Social Service Workers – A Ray of Hope for the Community

We all need a helping hand sometimes, even though that is hard for most people to admit. However, life gets hard – especially in Jacksonville. Here in our city more than 130,000 individuals (46,000 of whom are children) live in poverty. This rate is higher than the American median (source). Poverty is a multi-faceted issue that can lead to generational trauma. Knowing that the black population fares even worse than the white population below the poverty line (school to prison pipeline, systemic racism, etc.) adds yet another layer of complexity to the issue. The disadvantaged need support from a wide net to address immediate needs (rent subsidy, food insecurity) and long-term needs (access to education, better housing, equality). Social services agencies in Jacksonville, FL are a much-needed cog in the machine that keeps things turning towards better outcomes.

What kind of social service agencies are in Jacksonville, FL

There are a wide variety of social service agencies in Jacksonville, FL. Some are focused on youth, some are focused on women, some are focused on literacy and some on food insecurity. The good news is, if you are struggling, help can be found. The agencies range from cultural to government, from secular to religious. Just because you are down on your luck does not mean you cannot choose among the organizations that best fit your culture, religious views (if any) and other specific needs.

It is important to reach out to social service agencies in Jacksonville, FL when needed even if your pride tries to convince you otherwise. Being disadvantaged is a combination of failed systems, discrimination, and many other factors that are beyond your control. Social service agencies can help you get the opportunity you need to break the cycle and prevent further generational trauma.

Our social service agency: The Weaver Center

With a desire to improve the community we all share, FreshMinistries offers the Weaver Center. It is the home base for many of our programs including FreshFutures, FreshPath and the Lifepoint Career Institute. The Weaver Center is a safe place for youth in Jacksonville to make use of our computer lab and search for job opportunities. Our event space is where our annual Christmas party and other social events connect the community.

Here at FreshMinistries we meet people as they are, where they are. We are a social service agency in Jacksonville, FL that has a mandate to help people learn the skills they need to move forward. We incorporated in 1989 so we could be a part of the solution against poverty and inequality both here in Jacksonville and abroad. FreshMinistries helps at-risk youth with a variety of programs, and also supports entire communities through our innovative aquaponics facilities.

If you live in Jacksonville, FL and need help, turn to us or one of the many other social service agencies. All are started and run by people that want to make a difference. Don’t suffer alone in silence. Caring people are standing by to help.