More than 40 years after the faith community came together to establish Beaches Emergency Assistance Ministry, BEAM gathered local faith leaders at the Beaches Museum Chapel on Oct. 22 to reconnect, share concerns and consider how to better support Beaches neighbors facing hardship.
The Faith Leaders Breakfast, themed “Rooted Together, Growing Forward,” brought representatives of local congregations together for breakfast, fellowship and a conversation about the challenges facing the people and families they serve.
Discussion centered on the growing needs of seniors, increasing pressures on families living paycheck to paycheck and the importance of making sure people know where to turn for help. Participants explored how closer collaboration between BEAM and congregations can raise awareness of available resources and help neighbors access assistance sooner.
The Rev. Don Lynn, one of BEAM’s founding members in 1985, shared the organization’s early history, recalling the faith community’s role in creating a coordinated response to local needs. His reflections reinforced a shared purpose that continues today: working together to care for neighbors.
Jeff Winkler, CEO of BEAM, facilitated the conversation, reintroduced faith leaders to the breadth of BEAM’s services and discussed ways to strengthen partnerships with their congregations.
“BEAM began because local faith leaders recognized that they could do more for their neighbors by working together,” said Winkler. “That partnership is just as important today. By listening to what congregations are seeing and making it easier to connect people with help, we can reach more families and seniors before a difficult situation becomes a crisis.”
BEAM’s services include food assistance, emergency financial assistance for rent and utilities and specialized support through its Senior Program, Single Parent Program and Heirs’ Property Assistance. Food pantries in Jacksonville Beach and Mayport help neighbors meet an essential need while freeing limited household income for other necessities.
To continue the conversation, Paula Chaon, BEAM’s client outreach coordinator, invited pastors and community leaders to visit BEAM, learn more about its programs and identify ways to connect congregants with assistance. Tours are scheduled for Nov. 6, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., at 850 6th Ave. South, Suite 400, in Jacksonville Beach. To reserve, call Paula at 904-481-0812.
Founded in 1985, Beaches Emergency Assistance Ministry is a community-based nonprofit helping Beaches neighbors in the 32082, 32224, 32227, 32228, 32233, 32250 and 32266 ZIP codes. Learn more at jaxbeam.org.
