How to Get Involved

Earlier this month, Associates from our Jacksonville, FL offices banded together to volunteer their time at the Clara White Mission, where they served breakfast to more than 350 hungry souls. Volunteering at the Mission began in November, and became so popular with the Jacksonville team that it’s now a monthly initiative.

“After the first event we put together a ‘committee’ with volunteers from each Department represented,” shares Jawana Thomas, VP of Regional Operations for Carrington Mortgage Services in Jacksonville. “They share ideas once a month, and because there is always a need for volunteers, we just decided to make a monthly commitment to get employees in Jacksonville involved. We’ve found that volunteering together is an awesome team building opportunity.”

And what a team it is. The inspiration to volunteer at the Mission began with some Associates who had volunteered for the Mission in the past, helping out with food and clothing drives in conjunction with local churches and other charitable organizations. And those needs are great. Not only does the Mission help serve more than 500 people every day through their soup kitchen, they also spearhead programs to help the homeless with transitional housing.. Often times, those people are Veterans – echoing a cause near and dear to CCF’s heart.

Our Jacksonville Associates were so humbled and touched by the experience of serving at the Mission that they helped out multiple times during the holidays, and plan to assist at least once a month through the spring – and beyond.

”Taking two to three hours of your day to volunteer can have a powerful impact on the lives of those in need,” said Jawana. “There are a lot of hurting people in our community, and we may not have the ability to touch everyone one of them daily as individuals. But collectively, we can make a difference by giving just a few hours to fill this need and to serve others.”

It’s a sentiment that’s echoed throughout the Jacksonville office. Not only does Jawana say she feels humbled by the experience of being in service, she says others share her sentiments.

As Funding Manager Tammy Byram shared, “It was simply amazing. I felt like I was making a difference and touching lives.” And Administrative Assistant Sandra Smith told us the experience reminded her of a great quote from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: “Everyone can be great, because everyone can serve.”

“I really enjoyed seeing our Associates’ positive attitudes and the peoples’ faces,” Sandra said. “But it also enriches our own life.”

The Jacksonville office is planning to volunteer at the Clara White Mission on Feb. 8, March 10 and April 4 for breakfast service. Jawana reports that the 10 volunteer spaces available for each date are already booked.

We’re so proud of our Jacksonville Associates and their dedication to the Clara White Mission, and look forward to hearing more about their volunteering efforts throughout the year! If you are interested in volunteering for one of the dates above please contact Jawana Thomas (Jawana.Thomas@carringtonms.com).

 Jacksonville Associates taking a break from serving at the Mission.

Volunteers smile for the camera after a busy day at the soup kitchen.

Volunteering is fun and rewarding!

We can make a difference, one by one!