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 believe 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.
Hospice expands in Palatka
Haven Hospice President Tim Bowen and his staff were joined Thursday by Norlene and Irving Roberts and more than 80 attendees as the organization broke ground to expand the Roberts Care Center in Palatka.
The organization serves Keystone Heights, Crescent City and all of Putnam County.
During the event, Bowen introduced Doris Satterwhite, whose gift allowed the not-for-profit community hospice organization to grow the care center and provide service to more patients.
"The generosity of Ms. Satterwhite and others will allow Haven Hospice to better serve the people of Palatka, Keystone Heights, and the surrounding areas for decades to come," said Bowen.
Satterwhite shared a story.
"Before Haven Hospice was started here or anywhere, I was the coach of the girls' basketball team at Palatka High School. A lovely girl on my team by the name of Barbara Jean Poindexter became very ill," she said.
"She was taken away from her home for treatment, a treatment we knew would not heal her. Barbara Jean never once complained about her illness or the pain she experienced through its duration. All she asked was to be allowed to spend her last days at home … This wish was never granted to Barbara Jean," said Satterwhite.
She said she "watched, waited, and wished" for Haven Hospice to come to the community.
"Today, we sit at this beautiful facility made possible by Norlene and Irving Roberts. I am so happy that I can contribute a little to it," she said.
The gift will allow the care center to expand its current 12-bed facility to an 18-bed facility, all with private rooms. The expansion will enhance Haven's ability to provide end-of-life care to more people.
In recognition of Satterwhite's gift, the Haven Hospice board of directors will name its Palatka offices "The Satterwhite Campus for Care and Compassion."
Haven Hospice has served the Palatka and Putnam County area since 1979 and opened the Roberts Inpatient Hospice Care Center in 2003. Over the past 10 years, the Roberts Care Center has provided care to more than 4,000 individuals.
'Pink Out' Sunday at The Players
26.2 with Donna The National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer has announced The Players again will host a "Pink Out" on championship Sunday.
Players, caddies, fans, sponsors and volunteers are encouraged to wear pink in celebration of mothers on Mother's Day and in support of breast cancer research and care.
The Players begins Thursday and ends Sunday at TPC Sawgrass.
The Stadium Course will be saturated in pink — from pink floral displays to pink golf balls to pink signature cocktails.
For every fan in attendance Sunday, The Players will make a donation to 26.2 with Donna.
Fans can contribute to 26.2 with Donna by making a $1 donation with their purchase of tournament merchandise.
Last year, 26.2 with Donna raised $35,510 through donations on championship Sunday.
Foundation works to prevent child abuse
The Monique Burr Foundation for Children Inc. was awarded the 2013 Childhelp Corporate Award for its continued support of child abuse prevention and treatment through "Speak Up, Be Safe," a national bullying and child abuse prevention program.
The program has been approved in 50 Florida counties.
"We are honored to be recognized among our peers," said foundation Executive Director Lynn Layton.
"Throughout the country, 3.2 million children are reported each year as being abused or neglected, and our goal is to reach every child in the state of Florida by 2015. We encourage parents to partner with us to ensure that our children remain safe," she said.
The anti-bullying program addresses safety from all forms of child abuse, bullying, cyberbullying and Internet dangers and provides training and resources for parents and school personnel.
Additionally, the foundation provides community resources regarding bullying and abuse prevention, including a website and speaking engagements.
To learn more about the program, call Layton at (904) 642-0210.
More information about child abuse statistics and prevention education can be found at moniqueburrfoundation.org/SUBS.
ReStore celebrating anniversary
Habitat for Humanity of Jacksonville is celebrating the fifth anniversary of ReStore, its store dedicated to providing a more affordable avenue for home improvement projects for Northeast Florida residents.
A celebratory event is scheduled May 25.
ReStore at 5800 Beach Blvd. will be open 8 a.m.-6 p.m. with sales offered all day.
"Our goal at the ReStore is to use what would typically end up in a landfill and restore it so that it can be used again," said HabiJax President and CEO Mary Kay O'Rourke.
ReStore accepts donations of new and gently used items. Proceeds support HabiJax's mission of eliminating substandard housing.
For more information about ReStore, call (904) 208-6648 or visit habijax.org/restore.
Habitat for Humanity of Jacksonville was founded in 1988 and has become the largest nonprofit affordable housing provider in Duval County.
For more information, to donate or volunteer, visit habijax.org.