On January 28th, Barnabas Center held its annual membership meeting at which speakers highlighted expansion updates and the nonprofit agency’s crisis relief efforts during the pandemic. In addition, new board members were welcomed: Bishop Dwayne Campbell, Bishop Thomas Coleman, Liza Cotter, May Lyn Gulmatico, Ed Hubel, and Pastor Dan Search.
Crisis Relief During Pandemic
President and CEO, Wanda Lanier, presented highlights of Barnabas’ crisis relief efforts during the pandemic. The most significant need was for emergency food assistance for struggling residents. Through partnerships, grants and donations from the City of Fernandina Beach, the Amelia Island Sunrise and Greater Nassau Rotary Clubs, the Elm Street Sportsman Association, churches, businesses, individuals, and civic groups, Barnabas was able to provide 7,500 households with 333,000 meals through 220 food distributions throughout the county.
Due to significant job losses caused by the pandemic, Barnabas stepped up to provide $384,465 in financial assistance for rent, mortgage, utility, and car payments to help stabilize 320 local workers and struggling families who needed short term financial aid. This was accomplished through a partnership with the Nassau County Chamber of Commerce, with investments and grants from the Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau, Nassau County Board of Commissioners, and the First Coast Relief Fund. Ms. Lanier noted that the need for assistance for food and financial assistance increased 300% and 200%, respectively. The requests for assistance are continuing at those levels in 2021.
Other Highlights
Ms. Lanier also reported on the agency’s increased outreach to west Nassau County. Outreach highlights include a mobile health team, expanded mobile food distributions, medical and financial assistance services in Callahan, and dental services in Hilliard. In addition, Barnabas New to You resale store will expand to Yulee in May, 2021.
Financial Report
Jonathan Simpson, Board Treasurer, announced that Barnabas received the Charity Navigator highest 4-star rating for efficiency, effectiveness, and transparency for fourteen years in a row; only 1% of charities rated in the US achieved this status. In addition, Simpson announced that Barnabas recently received the GuideStar Platinum Seal of Transparency.
