For more 100 years, the Clara White Mission has helped Jacksonville’s at-risk individuals through a one-stop community center stimulating economic development through job training in educational programs, daily feedings, advancement and more. Monday, Dec. 10., the Downtown Vision staff spent the morning volunteering at the Clara White Mission. Staff assisted in serving approximately 350 hot breakfast meals to the area’s homeless population. The Mission’s feeding program runs seven days a week from approximately 8:30-10:00 a.m. and it’s not uncommon for the program to serve upwards of 500 persons daily.
If you’re looking to donate your time and give back to the community, you’ll find a sample of organizations in or related to Downtown in need of volunteers below. Learn about additional volunteer opportunities in Downtown and throughout Jacksonville at HandsOn Jacksonville.
Clara White Mission Various volunteer opportunities are available at the Clara White Mission. To register as a volunteer, contact Shirley Edwards, Volunteer Coordinator, at sedwards@clarawhitemission.org or at (904) 354-4162 x 125.
Center for Adult Learning at the Main Library According to the National Adult Literacy Survey (NALS), more than 150,000 adults in Duval County read below the 5th grade level – nearly 20% of our total population. Be part of the Jacksonville Public Library’s literacy efforts. Volunteers are needed to serve as tutors, work in the office, and speak to community groups. Please call (904) 630-2426 and help someone learn to read.
Hubbard House Volunteers assist in clerical support, staffing community events, caring for children in the childcare center, working with survivors in the shelter, court and advocacy programs and co-facilitating sessions of the children’s outreach program. Contact Tracy Knight, Volunteer Program Specialist volunteer@hubbardhouse.org for more information.
IMPACTjax Through focusing its energies on networking, volunteerism, public policy, personal and professional development, and economic development in the city, IMPACTjax engages its members in activities that keep them connected to Jacksonville. For more information, contact Aschelle Morgan, ImpactJAX manager, at (904) 366-6680 or aschelle.morgan@myjaxchamber.com.
MOSH (Museum of Science & History) With volunteer opportunities in administration, education, exhibits, natural science and visitor services, there are plenty of opportunities to utilize individuals’ talents and interests. For more information on the Adult Volunteer program, email Wanda West at wwest@themosh.org or call (904) 396-6674 ext. 219.
St. Johns Riverkeeper There are numerous volunteer opportunities, from joining the River Patrol to cleanups, community events and education. Plug in and discover new ways to help the river. Contact Roger at volunteer@stjohnsriverkeeper.org for more information.
Volunteers in Medicine Dedicated retired and active physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and specialists along with community volunteers are needed to help the community’s working uninsured. To learn more contact (904) 399-2766 ext. 103 or email mail@vim-jax.org
Please leave a comment to share additional Downtown volunteer opportunities.