Since 1985, Beaches Emergency Assistance Ministry (BEAM) has helped local neighbors through tough times of crisis.
“BEAM is more than a safety net,” said Jeff Winkler, BEAM’s CEO. “It is a bridge to stability for neighbors who are doing their best but facing circumstances they cannot manage alone. A missed paycheck, medical emergency, caregiving crisis, job loss or unexpected bill can push a family over the edge. That is where BEAM steps in — with practical help, but also with compassion, respect and the belief that no one should have to face hardship alone.”
The need to support struggling neighbors was great, and representatives of local churches through the Beaches Ministerial Alliance stepped in to help. The faith-community’s response was joined by various local businesses, organizations and foundations throughout the Beaches.
BEAM offers programs designed to meet immediate needs while helping families reach long-term stability. Their services include emergency financial assistance, food assistance and delivery, public benefits enrollment, single-parent and senior case management, seasonal programs and referrals to partner organizations for additional support.
BEAM has many opportunities for the community to help support neighbors in need through their programs.
Grace Garden is a unique hands-on way to support BEAM. The community garden located at BEAM’s headquarters in Jacksonville Beach supplies more than 8,000 pounds of fresh organic produce every year to help stock BEAM’s food pantries. This gives clients access to a variety of healthy fruits and vegetables. Volunteers enjoy planting, harvesting and tending the garden. Members of the community have the opportunity to sponsor garden boxes and towers each year to further support the program.
Volunteers help run BEAM Thrift by assisting with customer service, operating registers, receiving donations, tagging merchandise and restocking inventory. BEAM’s three thrift stores sell gently used and donated furniture, clothing, home décor, jewelry and more. Volunteering, donating or shopping for hidden gems are great ways to get involved.
BEAM has full-service pantries in Jacksonville Beach and Mayport as well as several mobile food pantries. Volunteers help by sorting and packing food for distribution. The food pantries are client-choice and offer clients the chance to choose groceries based on individual dietary needs and preferences.
Other ways to get involved with BEAM include donating, hosting food or clothing drives, supporting special events and including BEAM in estate planning.
One of the biggest opportunities to support is the BEAM of Light Beach Ball, the organization’s largest fundraiser of the year. The 2026 event will be held Aug. 29 at TPC Sawgrass. Sponsorship opportunities not only help support BEAM’s programs and services, but provide valuable exposure throughout the Beaches community. Tickets go on sale July 1.
BEAM has provided more than 1,030,000 meals annually, helped more than 1,160 individuals and families receive $900,000 in rent, mortgage and utility assistance, helped with case management and coaching for 50 single moms through their single parent program and offered ongoing support to low-income seniors.
BEAM is able to help so many thanks to the dedication of their staff and volunteers and the generosity of their donors. BEAM assists others in their time of need and helps them move toward brighter futures while restoring hope, dignity and connection.
To learn more, volunteer, sponsor or make a gift, go to https://jaxbeam.org.
