MISSION HOUSE INVITES COMMUNITY TO ANNUAL GALA

Mission House hosting The Grazie Gala to raise funds for Crisis Care and Health Services

Jacksonville Beach, Fla. (Aug. 4, 2023) – Mission House is inviting the community to our Grazie Gala, a Tuscan-themed affair at the Palm Valley Barn in Ponte Vedra on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, starting at 5 p.m. All proceeds will benefit our organization’s Crisis Care and Clinic programs, which provide those experiencing homelessness with warm meals, access to free shower facilities, clean clothing, toiletries, case management, and free medical care.

The night’s festivities will include dinner from Poppy’s Italian, cocktails, music by Cloud 9, a silent auction, games and more. Guests also will have an opportunity to meet our new Executive Director Lucas Seilhymer and learn more about the future of Mission House.

“Although it will be a night of celebration, friendship and reflection, it’s truly about helping some of the most vulnerable amongst us,” said Seilhymer. “Organizations like ours work diligently every day to bridge the gap for many anxious, worried people on the street, but there are still so many unmet needs in our local community. Increasing our capacity means that many more people’s daily lives can be improved, helping them restore their dignity by putting them on a path of independence.”

Mission House uses nearly 90 percent of community support on programs and services. In 2022, we enrolled 477 clients into case management, working with them to help obtain identification as needed, transportation assistance, family reunification, substance abuse recovery, housing referrals and other critical resources. We also provided more than 1,000 visits to our clinic, dispensed 4,200 free medications and served 7,148 meals throughout the year.

Event sponsorships are available ranging from $10,000 to $500 and individual tickets are $125. Those interested in securing tickets may purchase them via EventBrite or through our website. 

Mission House is the only day facility in Jacksonville Beach working to address homelessness in Northeast Florida by providing housing assistance, health care and supportive services, including food, clothing, and case management while inspiring hope and rebuilding lives.

For more information regarding Mission House, contact: Anna Weagraff, volunteer and community outreach manager at 904.241.6767, ext. 111 or aweagraff@missionhousejax.org.

NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR NAMED BY MISSION HOUSE BOARD

Jacksonville Beach, Fla. (May 31, 2023) – The executive committee of the Mission House Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Lucas Seilhymer as executive director, following a national search to replace Carina Saladino who left the organization last year. 

Seilhymer will assume the role on July 17, 2023, after relocating from Danville, Ill. where he was CEO of Project Success of Vermilion County, a nonprofit organization that empowers children and families to achieve their highest potential. He led Project Success’ 18 sites and one community center serving more than 1,000 children and families each year by providing homework assistance, tutoring, credit recovery, and many academic enrichment programs. 

“It’s an honor to have been selected to serve the men and women who are affected by homelessness in the Jacksonville Beaches community,” said Seilhymer. “I’m thrilled to be relocating to the area, and I’m already humbled by the outpouring of community support for Mission House.”

Prior to Project Success, Seilhymer served for five years as the executive director of CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Vermillion and Edgar Counties, a nonprofit that provides children in foster care with a judge-appointed CASA volunteer to represent the best interests of the child. He also served in AmeriCorps VISTA with the Star of the Sea Foundation and holds a Bachelor of Science in finance from the University of Illinois.

Seilhymer will work closely with Michaele McAvoy who has served as interim director for the past year and will resume her duties as associate director. She’ll continue to be responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of Mission House, including the Crisis Care and Clinic programs, while also overseeing the grant process.

“The board is thrilled to welcome Lucas to Mission House. We’re confident that with his previous experience and immense skill set, he will guide the organization to the next level, helping put more people on the path to independence in our community,” said Billy Wagner, board chair. “And we simply can’t thank Michaele enough for leading with passion, dedication and grace during this interim period.” 

Mission House is the only day facility in Jacksonville Beach working to end homelessness in Northeast Florida by providing health care and supportive services, including food, clothing, and case management, to inspire hope and rebuild lives. For more information regarding Mission House, visit www.missionhousejax.org. Media inquiries may be directed to Lisa Luther. 

INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR APPOINTED BY MISSION HOUSE BOARD

Jacksonville Beach, Fla. (Aug. 29, 2022) – The executive committee of the Mission House Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Michaele McAvoy as interim executive director, replacing Carina Saladino who resigned last week after serving in the role for two years. 

 McAvoy has been with Mission House since 2017, serving as associate director for the past four years where she’s responsible for assisting in managing the day-to-day operations of the organization’s programs including Crisis Care, Rapid Re-housing and outreach programs. She also manages Mission House’s grant process.

 “It’s an honor to step into this role, and I know, firsthand, the impact our organization is making working with men and women who are affected by homelessness in the Beaches area,” said McAvoy. “I’m honored to have the board’s confidence to serve in this capacity and I look forward to working together to help put more people on the path to independence for a full and meaningful life.”

 She previously was a foster care specialist for Good Shepherd Children and Family Services in St. Louis as well as a foster care manager for Great Circle, also in St. Louis. She also served in AmeriCorps for three years, working in several capacities including as a housing case manager, legal advocate and employment specialist in both Michigan and Alaska. McAvoy holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan and a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Florida. 

 “The board is excited about the future of Mission House,” said Billy Wagner, board chair. “Although change can be challenging, it’s also a time to reflect, renew and re-commit to the mission of this amazing organization. Given Michaele’s nonprofit background and tenure with Mission House, we’re confident she’ll lead with passion and dedication while continuing to take the organization to the next level.”

 The Mission House Board of Directors will initiate an executive search with the goal of appointing a new executive director by the end of the year. 

 Mission House is the only day facility in Jacksonville Beach working to end homelessness in Northeast Florida by providing housing assistance, health care and supportive services, including food, clothing, and case management while inspiring hope and rebuilding lives. For more information regarding Mission House, visit www.missionhousejax.org.

MISSION HOUSE CELEBRATES SILVER ANNIVERSARY

Mission House hosting open house for community in honor of 25 years serving the Beaches

Jacksonville Beach, Fla. (March 21, 2022) – Long before the physical presence of Mission House was established on Shetter Avenue, four churches and hundreds of volunteers fed and clothed people in need from the Beaches, often from church kitchens or the back end of station wagons. Thanks to Christ Episcopal, Palms Presbyterian, St. Paul’s Catholic and St. Paul’s Episcopal and the financial support of 162 community members, Mission House has been serving those impacted by homelessness since 1997. 

In honor of our 25th anniversary, Mission House is opening its doors to our community, the first time the organization has been able to do so in more than two years. On Friday, March 25, 2022, from 6-9 p.m., community supporters are invited to tour the facility, learn about its foundational programs and services, as well as its latest initiatives including the Lawrence Project, a new mental health program, as well as its workforce development project called Pillars of Progress. 

“Welcoming those who have supported this important work for so many years is such an honor for Mission House,” said Carina Saladino, Mission House executive director. “It’s hard for most people to imagine the uncertainty, stress and fear that comes with not knowing when your next meal will be or where you’ll sleep at night. With more than 1,500 individuals homeless in Northeast Florida on any given day, there’s a lot of anxious, worried people. Our staff is incredibly grateful we’re able to continue serving those affected by homelessnes thanks to the support of our community.”

This Friday’s event kicks off a year-long series of initiatives Mission House is launching in recognition of its silver anniversary including refreshed mission and vision statements, a new logo and website, and other special events, all efforts designed to ensure the organization is able to continue serving the Beaches community for at least another 25 years.

Saladino shares, “Homelessness is a complicated issue, one that every U.S. city grapples with, but homelessness is solvable and the answer is housing. Unfortunately the lack of affordable housing in the Jacksonville Beach area is what limits Mission House from successfully housing more of our clients. However, despite these challenges, we’ve successfully housed hundreds of people over the past 25 years.”

One of the keys to ending homelessness is having a system that works and does so quickly. Homeless service providers like Mission House can only house as many people as there are housing units, and the housing vacancy rate is less than 10 percent in Jacksonville, not accounting for the fact that most market-rate housing is outside the range of affordability for persons experiencing homelessness. Despite these challenges, Mission House has successfully implemented its rapid re-housing program, a national best practice proven to end episodes of homelessness quickly and effectively.

 Mission House is the only day facility in Jacksonville Beach working to end homelessness in Northeast Florida by providing housing assistance, health care and supportive services, including food, clothing, and case management while inspiring hope and rebuilding lives. For more information regarding Mission House, contact: Carina Saladino | (904) 241-6767, ext. 114 | csaladino@missionhousejax.org or www.missionhousejax.org.

MAYO CLINIC SELECTS MISSION HOUSE FOR SEASON OF GRATITUDE GRANT

Grant Recipients Chosen Based on Community Impact

Jacksonville Beach, Fla. (Dec. 13, 2021) – Mission House is one of 80 nonprofit organizations in Arizona, Florida, Minnesota and Wisconsin selected by Mayo Clinic for its Season of Gratitude grants totaling $500,000. Mayo Clinic staff members voted to determine the grant recipients focusing on organizations located in the communities Mayo Clinic serves.

Mission House and other awardees were selected based on their impact to local communities. Eight of the 80 recipients are in Florida with Mission House receiving $10,000. Mayo Clinic works with many local organizations throughout the year supporting efforts to meet community needs including mental health, affordable housing, homelessness, food insecurity and other health and human service needs.

“What makes the Season of Gratitude awards most meaningful is that our staff had the opportunity to vote and choose where the funds would be distributed in our community, which amplifies not only Mayo Clinic’s community impact, but more importantly, our staffs own personal impact,” says Ashley Pratt, director of community engagement at Mayo Clinic in Florida. “Many organizations have been significantly impacted by the pandemic. The Season of Gratitude grants will truly help organizations that serve community members in need.”

The Season of Gratitude grant is exciting news for Mission House who is in the final week of its Mission Possible campaign designed to raise $200,000, which will support 20 households in 2022. Monies raised help Mission House in its goal to end homelessness while assisting people on their journey toward a full and meaningful life.

“We are beyond grateful for this incredibly generous grant and so appreciative of Mayo Clinic for all they do to support us in our mission to provide quality health care to our uninsured population as well as housing, support and crisis services to our homeless community,” said Carina Saladino, Mission House Executive Director.

“Every dollar that we receive goes back into the programs and services we provide. As a donation-based organization, we run solely off the generosity of the community. Mayo Clinic and our other valuable partners, donors and supporters are the reason we are able to house, clothe, feed, support, reunify families, provide medications, and necessary medical and dental care.”

About Mission House
Mission House is the only day facility in Jacksonville Beach to help meet the needs of people who are homeless through compassion, faith and programs designed to provide assistance at an individual level. Mission House’s number-one goal is to help people who are homeless off the streets and back to productive, self-sufficient lives. For more information regarding Mission House, visit www.missionhousejax.org.

About Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization committed to innovation in clinical practice, education and research, and providing compassion, expertise and answers to everyone who needs healing. Visit the Mayo Clinic News Network for additional Mayo Clinic news. For information on COVID-19, including Mayo Clinic’s Coronavirus Map tracking tool, which has 14-day forecasting on COVID-19 trends, visit the Mayo Clinic COVID-19 Resource Center.

Media Contacts:
Mayo Clinic: Tia Ford
Mission House: Lisa Luther

COMMUNITY SUPPORT NEEDED TO END HOMELESSNESS

COMMUNITY SUPPORT NEEDED TO END HOMELESSNESS 

Mission House hosting virtual event with goal to support 20 households for a year

Jacksonville Beach, Fla. (Sept. 13, 2021) – It’s hard for most people to imagine the uncertainty, stress, fear and fatigue that comes with not knowing where they’ll sleep at night. With 1,600 homeless individuals in Northeast Florida, there’s a lot of anxious, worried people in our community. Homelessness is solvable and the answer is housing. 

Mission House is working toward that solution, but it cannot do so without community support. The Mission Possible: A Community Unites virtual event – broadcasting live at 7 p.m. on WJXT/News4Jax – The Local Station (and available on www.news4jax.com) on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021 – will give viewers an understanding of the work that Mission House does daily within its rapid rehousing program. It also gives community supporters a glimpse into how they can be part of important work to end homelessness.

“The lack of affordable housing in the Jacksonville Beach area is what limits us from successfully housing more of our clients,” said Carina Saladino, executive director of Mission House. “The support of our local community is what will continue assisting the men and women we serve in regaining their independence for a full and meaningful life. Our Mission Possible goal is to raise $200,000 through sponsorships and raffle ticket sales, which will provide housing for 20 households for one year.”

Through collaborative community efforts, several cities in the U.S. have ended chronic homelessness. One of the keys to ending homelessness is having a system that works and does so quickly. Homeless service providers like Mission House can only house as many people as there are housing units, and the housing vacancy rate is less than 10 percent in Jacksonville, not accounting for the fact that most market-rate housing is outside the range of affordability for persons experiencing homelessness. Despite these challenges, Mission House has successfully implemented its rapid re-housing program, a national best practice proven to end episodes of homelessness quickly and effectively.

 “We use a progressive engagement model that provides tailored, individualized financial and case management support, rather than ‘one-size-fits-all’ interventions,” Saladino said. “Mission House assists with locating safe and affordable housing, provides financial assistance for housing costs, and ongoing case management and other services to ensure sustainability.”

 Mission Possible: A Community Unites will feature client stories, music segments from The Chris Thomas Band and The Voice, and a drawing for a Peloton, tickets to Hamilton the musical, and other items. Sponsorships range from $500 to $25,000 and tickets for the drawing are $50. Sponsorships and tickets are available now at https://www.missionhousejax.org/missionpossible.

 Mission House is the only day facility in Jacksonville Beach to help meet the needs of people who are homeless through compassion, faith and programs designed to provide assistance at an individual level. Mission House’s number one goal is to help people who are homeless off of the streets and back to productive, self-sufficient lives. For more information regarding Mission House and Mission Possible: A Community Unites, contact: Carina Saladino | (904) 241-6767, ext. 114 | csaladino@missionhousejax.org or visit www.missionhousejax.org.

Mission House is partnering with News4Jax to present Mission Possible: A Community Unites

Mission House is partnering with News4Jax to present Mission Possible: A Community Unites

October 9, 2021 at 7pm

We originally planned to have an in person event, however, due to the increase in COVID cases, we have moved our event to a Virtual platform for the safety of everyone. Our hope is that with this adjustment and opening our viewing to everyone, you will be able to join us for this one hour live event from the comfort of your living room.

Our Goal is to house 20 households in 2022, and to do this we need to raise $200,000. We can’t do this without you!

Here are ways you can support the event:

Purchase drawing tickets
Leading up to the event we will have drawings for VIP concert tickets and the night of the event we will be drawing for A Peloton with a one year subscription, three tickets to see Hamilton, VIP tickets to Little Big Town, VIP tickets to Kane Brown, and a Family Photography Session. Tickets are $50 to enter and there are multiple packages on the website!
https://www.missionhousejax.org/missionpossible

Spread the Word
Please help us spread the word about Mission Possible! Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram. Like and Share our posts and pages and let people know how easy it is to purchase a drawing ticket for one of these amazing prizes.
https://www.missionhousejax.org/missionpossible

Donate
Donations are always welcome! If these prizes are not a fit for you, we completely understand. Our main goal for this event is to fund our Rapid Rehousing Program. Housing Saves Lives and You Can Help. A donation of any monetary amount for this event will go directly to this program and every penny of it will be put to good use.
https://www.missionhousejax.org/missionpossible

Sponsor
We still have sponsorship opportunities available for the event! Would your company like to be featured supporting Mission House? There are multiple opportunities for you to get involved. Click on the link below to learn more.
https://www.missionhousejax.org/missionpossible

We are better together and together we have the opportunity to raise the funding needed to end homelessness!

Thank you for your continued support of Mission House!

Meet our New Executive Director - Carina Saladino!

With a passion for serving others, Carina Saladino brings over 17 years of leadership experience to Mission House. 

“As a little girl, I remember walking down the beach with my grandfather, picking up seashells and listening to him tell stories about his life in Italy,” says Carina. “Everyone he met along our walk, regardless of their circumstance, was his new best friend. My goal is for our clients to have that same feeling of friendship and trust, to share their story with us so we can help them on a path to a better future. These are individuals that are homeless due to circumstances, and with our team’s assistance and our donors’ assistance, will find employment and housing, bringing an end to homelessness one client at a time.”

Carina Saladino is a graduate of Jacksonville University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications. She currently serves on the Board for Beaches Council on Aging/Dial-A-Ride, is the former Northeast Florida Chapter President of Florida Assisted Living Association, a Certified Dementia Practitioner, and Alzheimer’s Trainer, and has received numerous awards and accolades for her work within the healthcare industry, including the NAPW Woman of the Year Award.  She has served as a guest speaker and teacher, instructing college students and first responders on positive approaches to the special needs of the aging population.

Carina’s unique management style creates a collaborative environment within her team. “The key to creating a successful team is bringing together a group of people that exemplify the mission of the organization and people you serve, ensuring all team members feel valued, and committing to excellence” says Carina. 

Carina and her goldendoodle, Gracie, who is currently in training to be pet therapy certified, live in Jacksonville. Carina is actively engaged in the community, particularly in the Beaches area, and has served on multiple fundraising committees for local non-profits. She is excited to have the opportunity to serve the clients and community of Mission House.

How One Young Mother Changed Her Life for the Better With Mission House

For this young mother, there was no life before Mission House. 

After years of alcohol and drug use, Kim found herself on the streets of the Beaches and knew it was time to get help - which is how she found out about Mission House. 

Mission House provided her with a sufficient meal, a place to shower, and more importantly - someone to talk to. After frequent life-changing conversations with Michaele, Mission House’s current Assistant Director who was a Case Manager at the time, Kim found a sober living home for men and women overcoming addiction. 

Due to her past history of relapse, Kim was extremely hesitant to try living on her own - she was scared to accept such a wonderful opportunity to just, in her words, “ruin it”. Kim was assured that Mission House would be there to help her through the process and that she would never have to be alone--something of which she was deeply afraid.

Following this reassurance, Kim moved into the sober living house with Mission House providing financial assistance for the first month of rent, giving Kim time to focus on herself and get accustomed to this lifestyle change. Fast forward to today: Kim has landed two jobs and is now fifteen months sober. Living in her very own apartment, she now supports herself, has her own car, and greatest of all, she has the ability to be a great mother to her son and daughter. 

With a bright future ahead, Kim looks forward to being in her children’s lives, and even plans to pursue a college degree.  

Kim doesn’t know where she would be without the help of Mission House. To those who are struggling with alcohol or drug use, or find themselves on the streets, Kim wants you to know there is help out there: “If you’re looking to improve your life, Mission House is here.” 

$23,000 Grant Used To Help Veterans and The Mental Health of Homeless Community

Local nonprofit, Mission House has just been awarded a $23,000 grant from the Beaches Community Fund, a division of the Community Foundation for Northeast Florida, in order to assist veterans, and address the number one issue in the country--mental health.

$10,000 of the grant will be used to help continue Mission House’s existing programs for veterans facing challenges such as finding affordable housing, invisible wounds of war, and economic hardships that have put them at great risk of becoming homeless.

After receiving a grant in October of 2017 to bridge the gap between homelessness and housing assistance from area Supportive Services for Veteran Families programs, Mission House was able to temporarily house veterans and their families as they waited for SSVF assistance in locating permanent housing for the families. The intent of helping veterans and their families, and any homeless family, is to assure children have a safe place to sleep, as well as finding a way to help individuals who have made sacrifices for our country.

Another $10,000 of the grant is being used to address mental health, in collaboration with the I.M. Sulzbacher Center, bringing a Licensed Mental Health Counselor to Mission House once a week.

In addition to the two $10,000 grants, another $3,000 grant was provided to Mission House for the purchase of single-day Jacksonville Transportation Authority bus passes, to help address the transportation needs of those experiencing homelessness, in getting to doctor’s appointments, job interviews, employment, and other needed assistance.

Homelessness and severe mental health issues often co-occur, making it difficult for those experiencing homelessness to get the services they need for their mental health while living on the streets or in shelters, or to maintain housing, if obtained. Mission House’s ability to now provide consistent mental health services onsite will not only address mental health concerns of those experiencing homelessness, but will help alleviate the very homelessness they are experiencing.

Leading this project is Mission House’s Case Management Coordinator, Natalie Collier, who has an extensive background in case management leadership, in addition to experience working with other social service agencies serving Duval County. CEO of the Sulzbacher Center, Cindy Funkhouser, and Executive Director of Mission House, Lori Anderson, have collaborated on various projects assisting the homeless over the past eight years.

About Mission House

Mission House is the only day facility to help meet the needs of the homeless at the Beaches, they are supported by the community while they continue to help people get off the streets and get them back to living self-sufficient lives. With years of experience, Mission House continues to impact the community by housing more and more individuals. In 2018 Mission House housed a total of 114 men and women in part to the Beaches Community Fund, the community foundation for northeast Florida.

To learn more, visit: www.missionhousejax.org/