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 think would be of interest to our readers. Email to: [email protected]. We encourage our readers to become more aware of the needs of these worthy organizations as they continue to provide much-needed services with reduced resources.
Exchange Club Family Center conference raises $75,000
The Exchange Club Family Center of Northeast Florida raised more than $75,000 in support of the Exchange Club Family Center during its 20th Annual Child Abuse Prevention Luncheon and Conference.
The event was supported by the Jacksonville Jaguars Foundation.
The Exchange Club assists in child abuse prevention by providing in-home services to parents struggling with abusive tendencies.
"The funds raised from the conference will allow us to continue to empower parents to learn nonviolent, nurturing parenting skills," said Prudence Williams, Exchange Club program director.
The conference provided an opportunity for local organizations to discuss best practices in preventing child abuse and to honor industry leaders for their work in the field.
This year's honorees were:
• Daniel Jenkins, Children's Home Society case manager
• Maria Difato, Child Guidance Center licensed clinical supervisor
• Inderjit Vicky Basra, Family Support Services of North Florida family preservation director
A panel discussion focused on issues such as human trafficking, stress management, overcoming adverse childhood experiences and fetal alcohol syndrome.
The organization is dedicated to preventing child abuse by strengthening families through its Parent Aide program.
The program brings trained personnel into the home of families that are at risk for abusive behaviors.
The Exchange Club Family Center was incorporated as a nonprofit Child Abuse Prevention Center in 1990.
In 2012, the center served more than 130 children and 71 parents in Northeast Florida.
For more information about the center, visit exchangeclubfamilycenter.com.
121 Financial Credit Union employees volunteer at Gabriel House
Gabriel House of Care was selected by 121 Financial Credit Union as its local quarterly charity.
The credit union presented Executive Director Valerie Callahan with a $1,000 donation.
In addition to the monetary donation, 121 Financial employees also spent a Saturday helping with cleaning projects in the facility and held a cookout for guests. They also provided other guest lunches and dinners throughout June.
"They have such a wonderful group of caring employees who have been phenomenal to our guests and staff," Callahan said.
Gabriel House of Care is a 29-bedroom, extended-stay hospital hospitality house that supports cancer and organ transplant patients and their caregivers. It provides an affordable "home away from home" while patients receive lifesaving medical care in Northeast Florida.
To learn more, visit gabrielhouseofcare.org.
New Carrabba's Italian Grill supporting Children's Miracle Network
Carrabba's Italian Grill will open Friday at 791 Skymarks Drive in the River City Marketplace.
The restaurant will feature an expanded menu and be open 11 a.m. daily for lunch.
"This is a new area for us. It's our first restaurant in the North Jacksonville area and we're looking forward to providing residents and travelers an excellent dining experience," said David Patin, managing partner of Carrabba's North Jacksonville.
To show its support of the community, 50 percent of Carrabba's opening day sales, up to $5,000, will benefit the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals in Jacksonville to help purchase medical equipment, support activities and provide educational resources for the pediatric programs.
The network is dedicated to improving the health and welfare of children by raising funds and awareness for the pediatric programs of UF Health Jacksonville and Wolfson Children's Hospital.
A founding principle of the network is that all funds raised stay local.
All funds raised in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia are used for the pediatric programs of UF Health Jacksonville and Wolfson Children's Hospital.
Hospice again admitting clients
The Haven Hospice Roberts Care Center has again begun to admit patients after completing a facility remodel.
The project included new paint, flooring and other interior finishes to existing patient rooms and common areas.
During the renovations, Haven Hospice ensured that patients received care at the E.T. York Care Center in Gainesville and the Custead Care Center in Orange Park.
"The care and comfort that we provide at the Haven Hospice Roberts Care Center is needed here and that need is intensifying with an aging population," Strickland said.
Haven Hospice is a not-for-profit community hospice organization that has provided services since 1979 and licensed in Florida since 1980.
For more information, visit havenhospice.org or call (800) 727-1889.
Aging True partners with Target
Aging True has announced "Target Tuesdays," a community partnership with area Target stores.
Target associates will work with Aging True and its Meals On Wheels program to serve hot, nutritional meals at its Downtown senior residences and in the Cathedral Café the last Tuesday of every other month.
"This partnership demonstrates Target store's commitment to the community, especially its seniors. They have engaged their employees by encouraging volunteering and community activism," said Tourea Robinson, Aging True development director.
The organization's mission is to provide services throughout Northeast Florida to prepare for and support graceful aging.
The Meals On Wheels program serves more than 1,000 meals each day to disabled and isolated elderly in Duval County who are at risk because of malnutrition and neglect.
To learn more, call (904) 807-1203 or visit agingtrue.org.