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Volunteers founded Hubbard House in 1976, and today our volunteers continue to serve a vital role in every aspect of the agency. Why are volunteers so important to Hubbard House? Volunteers contribute their time and energy, their ideas and ideals. They increase our visibility in the community, expand our capacity to provide services, and send a strong message of caring to our clients.
It is because of the support and generosity given by Hubbard House volunteers and donors that we are able to provide services to more than 5,000 women, children, and men annually and ensure that their hope for peace, dreams of tomorrow, and strength for their children are not lost.
This volunteer spotlight focuses on the Professional Progress Class from the First Coast Manufacturing Association. The First Coast Manufacturing Association is a nonprofit organization focused on keeping manufacturing in Northeast Florida. This organization works to teach the importance of manufacturing in our community and helps manufacturing companies maintain a successful business. These volunteers spent eight hours in the hot Florida sun re-mulching, repainting and revitalizing the playground at the Hubbard House for the children at our shelter to enjoy.
We spoke with Adam Bovitch, member of the Progress Class, about the group’s experience volunteering at Hubbard House.
Why did you decide to donate time and resources to Hubbard House? Our Professional Progress Class discussed a number of volunteer projects that would provide an immediate impact within the community. Many of us are parents, and we were all able to relate to helping out women and children in need.
What made you get connected with Hubbard House? The First Coast Manufacturing Association is dedicated to supporting local manufacturing businesses in our community. Our class wanted to help a home town organization, and many of us knew about the great work that takes place at Hubbard House.
What has your volunteer experience with Hubbard House meant to you? I think all the volunteers left Hubbard House that day with a sense of personal fulfillment. Seeing the excitement on the children’s faces as they looked at the revitalized playground made my day!
Also, I would like to highlight all the different agencies that were represented at the event whether by donation or presence. These include First Coast Manufacturing Association, Aerostar SES LLC, BAE Systems, City of Jacksonville Environmental Quality Division, CSX, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Georgia-Pacific (Financial Contribution), Medtronic, Milton J. Wood Consolidated, Renessenz, LLC (Financial Contribution), RONCO, St. Johns River Water Management District, Swisher International, Inc. (Financial Contribution), Vistakon, Water Recovery LLC, and WhiteWave Foods.
If you are interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities available at Hubbard House please visit www.hubbardhouse.org/help/volunteering/ or contact Tracy Knight at (904) 354-0076 ext. 251 or tknight@hubbardhouse.org.
If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship please call the Hubbard House 24-hour domestic violence hotline at (904) 354-3114 or (800) 500-1119. Hubbard House can help.
ABOUT HUBBARD HOUSE: Founded as the first domestic violence shelter in Florida in 1976, Hubbard House is a certified, comprehensive domestic violence center providing programs and services to more than 5,000 women, children, and men annually in Duval and Baker counties. While Hubbard House is most known for its emergency shelter, the agency also provides extensive adult and youth outreach services, school-based education, therapeutic childcare, batterers’ intervention programs, court advocacy and volunteer and community education opportunities. Visit www.hubbardhouse.org to learn more.