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As our community continues to face a tight economy and shrinking budgets, the Daily Record has established this page that will each week chronicle the efforts of local nonprofit organizations. Bailey Publishing & Communications invites all members of the local nonprofit community to submit news, announcements, success stories and any other information they feel would be of interest to our readers. E-mail to: [email protected].
We also encourage our readers to become more aware of the needs of these worthy organizations as they try to continue to provide valuable services with reduced resources.
Health care for working uninsured
Volunteers in Medicine-Jacksonville (VIM-Jax) is a free healthcare clinic staffed by volunteers to provide medical care for low-income working uninsured individuals and families living or working in Duval County. Patients receive free primary medical care, referrals for special services along with diabetes and nutrition counseling they need to live healthy and productive lives.
All laboratory testing, mammograms for women over 40 and most medications are also provided free of charge. The care is given by active and retired physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses and lay personnel, all of whom donate their time.
Now in its sixth year of operation, VIM-Jax was co-founded by Dr. James Burt and Dorothy Dorion and is based on a model created by Dr. Jack B. McConnell in Hilton Head Island, S.C. To date, there are 72 VIM-affiliated clinics serving the working uninsured in 27 states nationwide.
In Jacksonville, care is focused on the segment of the population in the approximately 150-250 percent range of the federal poverty income guidelines (currently $13,000 to $25,530 for an individual plus an additional $3,500 for each dependent in the household). Patients must be without private or government-funded medical service.
VIM-Jax is located at 41 E. Duval St. on the corner of Ocean Street in the former Paulus Music building, which was completely renovated and modernized to provide a professional setting for patients, clinical providers and office volunteers.
In addition to primary care, VIM-Jax offers cardiology, dermatology, gastroenterology, gynecology, ophthalmology, orthopedics, pediatrics and urology.
A family nurse practitioner, also a member of the University of North Florida faculty, serves as clinical director. A collaborative agreement with UNF provides a clinical practicum site for the school’s nurse practitioners, registered nurses and nutritional counseling students. St. Vincent’s Healthcare/Consolidated Labs donates all testing and the Susan G. Komen for the Cure provides funding for all mammograms and ultrasounds for female patients. A collaborative agreement with the Mayo Clinic provides care and treatment for breast oncology patients.
VIM-Jax relies upon donations and grants from individuals, foundations, community organizations and corporations to fund the clinical operations. Contributions of funds, time and supplies are always welcome. A staff of five administers all the activities and schedules of more than 200 volunteers.
Call 399-2766 to determine if you or someone you know may qualify for health care services. VIM-Jax welcomes offers to volunteer as well as referrals of patients who would qualify for services. For more information visit www.vim-jax.org.
Record-setting Foodfight for Second Harvest
The numbers are in, and the biggest winner from the 19th Annual “Jacksonville Foodfight” was the Second Harvest Food Bank of North Florida.
The annual gathering of the First Coast’s top restaurants, caterers and drink distributors at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium produced record yields of more than 1,200 patrons and nearly $75,000 raised to help fight hunger in North Florida. Proceeds from the event benefit the Second Harvest Food Bank, which serves an 18-county area by providing food resources to more than 520 member agencies including soup kitchens, homeless shelters, senior citizen centers and after-school programs for children.
The winning restaurant at this year’s event – voted on for best presentation by attendees – was Chew Restaurant, with Sun Dog Diner coming in second and Take Away Gourmet finishing third. The Crabcake Factory, the 2008 winner, earned honorable mention. Forty-five participants distributed food, treats and beverages at the event this year, which was presented by EverBank.
Local racers benefit daniel
A team from Jacksonville joined a field of 80 racers in the 2009 Big Apple to Big Easy (BABE) Banger Rally, a five-leg odyssey between New York and New Orleans June 1-5. The rally had only one rule: competing vehicles must have been purchased for less than $500.
Jacksonville’s Team Preteen Spirit supported Jacksonville children’s charity daniel. The car, a 1995 Dodge Stratus, was found on Craigslist and was modified (at almost no expense), principally to improve its looks. The crew included Jacksonville residents Simon Keymer and Todd Johnson and Justin Doherty, a resident of Abu Dhabi who flew in for the rally. The team was supported by Simon’s public relations agency, The Keymer Group.
The team did exceptionally well through the first four days of the rally and was even in first place going into the final day. However, before getting to the final-day start line, a wheel assembly fell off the vehicle. With their car disabled the team had to fly to the closing ceremonies in New Orleans.
The team raised $1,725 for daniel and donations are still being accepted online at www.firstgiving.com/keymerbaberally.
New partnership for Boselli Foundation
Southland Waste Systems (SWS), a Republic Services Company, has teamed up with The Boselli Foundation to enhance the lives of children on the First Coast. SWS has entered into a three-year partnership with the foundation to help fund their youth centers.
“We are very excited to team up with Southland Waste Systems and look forward to a productive relationship,” said Tony Boselli, foundation founder. “Partnerships between nonprofits and the business community are essential for us to facilitate the next generation of our community to become productive citizens and leaders of our future. We are eternally grateful for the support of Southland Waste Systems.”
In addition to assisting with the funding of the centers, SWS will also be partnering with The Boselli Foundation on community events and fundraisers to benefit the foundation. The foundation is committed to helping children reach their full potential at home, at school and in the community.
“Southland Waste Systems and Republic Services make a point to give back to our communities, even in the tough times,” said Andy King, general manager of SWS. “We admire Tony and his foundation for their commitment to kids in Jacksonville. We look forward to working closely with them to help even more children live up to their potential. These children are the future of Jacksonville and we believe The Boselli Foundation can make a real difference in their lives.”
There are currently two Tony Boselli Youth Life Learning Centers.
The first center opened at Simonds-Johnson Community Center and Playground at 3730 Moncrief Rd. in early 2007. The second site opened in August 2008 at Russell Bill Cook Jr. Community Park at 3300 Jones St. The Boselli Foundation hopes to open more centers throughout Jacksonville. The focus of the centers is to provide the community with a comprehensive, holistic after-school learning environment that includes academic enrichment and remedial education in the areas of reading/language arts and mathematics, supplemental services, mentoring and character development. The Boselli Foundation was created by former Jacksonville Jaguar Tony Boselli and his wife Angi. His mother, Dr. Candace Boselli Hodgkins, serves as executive director.
Homebuilders make ‘Great Strides’
Taylor Morrison’s Northeast Florida division walked for a cure during the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Great Strides Walk event at Anastasia State Park in St. Augustine. The team of five Taylor Morrison employees walked 10 miles and raised more than $1,000 for the foundation, which is the leading organization devoted to curing and controlling cystic fibrosis – a life shortening genetic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system.
Great Strides is the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s largest national fundraising event. Every year, tens of thousands of people across the United States walk for a cure during the national events. In 2008, nearly $37 million was raised to support cystic fibrosis programs through the Great Strides walks.
Taylor Morrison is currently building luxury single-family homes and townhomes in communities in Northeast Florida, including Duval, Clay and St. Johns counties.