We’re grateful for all who braved the cold Thursday night in Jacksonville for the Doing Good Together reception — our way of saying thank you to our volunteers and supporters who make this mission possible.
The reception celebrated volunteers, churches, employers, community partners, and supporters with an evening of food, community, DOie awards, and stories of hope, including a video story highlighting the work of Saint James AME Church in Orange Park.
“We believe that our feet must have faith, and Better Together helps us to do that,” says the Rev. Jeffrey Dove in the video.
Watch the full story:
About 150 supporters from throughout Northeast Florida attended the reception at the beautiful Timuquana Country Club in Jacksonville. Each humbly serves families in our community, like Veronica Johnson, our Mentor of the Year DOie Award recipient.
“I just answer the call,” she said.
The DOies celebrate a few of the many supporters whose everyday “doing good” keeps families together.
How much good? In 2025, Better Together served 8,000 children, parents, and job seekers in Northeast Florida through our Better Families and Better Jobs programs. That’s 8,000 opportunities for connection right here in our community.
The DOies
We’re grateful to honor a few of the remarkable people who make this work possible:
Church Partner of the Year
Saint James AME Church
The Rev. Jeffrey Dove and St. James AME Church have hosted events, visited and prayed with families, provided moms a support group, and held a furniture drive to help a family as they reunited.
Community Board Member of the Year
Stephen Freeman
Stephen advances the mission through his time, talent, and resources, both on the board and as a volunteer.
Community Partner of the Year
First Coast Women’s Services
Through First Coast’s work to increase options for those who were not prepared to expand their families, the team has incorporated referrals to Better Together to get them the resources and community to thrive.
Mentor of the Year
Veronica Johnson
Mrs. Johnson gave mentees journals to discuss aspirations, supported multiple cases, met with parents on their schedule, and encouraged healthy parent-child relationships.
DCF Partner of the Year
Christian Mbakwe & Cristhian Tellez
Christian and Cristhian are deeply committed to helping children and parents thrive. When they refer families to Better Together, they consistently offer stellar communication and wrap-around support.
Super Volunteer of the Year
Catherine Grant
Whether stepping forward to support an initiative, encourage others, or fill a need before it’s even voiced, she embodies what it means to serve with intention and heart.
Host Family of the Year
Francine Finnie
Ms. Finnie’s desire to model faith in action shows in how she opens her home and her heart to families in need. Through hosting, she consistently demonstrates compassion, generosity, and unwavering willingness to step in wherever support is required.
Employer Partner of the Year
Goodwill Industries of North Florida
Since 2024, Derrick Williams and his outstanding team at Goodwill Industries have participated in 16 Better Together job fairs across Northeast Florida, providing resources and employment opportunities.
Staff Member of the Year
Regina Roberts
Family Support Manager
In 2025, Regina assisted more children than any other team member in the state—and she did so with grace. She gives families clear guidance, and she builds strong relationships with volunteers.
Moments
Enjoy these moments from the Northeast Florida Doing Good Together reception:
Moments by Kinfay / Better Together
Posted Friday, January 30, 2026
