Doing Good Together in Northeast Florida

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What a night! The Northeast Florida community shows up for families, and we were honored to celebrate your impact at the 2024 Doing Good Together reception presented by Facility Automation Solutions on Tuesday, May 7 at Timuquana Country Club in Jacksonville.

The annual receptions, held in each region we serve, are a way to thank our volunteers, donors and community partners.

At the reception in Jacksonville, we shared the story of Angelee and her three boys. Addiction had been part of her life since childhood and got worse after her mother’s death. She knew things needed to change. She reached out, and a community surrounded her. Now her future is unstoppable.

The sky’s the limit in Northeast Florida. Super Volunteer of the Year Pastor Jason Reid gave a moving speech. The three children he and his wife are hosting just endeared us all. Mentor of the Year Robin Meade had us in tears. We got to connect with our dedicated volunteers (and volunteers-to-be) and our great partners in the region. It was an honor to have three sheriff’s offices and the Department of Children and Families team there, including DCF Secretary Shevaun Harris.

This year, we introduced the DOie awards. That’s “do,” as in the recipients are doing good. In the tradition of prized baseball cards, we commemorated the contributions of several of our Northeast Florida community members on DOies, each one featuring images from our work together and a personalized quote.

This year’s DOie award honorees in our Northeast Florida region are:

Community Partner of the Year

Clay County District Schools Social Workers

The social workers of Clay County District Schools work hard to support vulnerable children and their families and have been a valuable partner in sharing the mission and services of Better Together.

DCF Partner of the Year

Waynesha Wright

A senior child protective investigator with the Department of Children and Families, Waynesha is a wonderful partner in referring families to Better Together. One homeless mom who had recently given birth is on the path to a bright future with her son now because Waynesha not only referred her to our program but also provided support during the hosting until mom secured housing.

Church Partner of the Year

CrossRoad Church

The church has been a faithful partner since 2017. CrossRoad has hosted Parents’ Night Out, served as a training site for new volunteers, invited Better Together to speak during Mission Sunday and collected nearly 3,000 diapers for families in need.

Champion for Strong Families

Kate Williams

Kate has served in the trenches with us, always answering the call, and she has been a tremendous support to our mission.

Super Volunteer of the Year

Jason Reid

In addition to letting us share our mission with his church, Gardenview Baptist Church, Jason has also volunteered at other congregations’ events, led job fairs and hosted children alongside his wife, Jana.

Host Family of the Year

Jessica Downard

A teacher of 15 years in Clay County District Schools, Jessica Downard has a heart for helping families. In the past year or so, Jessica has hosted for three families and shown love and compassion for children and parents alike.

Mentor of the Year

Robin Meade

Having raised three children as a single mom, Robin is a strong mentor who holds parents accountable while surrounding them with love and support.

Staff Appreciation Award

Barbara Mendez

Barbara has a heart of gold. She works hard and puts her entire spirit into her work as a Family Support Manager. She has had a great impact on families in Northeast Florida.

Special thanks to our generous sponsors: