ABOUT US
WHO WE ARE
Barnabas provides help and hope to individuals and families in need throughout Nassau County to improve their stability, health and well-being. We are Nassau County’s only comprehensive service center devoted to helping those in need thrive as healthy citizens. Barnabas believes every individual has an opportunity to lead a healthy and productive life, thereby strengthening our entire community.
Using our Core Values of Accountability, Community Impact, Compassion, Dignity, Excellence, Integrity, and Service, we hold ourselves to a high standard. Barnabas has received Charity Navigator’s 4-star rating for our financial stewardship and Guide Star’s Platinum Seal of Transparency.
HISTORY
1986-1999
A St. Michael’s Catholic Church priest and parishioners launch Barnabas (“Son of Encouragement”) in a vacant church building for people struggling financially and needing resources.
The Fernandina Beach Ministerial Alliance joins the effort, and other churches begin contributing to the organization.
Barnabas opens its New to You Resale store in 1995 and it quickly takes off. Revenue from store sales helps fund Barnabas programs and also provides clothing, household items and furniture to those in need.
2000-2009
Volunteer Dr. Tom Washburn leads a partnership with the Nassau County Health Department and Baptist Medical Center Nassau to establish the Samaritan Medical Program.
The free urgent care medical program for uninsured, low-income adults: Volunteer healthcare professionals provide medical care and Baptist Medical Center provides diagnostic services at no cost.
With seed funding from the Sontag Foundation, the Barnabas Dental Program opens to provide dental care to uninsured, lower income adults.
2010-present
Renovation begins of the 18,000 square foot facility that will house all of Barnabas’ services as well as other nonprofit tenants.
January 2014, Barnabas holds its official ribbon cutting ceremony of the “J. Wayne and Delores Barr Weaver Center” named in honor of major donors to the building campaign. The center opens with Barnabas’ programs consolidated in the one location.
In 2017, the Barnabas Board announces its $1.5 million “Campaign for Sustainability” to provide ongoing financial support for Barnabas and its programs.