Vicky Watkins
Executive Director, The Sanctuary on 8th Street
Mission
To encourage and empower children and youth in Springfield to become strong and independent by ministering to their spiritual, physical, social and intellectual needs.
Serving Jacksonville
Founded in 1992 at Springfield Presbyterian Church as The Urban Ministries of Springfield.
Those served
The Sanctuary on 8th Street offers an after-school program, summer camp and home school for children and youth living on the Eastside/Springfield. The Sanctuary has served hundreds of children since its start and serves 100 children a year; many have been with us five years or more.
Biggest challenge
Finding the resources to accommodate the many children who would benefit from our programs. Knowing that there are many children who don’t have a safe and enriching place to go after school and during the summer is troubling.
Biggest satisfaction
Watching children succeed and prosper; connecting caring volunteers and funders with deserving children.
Hometown
Seattle, Wash
Your first experience with community service
Girl Scouts!
Your job before The Sanctuary on 8th Street
After being a stay-at-home mom, I was a mortgage banker.
Upcoming events
SHINDIG for the Sanctuary, 6:30-9 p.m., Sept. 10, Garden Club of Jacksonville, $40. Delores Barr Weaver is the honorary chair. Volunteers and sponsors are needed.
Contact information
www.sanctuaryon8th.org 356-3588