Clara White Mission - NBC Today’s Show - Ju’Coby Pittman

Update: (Originally posted on Examiner.com {no longer in existence} in October 2010)  As of today, CWM has more than doubled its graduates and added many more programs.

This reporter has read comments that were left on the pages of homeless shelters, halfway houses and other missions; and have viewed comments like: “They should get a job”, “I need help too, what about me and my family?” or “They shouldn’t have let themselves get into that situation”.    Some people are just a paycheck away from asking someone (they don’t even know) to lend them a hand.  Not all homeless persons are criminals either.  Clara White Mission is a sanctuary for people who desire to help themselves get back on their feet as they continue life in the right direction.

Remember the movie “Pursuit of Happiness”?  Will Smith portrayed Chris Gardner, a man who was a little ‘down-on-his-luck’ and was homeless for awhile whilst raising his toddler son.  Someone gave him a chance to make-good on what was a bad situation.

The Clara White Mission doesn’t just ‘lend-a-hand’, but the mission educates, and uplifts its individuals through the donations of others.  Al Roker of the Today Show and Pepsi awarded the Clara White Mission with a grant for $50,000

The Clara White Mission, located near downtown Jacksonville, Florida, is one place that assists people with getting back on their feet and becoming productive, self-respected individuals in the community.  The center is a 501c3 non-profit organization which has helped over 500 students through its ‘culinary arts program alone, and there also is a soon-to-open ‘janitorial program’.

The center offers ‘Transitional Housing’, a ‘Culinary Program’ which offers job placement, and ‘Banquet Management’.  Other training offered through Clara’s are the locally famous “Clara’s at the Cathedral” open for lunch every Friday with its everchanging menus; “The Ashley Street Catering Center” that is equipped to supply your next event with professionalism and exquisite foods; “The Drop-In-Day Center” is an encouragement local that will help persons to help themselves.  “The Daily Feeding Program” serves the homeless (400-500 a day) a nutritious hot lunch from Mondays to Fridays at 613 W. Ashley Street in downtown Jacksonville, Florida, and a beneficial breakfast on Saturdays and Sundays.

Since Mr. Roker featured Clara White Mission in 2010, Ju’Coby Pittman (CEO of Clara White Mission) had stepped up her political game for the political council race.  In 2015, Ms. Pittman remains the 22-year President and CEO of the Clara White Mission.  Pittman is a native of, and advocate for Jacksonville, with over 30 years of experience working in the public and private sectors of the community.

As of March 2014, she entered the race for a Council seat in Jacksonville, Florida.  Now, City Council Candidate Pittman had announced that she will re-designate her electoral representation from City Council District 9 to City Council At-Large, Group 5 (vying for the seat of Robin Lumb) for the March 2015 election.  (SHE WON that race in 2015!!!).

Pittman's vast experience and leadership has catapulted the award-winning non-profit Mission from a $225,000 operation to its current $3.1 million budget.  She has been locally, regionally and nationally recognized for her innovation of job-training, job-creation and veteran housing.

Ju’Coby is seeking your vote once again in the run-off election on Tuesday, May 14, 2019, in order to continue her dedicated work for district 8.  Please make your way to the polls next month and VOTE for Ju’Coby Pitman once again.

Clara White Mission seeks help with Veterans Villa

The Clara White Mission is pleased to announce that they have developed the Beaver Street Veterans Villas located at 605 Beaver Street, that is scheduled to open in December.  In order to open, Clara White Mission needs 16 apartments furnished for their veterans to move in, before the holidays; and they could use your HELP with their 30 Day Challenge!

You can HELP in 3 different ways with the 30 Day Challenge by selecting to:
Adopt an apartment, and/or
Make a contribution to purchase furnishing and/or
Purchase household items from a CWM registry at “Target”

Click on the Clara White Mission website for more information to get started.  You can meet the Challenge TODAY and your name will be posted immediately on their website for your support!  Can they count on you to answer the call?  E-mail Ju’Coby Pittman and let her know that you are ALL IN!  You can also, drop your items off at the Clara White Mission, 613 W. Ashley Street.  If you need additional information call Ju’Coby at (904) 354-4162.  Help them spread the word by forwarding this post to your network of family and friend and ask them to meet the Challenge in 30 Days!

For over 112 years, Clara White Mission has offered a unique combination of housing, services, training and job placement in a cost effective approach, while addressing the urgent and critical demands for homeless veterans and low-income in the JAX community for sustainable results.  Below are the Public/Private partners that made Beaver Street Villas investment a reality for the Veterans of Jacksonville, Florida.  NOW, they could really use your HELP!  Accept the 30 Day Challenge, TODAY!

LOCATION: Clara White Mission
       Ju’Coby Pittman/CEO
      613 West Ashley St.
      Jacksonville, Florida 32202
      Office: (904) 354-4162

‘Legacy on Ashley Street’ needs you

Are you thinking about an end-of-the-year place to make a 2021 tax free donation? Please take a moment to consider giving to the “Clara White Mission” in Jacksonville, Florida.

From the desk of Ju’Coby Pitman (CEO Clara White Mission/City Councilwoman):
“This November will mark 119 years of service to the community. To celebrate this milestone the Clara White Mission will kick-off the Inaugural “Preserving the Legacy on Ashley Street” to benefit our programs serving the homeless, veterans and low-income families. Starting now through December 31, our goal is to raise $150,000. All proceeds and contributions from this campaign will allow the Clara White Mission to continue changing lives through our holistic sustainable initiatives.

We invite you to make visible difference and commit to a Legacy Gift. In the upcoming year, support from the campaign will provide 160,000 daily meals, snacks, vocational training, and safe secure housing to the homeless. The Clara White Mission is much more than a soup kitchen, it is a community development center that positively impacts lives. Our motto Food for today. Skills for life, represents our continuing transformation as a one-stop safety-net facility.

A yearly or monthly commitment will enable the Mission to continue outreach efforts that provide a hand up, not a hand out to homeless, veterans, and low-income members of our community. Can we count on you too for a Legacy Gift?

Ways to Give: Mail in Form; Online, or give them a call (904) 354-4162 ext.#1105

Since the inception of the Clara White Mission vocational program, over 1000 students have graduated and 65% of those were placed in employment. In the last four years from 2017-2020, graduates of the CWM program earnings have ranged from $10.00-$18.00 per hour, impacting our community economy by more than $1.7M.

Clara White Mission is the only non-profit in the state of Florida that offers transitional and permanent housing with supportive services, combined with on-site vocational training licensed by the Florida Department of Education. This program is a one-stop facility, demonstrating proven best practices and a successful track record.

Our goal is to raise $150,000. All proceeds and contributions from this campaign will allow the Clara White Mission to continue changing lives through our holistic sustainable initiatives. Join us in our efforts to Preserve the Legacy of Ashley Street by sending a gift that will make an immediate impact.”

LOCATION: Clara White Mission
       Ju’Coby Pittman/CEO
      613 West Ashley St.
      Jacksonville, Florida 32202
      Office: (904) 354-4162

Clara White Mission homeless Veterans Villa opens in downtown JAX

The Clara White Mission had the Grand Opening of its “Beaver Street Veterans Villas”, on Wednesday, April 19, 2017.  The mission celebrated the completion of its new permanent housing initiative for homeless veterans that is located at 605 West Beaver Street, Jacksonville, Florida.  To the surprise of Ju’Coby Pittman, CEO/President of Clara White Mission, Damien Haitsuka of Wells Fargo Banks presented BSVV with a check of $200,000.  The generous donation will help with maintaining the facility for a little while.  Sponsors are still needed to consider sponsoring the furnishing of an apartment.  The property will be managed by Magnolia Properties Management.

The opening of BSVV represents the culmination of a public-private partnership begun in 2012, that has transformed a historic vacant downtown structure into a life-changing mix of housing and services for homeless veterans and low-income residents.  Major partners and contributors include: the City of Jacksonville (CDBG & DIA), HUD, Wells Fargo, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Fanny Landwirth Foundation, Jessie Ball duPont Fund, Delores Barr Weaver Fund, Wells Fargo Foundation, Acon Construction, Reynolds Smith and Hills, and the Home Depot Foundation, Synovous Bank, CORTS Furniture, Ashley Home Store, Penske, The Grimes Companies, Cox Media and Kim Larson.

The furnished, “One-Stop-Shop Full-Service Permanent Housing Facility”, with supportive services will feature 16 private apartments on its upper two floors, and a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Community Resource and Referral Center (CRRC) on the ground floor.  The project goal is to provide homeless veterans transitioning from the streets or shelters with incentives and options that will encourage a more stable, sustainable lifestyle and the ability to live independently.  Supportive services will be coordinated through both the VA CRRC and Clara White Mission, and will include case management, substance abuse counseling, mental health counseling, medical services, housing placement, job training and placement, budget and financial counseling, life skills training and educational services.  Currently, the mission has 5 new residents.

“The renaming of the facility will be dedicated to Dr. Eartha M. M. White, founder of the Clara White Mission, and philanthropist Henri Landwirth.  The legacy of these two generations of philanthropist continues to help veterans and low-income residents in need.  In addition, to  honoring and naming the floors after long time philanthropist Delores Barr Weaver and Wells Fargo, will be a part of the program. This unique and important milestone, would not have been possible without the support of the community and longtime partners”, said CEO/President, Ju’Coby Pittman.

Honored guests included: Mayor Lenny Curry, Sheriff Mike Williams, Senator Audrey Gibson, Congressman John Rutherford, Delores Barr Weaver, Henri Landwirth & Family, Mia Jones, Sherry Magill, renown Author Brenda Jackson, Jacksonville City Council representatives, Bishop Rudolph McKissick, and many more.

Clara White Mission to host HIV testing

Clara White Mission and the AIDS Healthcare Foundation will host a community HIV Testing event.  Safeguard yourself, your family and those you care about.  Get tested!  The day’s activities will include: a DJ, Food, Educational Information and Gifts for everyone that is tested. For more information, email Ju’Coby Pittman, or you may contact Lolita Hill at (904) 535-1658.

DATE: Saturday, August 27th.
TIME: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

LOCATION: Clara White Mission
       Ju’Coby Pittman/CEO
      613 West Ashley St.
      Jacksonville, Florida 32202
      Office: (904) 354-4162

12th Annual Pearls and Cufflinks Gala celebrate 112 years of service

Mrs. Herzfeld, Kris Mattison,
Ju'Coby Pittman, Mr. Gary Herzald

The 12th Annual Pearls and Cufflinks Gala, hosted by Title Sponsor Citi, for the Clara White Mission, was held on Saturday, November 12, 2016.  The theme of this year’s signature event was a Masquerade Gala to celebrate the 140 birthday and legacy of founder Dr. Eartha M. M. White and Clara White Mission 112 year of service.

Over 320 guests was treated to an elegant reception, followed by a dinner prepared by graduates and students of Ashley Street Catering, with over $80,000 being raised.  Catrina Mack, graduate from the janitorial/construction training program, gave a moving testimony about how the Clara White Mission changed her life after she graduated.  She is now employed by Mayo Clinic.

This year’s event also spotlighted the Clara White Mission New Beaver Street Veteran’s Villas initiative that is scheduled to open in December, 2016.  Mistress’ of Ceremony for the evening was Melanie Lawson, Anchor WJXT; and Odette Struys, Senior Public Information Officer for Atkins Global.

President/CEO Ju’Coby Pittman said, “Proceeds from the event are designated for critical and urgent services to over 500 homeless veterans and low-income persons that visit the mission every day.  The community continues to support our mission, while allowing us to make a visible difference.”

Sponsors for the event include:  Sidney Ansbacher/ Anita Lerch, Beaver Street Fisheries, Blue Willow Nail Boutique, Celebration Church, Episcopal Children Services, Cox Media Group, Haskell, Mary Hoffman, Laundry Station/ Mariotti Laundry & Dry Cleaners, Robert Manning, Morgan Stanley, North Florida Community Action Agency, North Florida Sales, Dee Paez, Province Realty Group, UPS, Sage Solutions, Synovus Bank, Sysco Foods, Theramed Medical Clinics, United Health Care, UNF/ Philip Cousin AME Church, W.W. Gay Mechanical, Wells Fargo and Vulcan.

It’s never too late for you to make a gift, this holiday season, to the Clara White Mission initiatives by: Patronizing Clara’s Café, every Friday, from 11a.m. – 1:30 p.m. located at 256 E. Church Street; purchasing from White Harvest Farm & Farmer’s Market, 4358 Moncrief Rd, every Saturday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.  If you have any questions, please call (904) 354-4162 or go to their website.