As the 7th annual Davidson Cares Clay Day draws near, anticipation is growing to raise money to support five Northeast Florida organizations that enrich the lives of children and families. “The Davidson Cares team and many supporters look forward to Clay Day all year! Even after seven years, the enthusiastic support from our participants for the youth-based organizations the event will benefit remains inspiring. We look forward to another successful event,” shares Davidson Realty President, Sherry Davidson. The funds raised at Clay Day will be distributed to five local organizations in Northeast Florida: St. Augustine Youth Services, Investing in Kids!, Builders Care, Port in the Storm Homeless Youth Center, and Hope Restored. 

St. Augustine Youth Services

St. Augustine Youth Services (SAYS) is a non-profit organization that has been serving children in its residential programs for boys since 1989. Over the past thirty years, SAYS has provided treatment to thousands of children who have suffered abuse or neglect in St. Johns, Flagler, Volusia, and Putnam counties. “Our relationship with SAYS started when my daughter visited the campus and met a six-year-old boy who told her how safe he felt at the group home. It broke our hearts. We then learned that this boy would age out of the program at eighteen and, although they may still be in high school, are not prepared to live independently,” shares Davidson. “The funds raised by Davidson Cares will help build a permanent large pavilion where these young boys can gather for birthdays, cookouts, graduations, and other celebrations.” 

Investing in Kids! 

Investing in Kids! (INK!) helps fund efforts to directly benefit both educators and students in the St. Johns County School District. Established in 1994, INK! is devoted to fostering success for students and teachers through funding, initiatives, and inspiration. “Davidson Cares has always supported local schools, but after seeing the impact of the Five Learning Years (FLY) and Take Stock in Children programs, I joined the INK! Board of Directors,” shares Davidson.  Take Stock in Children is a statewide program that gives low-income, at-risk students the opportunity to escape the cycle of poverty by offering students college scholarships and mentoring. This year, Davidson Cares has donated three scholarships for youth in the Take Stock in Children program.  “The graduation rate for students in the Take Stock in Children program is nearly 100% and many are thriving in college. So many lives have been changed by these two programs,” continues Davidson.  

Builders Care

Builders Care is a faith-based nonprofit organization dedicated to providing quality, affordable to no-cost construction services to those in need of critical home repairs. “When I was asked to join the Builders Care Board of Directors, which is the charitable arm of the Northeast Florida Builders Association, I was inspired by what this organization has accomplished for Jacksonville’s most needy families,” shares Davidson.  Since 2001, Builders Care has served more than six hundred families to total more than $6.5 million worth of construction work for those who otherwise couldn’t afford it. For many, Builders Care is the last hope to maintain quality of life in their home. “Builders donate material, time, and money to ensure people can remain in their homes with dignity. Davidson Cares is proud to support this incredible organization,” continues Davidson. 

Port in the Storm Homeless Youth Center

Port in the Storm Homeless Youth Center is a “port in the storm of life” for youth in St. Johns County who have fallen through the cracks. Port in the Storm is a safe place for youth to seek refuge as homeless or unaccompanied youth in crisis. Through the Positive Youth Development programming, caring adults provide stability, hope, and a path to a successful future. Port in the Storm currently provides 16 beds for youth needing a place to stay as well as drop-in resources on topics including life skills, job skills, and housing assistance. “Davidson Cares is excited to be contributing to the renovation of the shower area at the Port in the Storm facility which can be used by those staying overnight or hanging out during the day,” shares Davidson. 

Hope is Restored

Hope is Restored is committed to raising awareness, educating, rescuing, and restoring victims of modern-day slavery: human trafficking. Hope is Restored was established to deliver a message, and bring hope and restoration to those seeking freedom. “The reality of human trafficking in Northeast Florida is rattling, especially how easily young adults are being coerced. Davidson Cares will be supporting education in our schools and to other local organizations to spread awareness and help prevent this awful situation from happening,” shares Davidson. 

It is evident that these five organizations make an incredible impact on the First Coast community. Davidson Cares is proud to support their efforts and encourage the entire Northeast Florida community to join in their efforts by buying a raffle ticket or making a donation online, every dollar makes a difference.