting space dedicated
to helping the centers
children feel safe, allowing
them to learn and to have
fun. The building is filled
with books, toys, comput-
ers and audio-visual equip-
ment, and offers activities
that include tutoring,
music, arts and crafts and
scouting.
But, the main purpose of
the Sulzbacher Center is to
send its residents along the
road to independence. And
that is best accomplished
through education and
the acquiring of vital life
skills.
The majority of
LifeSkills classes are
taught by volunteers and
community partners. Some
courses being currently
taught are Childhood
Nutrition, Job Interview
Skills, Anger Management,
Money Management,
Parenting Classes, Stress
Management and Smoking
Cessation.
In addition to life skills,
a high school diploma
is a huge step toward
independence. In 2012,
the center partnered with
Florida State College at
Jacksonville to provide the
Pathways to College
High School Equivalency
Program for 20 Sulzbacher
residents a semester. This
program helps residents
Story continues on Page J-7

More than 1,500 nutritious meals are served every day with the help of the centers many volunteers.
Story from Page J-6
earn their high school
equivalency diploma,
which greatly improves
their access to the local
job market. Then place-
ment services are offered
through the WorkNet
program, so that residents
can begin careers, not just
jobs. The program not
only identifies possible
opportunities, but pre-
pares residents for todays
workplace.
The Sulzbacher Cen-
ters latest endeavor is the
Sulzbacher Village, which
will be permanent housing
for women and families. A
Sunday, november 6, 2016 THe TImeS-unIon J-7
jacksonville gives
The center provides education as well as shelter to its
residents. Classes are offered to teach employments skills
and the skills of daily living.
Through donations from the community and volunteer
efforts, every child residing at the Sulzbacher Center
receives at least one present on Christmas morning.
separate community away gifts of stock or the memo- Throughout the year, presentation that dispels kitchen, but there are so
from the downtown core, rialization of a friend or other holidays and occa- the stereotypes and takes many other ways to help.
the village will offer 70 family member in lieu of sions call for volunteers to away the stigma of being And each one of those
units to single women, fe- flowers. We also regularly help, too. homeless. areas needs volunteers.
male veterans and single- have special needs for gifts One such volunteer is It completely changed We could not run the
and two-parent families. in kind, such as sheets, Salma Shaalan, a ninth- my perspective, she said. center they way that we do
Another 30 units will coats, furniture, pots and grader at The Bolles It definitely made me without our volunteers,
accommodate women and pans, or childrens paja- School, who recently want to help even more. Hemphill said. Theyre
families in need of short- mas. worked prepping and serv- Once you have the facts, terrific!
term emergency housing At Christmas, a special ing food in the centers youre eager to help. Its But, those being helped
and medical respite. spirit of giving envelops dining room. not reality until youre are not the only ones to
None of this work the center with many par- This is my first time there, actually helping. gain from volunteerism.
would be possible without ties and gifts. volunteering here, but it Shaalan urges anyone In general, people think
donations from the caring First, we ask for un- just opens the door to do who has thought about that volunteering wont
residents of Jacksonville wrapped toys for children more, she said. We had volunteering, but doesnt impact their lives, but once
and its volunteers. from infancy through Make a Difference Day at know how to begin, to you get your hands dirty,
There are so many high school or for adults, school and this was my keep the Sulzbacher Cen- you see things differently,
ways to give, said Linda Hemphill said. Then we choice. ter in mind. Shaalan said. You dont
Hemphill, donor relations hold a wrapping party, so Shaalan mentioned Ill come back here know what youll gain
& marketing manager. We that everyone in the center that the first-time volun- again, she said. Today, I from the experience until
welcome financial gifts, gets at least one gift. teers saw a PowerPoint was able to help out in the you try it.
J-8 THE TIMES-UNION SUNday, NOvEMbEr 6, 2016
jacksonville gives
VOLUNTEERS IN MEDICINE
A CARING VOICE
Our purpose is
to help people
become and
continue to be
effective members
of the community
and you need
your health to
do that. We
want to keep
people healthy,
employed and out
of the emergency
rooms.
Mary Pat Corrigan
CEO
Geneane White-Brown sees Dr. David Miller, with North Florida OB-GYN, at VIM and listens while he explains the test he recommends for her.
No more falling
through the cracks
Extraordinary volunteer efforts provide care to working uninsured
By Barbara Gavan
Barbara.gavan@jacksonville.com
Imagine: You go to work
and give your all every
day at a job that doesnt
offer health insurance,
or doesnt pay enough to
cover the copays and pre-
miums even if you can get
insurance.
These are the people
that Volunteers in Medi-
cine was founded to help
Jacksonvilles working
uninsured.
Founders Jim Burt M.D.
and Dottie Dorian R.N.
were familiar with the
concept of Volunteers in
Medicine, begun by Dr.
Jack McConnell on Hilton
Head Island.
Jim and I decided that
Jacksonville surely needed
such a clinic because of
our large number of un-
insured workers, Dorian
said. We knew the clinic
would need to be centrally
located for patient acces-
sibility, and began looking
for a building.
Dorian vividly remem-
bers visiting an available
building in the down-
town core that eventually
became home to Jackson-
villes Volunteers in
Medicine.
I went on a rainy day
HOW TO GIVE and while in the build-
ing, I put up my umbrella
Volunteers in because the rain was com-
Medicine is in the ing through the holes in
the roof, she said. When
middle of the 50 Days asked my opinion on the
to $50K campaign. If building, I said, Tear it
down!
$50,000 is raised, an Cooler heads pre-
anonymous donor will vailed, and the building
match it dollar-for- underwent two years of
renovations before turning
dollar, so every dollar into an incredibly well-
you donate actually equipped haven for those
employed but in need of
is two dollars. Go to
free, quality medical care.
vim-jax.org and Our purpose is to help
click the Donate people become and contin-
ue to be effective members
Today button. The of the community and
website also has a you need your health to
button for volunteers, do that, said CEO Mary
Pat Corrigan. We want
who are always Helping the working uninsured is a calling for those who to keep people healthy,
needed. founded the clinic that assists patients with a variety of employed and out of the
medical services. emergency rooms.
Uninsured individu-
als and their families
qualify for free health
care through VIM when
one family member works
at least 20 hours a week
with an income that meets
qualifications.
Patients are provided
with examinations, many
tests, treatment by special-
ists, eye care, a womens
health program, and care
for chronic diseases such
as diabetes and its all in for five to six months, but I
one location.
They also may receive
counseling services in the
areas of mental health,
nutrition and weight man-
agement.
We also provide medi-
cations to our patients
because if it comes
down to a choice between
paying for meds at a phar-
macy or feeding the family
the family will always
come first, Corrigan said.
Many of our supplies are
donated, too, which helps
but, some have to be
purchased.
Just last month, The
PLAYERS Championship
sponsored a visit from the
Precision Imaging Mobile
Mammography Unit to of-
fer free mamograms, and
donated $10,000 to the 50
Days for $50K campaign
at VIM that has an anony-
mous donor matching ev-
ery gift dollar-for-dollar.
VIM has only seven paid
staff members, but 230
volunteers each month, 70
of whom are physicians
or physician assistants.
Nurses, people to staff
the front desk and to keep
the medical records also
volunteer. They have dif-
ferent reasons but the
same spirit for what
they do.
I volunteer, of course,
to help others, but also to
learn more about a differ-
ent field of nursing than
the one I presently work
in, said Shelley Lindsay.
Dr. Philip Caravella, a
family practice physician,
said he has volunteered in
many ways throughout his
career.
My father was a barber,
and I appreciate what the
U.S. gives me, he said.
So, I enjoy giving back.
Dr. David Miller, with
North Florida OB-GYN at
St. Vincents, volunteers
because its the right
thing to do and it just
makes me feel good.
Its important to give
yourself back to your com-
munity, he said. Ive only
been volunteering at VIM
intend to continue as long
as my wife lets me!
His patient, Geanene
White-Brown, works at
Florida State College at
Jacksonville as a program
facilitator but has no insur-
ance. Shes been a patient
at VIM for about 10 years.
Without the care here,
I would be lost, she said.
This is the only place I
come; I get medical, dental
and vision care here all
in the same place. I had
insurance at my previous
job, but changed jobs and
lost insurance. Then I had
nowhere to go for care but
the emergency room.
White-Brown said she
doesnt get sick often, but
is going through meno-
pause, which has present-
ed its own set of problems.
Miller just told her that she
should have a specialized
test and have it right
away. Fortunately, VIM
has the equipment neces-
sary and Miller is qualified
to perform the test, so it
can take place right at the
clinic.
If Dr. Miller didnt
volunteer here and if we
didnt have the right equip-
ment, Geanene would have
to go to the hospital for
this test, Corrigan said.
And I wouldnt go; I
couldnt go, White-Brown
said. I cant afford that.
And that is the reason
that VIM exists: to provide
care in a caring atmo-
sphere.
People are happy to
be here, Corrigan said.
They come here, and
theyre treated with re-
spect and kindness.
Sunday, november 6, 2016 THe TImeS-unIon J-9
J-10 THE TIMES-UNION SUNday, NOvEMbEr 6, 2016
jacksonville gives
A CARING VOICE
Our strategic
plan, our vision
is to build a
community of
opportunity,
where everyone
has hope and can
reach his or her
full potential.
United Way is
the connector
that brings
together people,
resources and
ideas. Its people
helping people.
And 10,000
people helped From programs for children like Reading Pals and Achievers For Life to financial education workshops through RealSense and assistance after natural
other people disasters, United Way plays a significant role in the lives of First Coast residents.
Change is happening
through United
Way last year.
Michelle Braun
President and CEO
throughout First Coast
Agency offers help
to residents in need
By Barbara Gavan
barbara.gavan@jacksonville.com
Part of the United Way
credo is to change the
lives of those who walk by
us every day.
This is not anonymous
or generic. It means help-
ing children in Northeast
Florida to graduate from
high school. It means
helping neighbors achieve
financial stability. It means
cleaning up the region
after a hurricane. The
United Way is part of the
everyday lives of the resi-
dents of Northeast Florida.
Our strategic plan, our
vision is to build a commu-
nity of opportunity, where
everyone has hope and can
reach his or her full poten-
tial, said Michelle Braun,
president and CEO of
United Way of Northeast
Florida. United Way is
the connector that brings
together people, resources
and ideas. Its people help-
ing people. And 10,000
people helped other people
through United Way last
year.
Those 10,000 people
helped students in the
Achievers for Life program
reach a promotion rate
of 98 percent. They saw
to it that 3,000 children
attended high-quality
early-learning centers.
They helped file 21,000
2015 tax returns for free.
They delivered 9,087 hours
of financial education,
answered 102,382 calls
through the 2-1-1 system,
and provided 4,032 chil-
dren with much-needed
medical services.
HOW TO GIVE And those are just a few
of United Way volunteers
United Way of accomplishments last year.
Through the Reading-
Northeast Florida Pals program, passionate,
invites you to make committed volunteers
connect with preschoolers
a difference through who need a little extra help
Make Your Moment, getting ready for kinder-
the 2016 campaign garten. Each week, a vol-
unteer spends 30 minutes
theme. Make Your with two preschoolers,
Moment connects reading a book, completing
activities and developing
your passions to a skills that the children will
purpose. Try it now need for success in school.
on your mobile phone Each child also receives
at least four books to help
by texting MYM build a home library.
to 50503 or visit Later in a childs
makeyourmoment. educational life, he or she
faces the possibility of not
org/unitedwaynefl. finishing school. In North-
UNITED WAY OF NORTHEAST FLORIDA
east Florida, one in three
students will not graduate
on time or at all.
Achievers in Life identi-
fies at-risk students to
provide them with family
support, mentors and help
in school. Just one caring
adult and one hour a week
can change the direction
of the life of a child who is
struggling emotionally and
academically. A student
with a mentor is more
likely to stay in school
and perform well, and less
likely to get involved in
drugs and alcohol.
And, as adults, the
challenges only get more
difficult. Nearly half, 48
percent, of Duval County
families are vulnerable
to financial hardships
if emergencies occur.
RealSense is a nationally
recognized United Way
initiative designed to save
families money and teach
them fiscally responsible
habits.
Since 2003, RealSense
has returned $200 million
in tax refunds and had a
total economic impact of
$95 million through finan-
cial education workshops,
financial counseling and
coaching, and free tax fil-
ing and guidance.
Surveys completed six
months after financial ed-
ucation classes were held donations dollar-for-dollar
indicated that 33 percent up to another $250,000,
of participants decreased with 100 percent of all gifts
their debt, an improve- going to the relief effort.
ment of 16 percent, and 65 We need volunteers to
percent had established a help and we need dona-
written budget, an im- tions so well then get the
provement of 33 percent. matching funds, because
At present, United Way there are a lot of people in
is taking on the enormous need of help, Braun said.
task of coordinating relief This is only one of many
efforts for Hurricane Mat- ways to help the communi-
thew in Florida. ty through United Way. In
We are working closely order to engage people in
with county officials, ways that matter to them,
emergency relief providers United Way has created
and our partners to un- Make Your Moment to
derstand the magnitude of connect your passion with
needs across our commu- a purpose. It starts with a
nity, Braun said. We are quick online personality
working together to ensure quiz, which then connects
that support is available. to unique ways to give
United Way recently back, from volunteerism
launched Floridas First and advocacy to learning
Coast Relief Fund to opportunities and more.
provide assistance to We invite people to
nonprofit organizations be a part of the change
helping those affected by going on in our commu-
the hurricane in Northeast nity, Braun said. Come
Florida. The Jesse Ball and help give others the
DuPont Fund has already opportunity to succeed -
committed $250,000 to the work hard and have fun Volunteer support and donations help meet the needs of
effort and will match all doing it! First Coast pupils and students.
Sunday, november 6, 2016 THe TImeS-unIon J-11
J-12 THE TIMES-UNION SUNday, NOvEMbEr 6, 2016

jacksonville gives
BROOKS ADAPTIVE SPORTS & RECREATON PROGRAM

A CARING VOICE
We try to show
prospects photos
of people in the
same situations
doing an activity
they have an
interest in, or
have them talk to
someone with the
same disability
who is active in
the program.
Then they can
visualize taking
part themselves.
Alice Krauss
Manager, Adaptive Sports
& Recreation Program

The Brooks Adaptive Sports & Recreation Program brings people together for fun, fitness and friendship.

Forever engaged in life

HOW TO GIVE
The Brooks
Adaptive Sports
& Recreation
Program needs
volunteers and
donations for a new
building, since the
program could serve
so many more people
if they were all in one
place. You can make
a difference in the
lives of those with
disabilities. To offer a
donation or your time
as a volunteer, call
(904) 345-7314.
By Barbara Gavan
barbara.gavan@jacksonville.com
The short version of
the story behind Brooks
Adaptive Sports & Recre-
ation Program is that Alice
Krauss saw a need and
found a way to fill it. The
actual story is a bit more
involved.
An occupational thera-
pist at Brooks Rehabilita-
tion Hospital since 1982,
Krauss and her co-workers
share a goal of return-
ing their patients to their
former lives.
After successfully
fighting the effects of
auto accidents, gunshots,
strokes, traumatic brain
injuries and more, the staff
celebrates the patients
progress and sends them
home with high hopes for
the future.
But, when I saw them
later, many had been un-
able to sustain the gains
they had made in our care
and were unsuccessful
in returning to doing the
things they did before and
still wanted to do, Krauss
A training ground for the real world
said. I hated to see that
they were on a downward
trend in their quality of life
due to social isolation and
physical inactivity. And
that, in turn, can bring on
secondary complications
such as depression, diabe-
tes, cardiac problems and
substance abuse. That was
unacceptable to me.
Krauss felt that opportu-
nities for recreation would
help the disabled continue
to improve.
I thought that, since
were the only rehab hos-
pital in town, it was our
responsibility to address
the problem, and I asked
what we could do to keep
[these former patients]
engaged in life forever,
she said. We all use some
kind of recreation to relax,
to have fun with life, so the
obvious answer was to use
recreation to bring people
together for physical activ-
ity. While theyre riding
horseback or surfing or
cycling or playing rugby
while theyre having fun
with their chosen activity,
they may also be working
on balance and strength
and agility but they prob-
ably dont even know it.
There can be a competi-
tive component to the ac-
tivities if the patient wants
it, but the program for
the most part is simple
recreation.
We bring people to-
gether for fun, fitness and
friendship, Krauss said.
Its life-transforming in
many ways; everyone gets
something out of it. And
its all-inclusive. The barri-
ers in society are nonex-
istent in our program. At
one time, we had a CEO
whod had a stroke work-
ing side-by-side with a
paraplegic whod been shot
in a drug deal. We have
homeless people and ex-
ecutives, doctors and sani-
tation workers, attorneys
and restaurant servers.
And, when theyre all to-
gether, theres nothing but
hand-shaking and hugging.
There is no segregation by
social constraints.
One of the most difficult
aspects of Krausss job can
be getting people to take
part in an activity for the
first time.
We try to show pros-
pects photos of people in
the same situations doing
an activity they have an in-
terest in, or have them talk
to someone with the same
disability who is active in
the program, Krauss said. from five weekly activities
Then they can visualize
taking part themselves. Of
course, it doesnt hurt that
our program is completely
free of charge. All activi-
ties, equipment and expert
instruction are provided at
no cost to the individual.
The Brooks Adaptive
Sports & Recreation Pro-
gram is also unique in its
holistic approach to health
and quality of life through
recreation. It provides
year-round programming
in each activity, so par-
ticipants never have to go
through an inactive period
where their conditions
might regress. And all ages
and abilities are welcome;
there is no experience or
skill-level requirement.
The program serves the
most individuals and
has the most diverse
demographic across age,
condition and ability in the
country.
Since the program
launched in 2007, it has
gone from serving 75
people to 740 in 2015; from
one special event to 38;
to 15; and from no adap-
tive sports equipment to
an inventory of more than
200 pieces.
The changes we see in
courage and in self-esteem
carry over into other
aspects of the participants
lives and enriches them
in so many ways, Krauss
said. We offer a safe en-
vironment for risk-taking
and subsequent growth.
This program is the train-
ing ground for the real
world.

Providing social
contact and
physical activity
to those with
disabilities
through more
than 15 different
recreational
opportunities is the
goal of the Brooks
Adaptive Sports
Program.
 Sunday, november 6, 2016 THe TImeS-unIon J-13

SECTION 2 OF 2

SECTION 1 SECTION 2
Delores Barr Weaver Policy Center
I.M. Sulzbacher Center
Jaguars Foundation
Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation jacksonville

GIVES
Volunteers In Medicine Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida
United Way of Northeast Florida The Florida Times-Union
Brooks Adaptive Sports & Recreation Program

#jaxgives

jacksonville gives
JAGUARS FOUNDATION
A CARING VOICE
The Foundation
underwrites these
scholarships that
offer aviation
training to
veterans. That
will help the
veterans get really
good jobs. Were
underwriting four
right now.
Peter Racine
Foundation Senior Vice
President

Scoring off the field

The Jaguars Foundation has many programs for children, including the campaign to construct safe and accessible community football fields

By Barbara Gavan
barbara.gavan@jacksonville.com

Its not an exaggeration

to say that, in 1995, Jack-
sonville changed forever.
That was the year the
Jacksonville Jaguars began
playing in the NFL. The
team had been awarded
to the city in 1993, but it
became an integral part of
Jacksonville in 1995.
That was also the year
the Jaguars began giving
back to the city.
That tradition of giving
back began even before
the first game was played,
said Peter Racine, the Jag-
uars Foundations senior
vice president. It began
with the Weavers (the Jag-
uars first owners, Wayne
and Delores Barr Weaver),
who began making grants
in March 1995. When Shad
Khan bought the team
in 2012, he doubled the
charitable work the Jag-
uars Foundation had been
And giving back to the community development session that
featured as guest speaker
Dr. Jennifer Welter, who
was the first female to
doing, carrying on and These organizations construction of safe and coach in the NFL.
expanding the Weavers include Catholic Charities accessible community Perhaps one of the
legacy. Workforce Development football fields throughout most important organi-
It was Khans apprecia- Services for Veterans, Northeast Florida. zations that the founda-
tion and deep respect for Community Hospice of We just finished one tion supports is the One
veterans and members Northeast Florida, Dignity in Yulee its the 13th Love Foundation, which
of the U.S. military that U Wear Foundation, Five field overall, Racine said. was begun to honor the
led him to make one of STAR Veterans Center, Last year, Shad increased memory of Yeardley Love.
his first philanthropic K9s For Warriors and the teams commitment to Love was a college senior
initiatives in Jacksonville Jacksonville Universitys the program by promis- beaten to death by her ex-
a million-dollar commit- Vocational Training for ing to build 10 fields over boyfriend just weeks short
ment to the city to create Veterans: Aviation Schol- just three years. The one of graduation.
the Jacksonville Veterans arships. that was just finished is One Loves mission is
Resource and Reintegra- The Foundation under- the fourth of that commit- to raise awareness about
tion Center at City Hall. writes these scholarships ment. the warning signs of abuse
In its first three years of that offer aviation training The Jaguars Foundation through workshops with
operation, the center has to veterans, Racine said. also hosts an annual 7-on-7 students and faculty at
supported hundreds of That will help the veter- Passing Challenge with high schools and colleges
men, women and their ans get really good jobs. 16 area high school teams across the country, and
families as they transition Were underwriting four participating. The girls to change the statistics
back to civilian life. right now. are not left out, either. The around relationship vio-
The Jaguars Foundation In support of Jackson- inaugural Jaguars Girls lence.
also partners with the City villes youth, the founda- Flag event hosted 200 The Jaguars, through
of Jacksonville to provide tion has partnered with the female athletes from the the Jaguars Foundation,
grants to local nonprofit NFL and LISC-Jacksonville greater Jacksonville area. are dedicated to making a
organizations that support to help with community Participants also took part difference on and off the
veterans, Racine said. revitalization through the in an interactive character football field.

HOW TO GIVE
If you would
like to join with
the Jaguars
Foundation in its
many endeavors to
enrich the community
and take a chance
at winning a large
monetary jackpot at
the same time go
to www.jaguars.
com/foundation-
community and
click on the tab for Jaguars player Marqise Lee understands the difficulties
foster children face and is making it his mission to
Jaguars 50/50 Jackpot bring awareness to the issue, while working with foster
for more information. One of Shad Khans first philanthropic initiatives was a million-dollar commitment to families to understand the importance of keeping siblings
create the Jacksonville Veterans Resource and Reintegration Center at City Hall. together.
J-14 THE TIMES-UNION SUNday, NOvEMbEr 6, 2016

jacksonville gives
FIREHOUSE SUBS PUBLIC SAFETY FOUNDATION

Keeping the heartbeat

A CARING VOICE
Since 2005,
the foundation
has donated

of our communities
more than $23
million in life-
saving equipment
and needed
resources to
more than 2,600
fire and police Thousands of
departments, AEDs have been
hospitals, donated
schools and other By Barbara Gavan

charities such as
barbara.gavan@jacksonville.com

the American Red For two guys who

werent much interested in
Cross. philanthropy, Robin and
Chris Sorensen have come
a long way.
Robin Sorensen Honestly, when Chris
Co-founder of Firehouse and I started Firehouse
Subs with his brother, Chris Subs in 1994, philanthropy
was not a key focus or
something we thought
much about, said Robin
Sorensen, co-founder
with his brother, Chris, of
Firehouse Subs. We were
HOW TO GIVE trying to open our first
restaurant and sell subs.
To find out how your Though I think we are like
anyone else that, if some-
donations can help one asks for help or we see
save lives through a need, we step into action.
It just feels good.
the work of the From 1994 until 2005,
Firehouse Subs the brothers focused their
Public Safety efforts mainly on the
Muscular Distrophy As-
Foundation, go sociation and other local
to firehousesubs- charities. But, their giving
took a major step for-
foundation.org. ward in 2005, when they
Make a donation experienced what Robin
while you check Sorensen called a life-
changing experience.
out the work of the In a little more than a decade, the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation has contributed more than $23 million in
foundation. life-saving equipment and resources to fire and police departments, hospitals, schools and charities. Story continues on Page J-15

Story from Page J-14
Robin and Chris decided
that they could help out
with relief efforts after
Hurricane Katrina by go-
ing to the disaster area to
feed the local Jacksonville
people who were working
on cleaning up the incred-
ible damage and offering
aid to the survivors.
They began by feeding
the Jacksonville contin-
gent, then went on to feed
anyone who was helping
out, and finally ended
up feeding survivors and
practically anyone who
needed a meal and there
were many.
They were so moved by
the experience, that they
came home and started
the Firehouse Subs Public
Safety Foundation.
Since 2005, the foun-
dation has donated more
than $23 million in life-
saving equipment and
needed resources to more
than 2,600 fire and police
departments, hospitals,
schools and other charities
such as the American Red
Cross, Sorensen said.
And the arena of help
keeps expanding. In 2011,
the brothers heard the
news that the Camden
County (Ga.) Police De-
partment was asking for
a grant to purchase AEDs
(automated external defi-
brillators) after the death
of a student baseball player
who was hit in the chest by
an errant pitch.
An on-site AED might
have been able to save the
teens life.
The Sorensens immedi-
ately responded, and began
a program of providing
AEDS to other police and
fire departments, schools
and hospitals.
Last year, their founda-
tion took yet another step
forward. The brothers
were looking for a way
to mark Firehouse Subs
having opened its 1,000th
store. They thought an
appropriate celebration
might be to donate 1,000
Sunday, november 6, 2016 THe TImeS-unIon J-15
jacksonville gives
AEDS where they were
needed throughout the
country. They ended up
overdoing their goal just a
bit by donating 232 AEDS
in 2015 and 1,418 so far
in 2016 to bring the total
number donated by the
foundation to 2,308.
Even more recently, the
Sorensens teamed up with
the mother of Michael
Namey to bring AEDs
and CPR and AED train-
ing to schools, college
campuses and organiza-
tions throughout Florida.
Michael Namey was a
Bishop Kenny High School
graduate and University
of Central Florida student
who died of a sudden car-
diac arrest he suffered in
class at UCF.
The Michael Namey
Initiative and the Fire-
house Subs Public Safety
Foundation are working to
see that every organiza-
tion possible receives CPR
training, AED training and
an AED. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Firehouse Subs founders Robin and Chris Sorensen fed volunteers,
Its such a testament survivors and just about anyone they met who needed a meal. And Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation was born.
to the Namey family that
they took a heartbreaking
event and turned it into
something that will save
lives, said Robin Peters,
executive director of the
Firehouse Subs Public
Safety Foundation. Were
just so glad to have our
foundation be a part of it.
The Sorensen brothers
are also glad they can help.
Chris and I cant really
put into words what we
feel about the success of
the foundation other than
to say that its our proudest
accomplishment, So-
rensen said.
That accomplishment,
their foundation, has
grown and continued the
work of keeping people
safe that both brothers
began years ago as fire-
fighters. And they show no
signs of stopping.
I cannot begin to tell
you what incredible people
Robin and Chris are, Pe-
ters said. There is never a
no, but always what can The Firehouse Subs Foundation has partnered with Baptist Health to teach CPR and the proper use of AEDs to the
we do? students of Bishop Kenny High School, among others.
J-16 THE TIMES-UNION SUNday, NOvEMbEr 6, 2016

jacksonville gives
NONPROFIT CENTER OF NORTHEAST FLORIDA

A CARING VOICE
There are no
salaries and no
overhead. But
I need help. We
need volunteers
to work on our
projects and help
raise even more
money. And it
will still all
go to the kids.
Dan Gallagher

Leading the way

Founder of Santas Special With thousands of nonprofits in a five-county area, the center connects members of the community with the right organization.
Kids

to local philanthropy
HOW TO GIVE
To find out about
the many nonprofit
organizations that
are members of the
Nonprofit Center
of Northeast

Bringing donors, volunteers, organizations together

By Barbara Gavan
Florida and how barbara.gavan@jacksonville.com
you can help, visit
Many residents of
wegive.org. Youll Northeast Florida find
find information on within themselves the
how to volunteer spirit of giving, the deter-
mination to help. But, the
your time and how next step can be a little
to make a donation. more difficult.
You may also send With nearly 3,000 tax-
exempt nonprofit organi-
an email to admin@ zations in the five-county
nonprofitctr.org or greater Jacksonville area,
as of 2007, finding the one
call (904) 425-1182. or the several that suit you
the best can be daunt- cating for Jacksonvilles efficiently raise money for the security of the giving
ing. If you dont already nonprofits, it is a vital a project or program. website.
have an association with a support system to these People who wish to But, the Nonprofit
nonprofit, you might need organizations. make a difference by mak- Center is much more. It
some help finding the right One of the ways the cen- ing a donation have quick also provides services,
one. ter can help is by provid- access to information on programs, research and
Fortunately, the Non- ing a free website mar- the newest projects of lo- resources to its members,
profit Center of Northeast ketplace, called WeGive. cal organizations. To date, while advocating for the
Florida can shed a ray of org, that connects local WeGive.org has raised Northeast Florida sector
light on the subject. With nonprofit organizations to almost $280,000 from locally and at the state
a mission of connecting, the community. WeGive. more than 2,400 donors.
strengthening and advo- org helps local nonprofits And you can be assured of Story continues on Page J-17

The center also is known as an advocate for many of the smaller nonprofits in Northeast Florida.
Story from Page J-16
level. It serves all 501(c)3
organizations with special
benefits and resources
available to the more than
300 members large and
small.
And that is one of the
most powerful aspects of
the center: its advocacy for
some of the smallest non-
profits in the area, as well
as for the larger, better-
known organizations.
In an Aug. 28 interview
with Beth Reese Cravey in
the Times-Union, Non-
profit Center CEO Rena
Coughlin pointed out that
Sunday, november 6, 2016 THe TImeS-unIon J-17
jacksonville gives
the majority of the smaller organizations mission is confusing. just as I would with any Gallagher can do only so
nonprofits in the area have to inspire breakthroughs While working one other child well, prob- much by himself. And, yes,
less than $500,000 in an- in the way the world treats holiday, Gallagher saw a ably more quietly, he said. he is the only member of
nual revenue, which means children with special woman in line to see Santa Thats when I decided Santas Special Kids so far.
they rarely have the staff needs [such as Autism and with her son, who was ob- to start this organization. We have a five-member
to seek out and cultivate Down Syndrome], and to viously in distress. Soon, That boys name is Zach [unpaid] advisory board,
wealthy donors. But, under achieve immediate and the mall manager walked and hes still the poster but we need volunteers
the umbrella of the Center, lasting happiness for them up to the woman. Galla- child for Santas Special in order to grow and help
smaller charities have a and their families. gher saw her listen, then Kids. more kids, he said. Im
chance to get information A professional Santa by begin shaking her head, Gallagher donates every proud that 100 percent
out and attract people who trade, Gallagher worked at nearly in tears. He joined penny he makes working of the money I make and
want to give of their time The Avenues mall and St. the two, hoping to help the as a santa to his charity, anything else that comes
or their money. Johns Town Center for two situation, only to learn that and has given all of it away in goes straight to the kids.
One such member of the years each. the manager had asked the to groups such as Camp There are no salaries and
Nonprofit Center is Santas Thats when I became woman to leave because I Am Special for special no overhead. But I need
Special Kids, founded only aware of special needs her son who had Down needs children. He has help. We need volunteers
a year and a half ago by kids, he said. Malls are Syndrome was suppos- helped out with about to work on our projects
Dan Gallagher to make a fairly unfriendly places to edly being disruptive. $7,000 worth of equip- and help raise even more
better world for children these kids; theyre noisy, I brought him up and ment and another $1,000 to money. And it will still all
with special needs. The filled with strangers and sat and talked with him repair the camp pool. But, go to the kids.
J-18 THE TIMES-UNION SUNday, NOvEMbEr 6, 2016
jacksonville gives
THE FLORIDA TIMES-UNION
Promoting & protecting
A CARING VOICE
It is amazing
what people do
to help others
the public good each day
around them,
to help our
community be
healthy and safe
and on a path
of vitality and By Barbara Gavan
barbara.gavan@jacksonville.com
growth. For 152 years, the Florida
Times-Union has been a
Mark Nusbaum trusted source of informa-
President tion for the community.
The news of the day arrives
on Jacksonvilles doorsteps
every morning.
But the Times-Union is
also committed to a mission
of serving the public good
HOW TO GIVE through various initiatives.
It offers sponsorship to
You can read stories many civic events and chari-
table causes, and supports
in The Florida those events and causes by
Times-Union about donating ad space in the
paper.
those in the area who The Times-Union has a
need your help during rich history of community
the weeks leading involvement, sponsorships
and partnerships, said
up to the Christmas Mark Nusbaum, president
holidays. But, you of The Florida Times-Union
and Times-Union Media.
can help any time by Over the last few years,
joining the Times- weve partnered with as
Union, UNF and many organizations as
we can possibly partner
HandsOn Jacksonville with dozens and dozens
as they offer and dozens. Some of these
assistance to some organizations have teamed
up with us for decades; oth-
of Northeast Floridas ers, perhaps this is the first
neediest. Send your year.
In addition to help-
donation to the ing with other nonprofit
Hope Fund, organizations, the Times-
P.O. Box 1949, Union has its own cause:
the Hope Fund, which is a
Jacksonville FL collaborative project of the
32231. Times-Union, the Univer-
Nonprofits and charitable foundations often are featured in the Times-Unions pages. sity of North Florida and
HandsOn Jacksonville.
Since its beginnings in 1994,
the Hope Fund has raised
more than $2.7 million in
donations from the commu-
nity to brighten the lives of
Jacksonvilles neediest.
For 47 years, the Times-
Union also has been rec-
ognizing the outstanding
contributions of women to
the community through the
annual EVE Awards. And,
for 72 years, the Times-
Union has conducted the
Scripps Howard Spelling
Bee and sent the regional
winner to Washington, D.C.,
for the national spelling bee.
Times-Union employees
also can be found support-
ing many service orga-
nizations throughout the
community.
We enjoy connect-
ing with the community,
Nusbaum said. We live in a
great city, with many, many
caring people. It is amaz-
ing what people do to help
others around them, to help
our community be healthy
and safe and on a path of
vitality and growth. When
you look around you at
the time and support our
fellow citizens provide on a
regular basis its mind-
boggling. I hope that never
changes in Jacksonville. Its
very special. And I hope we
at the Times-Union remain
a significant force for the
good in the Jacksonville
philanthropic world.
Sunday, november 6, 2016 THe TImeS-unIon J-19
J-20 THE TIMES-UNION SUNday, NOvEMbEr 6, 2016
Sunday, november 6, 2016 THe TImeS-unIon J-21
J-22 THE TIMES-UNION SUNday, NOvEMbEr 6, 2016
jacksonville gives
So many lives are
enriched by giving
By helping others, we help ourselves
By Barbara Gavan
barbara.gavan@jacksonville.com
Making a living and making a life
are two very different things. One
is a necessity to keep a roof over
our heads and our families fed. The
other is a substantial contributor to
our mental and physical well-being.
While it is obvious that giving
to a charity or organization whose
goals we share is beneficial to those
that the organization serves, recent
studies have provided new insight
into the benefits of giving for the
giver and for the volunteer.
Simply put, giving makes us feel
good.
A 2008 study by Harvard Busi-
ness School professor Michael
Norton determined that giving to
someone else brought about a big-
ger increase in the donors happi-
ness levels than spending the same
amount of money on themselves.
The National Institutes of Health
found, through a 2006 study, that
donating to charities or other
nonprofit organizations activates a
region of the brain associated with
pleasure, giving a feeling of happi-
ness.
Additionally, many studies
through the years have shown that
donating and volunteering help
people become more connected to
others, which keeps them from feel-
ing lonely or depressed.
A London School of Economics
study determined that, compared
to those who never volunteer, those
who volunteer once a month had a
7-percent rise in the probability of
being very happy. The rise was
12 percent for those who volunteer
every two to four weeks, and 16 per-
cent for weekly volunteers.
Of course, the results of donating
and volunteering can easily be seen
in the community it becomes a
better place. Helping out makes a
true, observable difference in the
lives of others. But, it also offers
the helper opportunities to make
new friends and increase social
and business skills, thus increasing
happiness.
In addition to helping the mental
state, volunteering does wonders
for the body as well. A 2013 study
from Carnegie Mellon University,
published in Psychology and Ag-
ing, found that adults over age 50
who volunteered regularly were
less likely to develop high blood
pressure than those who did not
volunteer. The study determined
that 200 hours of volunteer work
per year correlated to lower blood
pressure in those volunteers. And,
a 1999 study from the University
of California Berkeley found that
elderly people who volunteered for
at least two organizations were 44
percent less likely to die over a five-
year period than non-volunteers
even taking into consideration
age, exercise levels and poor health
habits such as smoking.
Another study, this one a national
online study of 4,500 American
adults conducted by United Health-
care in 2010, found that volunteers
have less anxiety, less trouble sleep-
ing, fewer feelings of helplessness
or hopelessness, better friendships
and more control over chronic
conditions.
Volunteering can even lower the
risk of developing dementia, as
found in a 2014 study in the Psy-
chological Bulletin. Among seniors,
volunteering also is associated
with reduced symptoms of depres-
sion, better overall health, fewer
functional limitations and lower
mortality.
So, no matter where you volun-
teer or donate, the benefits are two-
fold: for the recipient and the donor.
Giving is good for both body
and soul.
About this section
This special section, Jacksonville Gives, was
produced by the Specialty Publications
Department of the Florida Times-Union and
Times-Union Media:
Managing Editor of Specialty Audience: Joe
DeSalvo
Specialty Publications writer: Barbara Gavan
Specialty Publications graphic designer: Ken
Amos
Times-Union Media Retail Sales Manager: Liz
Borten
Times-Union Media Customer Experience
Manager: Scott Friedman
Making a
difference
here at home
How you can volunteer
throughout Northeast Florida
By Barbara Gavan
barbara.gavan@jacksonville.com
In todays 200-mph world where there is
rarely a chance for a moments respite, it
can be difficult to find the time to think of
others. And, if you are going to give of your
precious time, youll want to ensure that
the charity you choose will not waste your
valuable resources.
So, how do you go about finding the
organization that best suits your charitable
interests? The very informative website
Charity Navigator has some tips.
Begin by looking into your own heart
and motivation. Determine what it is that
you want to accomplish, then search for
charities that will give you the opportu-
nity to achieve those goals. The Navigator
site charitynavigator.org can provide
helpful information. It also can help you
check out the financial health of the char-
ity, which could influence your decision.
Once these questions are answered, take
a look at the charitys programs and how
successful they have been at meeting their
goals. Be wary of organizations that dont
make their missions and goals clear.
Once youve arrived at a list of nonprofits
you would be happy to work with, contact
them to find out if your skills and interests
meet their needs.
Be aware that some organizations
require an interview and some have their
volunteers participate in extensive train-
ing sessions. So, you must determine how
much time youre willing to give, when
youre available, what tasks youre unable
or unwilling to take on, what talents you
possess that will benefit the charity, and
what you hope to gain from the experience.
Finally, make a commitment. Once you
volunteer, remember that the organization
is counting on you. Volunteers who come
in late, cancel without warning or produce
unsatisfactory results, cost money and can
prevent the organization from reaching its
goals.
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