Since 2012, Davidson Cares has operated as the corporate giving program of The Davidson Companies, raising more than $728,000 for youth-based organizations throughout Northeast Florida. This past fall, they hosted their eighth annual sport shooting fundraiser. Named Davidson Cares Clay Day in years past, the fundraising event was renamed in 2023 to honor the recent passing of the Davidson family’s patriarch, Jim Davidson. The Jim Davidson’s Annual Clay Day was held on October 19, 2023 at Jacksonville Clay Target Sports, and raised $150,000 that was awarded to eight local charities – one of which, was St. Augustine Youth Services (SAYS).

St. Augustine Youth Services (SAYS) is a non-profit, mental health agency that has been serving Florida’s at-risk youth since 1989. For over 30 plus years, SAYS has helped thousands of children who have suffered from abuse or neglect, or those in need of mental health support. They provide trauma-informed coaching, counseling and care in family-style therapeutic group homes and with outpatient community services. Their programs and resources help youth overcome emotional barriers, including learning how to trust again, how to cope with trauma and how to form healthy habits.

Started in humble beginnings in a one-building home in downtown St. Augustine, SAYS serviced 18 youth in its first year. Today, they have five programs that aim to help any and all youth in need, supporting St. Johns, Flagler and Putnam counties. SAYS Residential Group Homes specialize in therapeutic and pre-independent living. They cater to boys aged 6 to 17, and provide a safe and nurturing environment to those in need of healing and growth. There, boys can learn to process trauma, develop social skills and address mental health issues. SAYS Community Action Team (CAT) helps parents and caregivers who have youth with significant mental health issues at home, providing these families with the skills needed to create a resilient, safe and effective support system, avoiding out-of-home residential treatment. SAYS Mobile Response Team (MRT) is a 24/7 operation that provides free on-site assessments, aiming to keep youth out of involuntary hospitalizations. The SAYS Coaches Program is a personalized approach to youth and their families, offering individualized guidance in creating a plan of care. And lastly, SAYS Targeted Case Management (TCM) navigates the often overwhelming medical system. Together, these programs provide a path for youth to have the promising future they deserve.

“I’m so proud of everything we’ve accomplished over the last eight years,” shares Sherry Davidson, President of Davidson Cares and Davidson Realty. “This year, our fundraising efforts exceeded our expectations. We’re so proud, and honored really, to be able to support the non-profits that are the lifeblood of our community. They are the helpers our most precious populations turn to in times of need. How amazing that we’re able to show them support in return!”

To learn more about SAYS, visit sayskids.org, and to help make a difference today, donate here.