MPact Program Offers Service Opportunities to Teens
December 28, 2018 •

MPact is a new service program for junior high school-aged teens. It will take place Saturday, Feb. 2, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at St. Matthew Catholic Church in Jacksonville.

Photo by St. Augustine Catholic/Woody Huband

The day will begin with a keynote talk on the importance of sharing our time, talent and treasure with organizations that serve the community. Teens will then be sent out to do service with local charities and organizations. There, not only will they serve the community, but the teens will also learn about the participating organization’s mission and their impact on the community.

Organizations participating in MPact include Clay County’s Clothes Closet, which provides emergency food assistance and clothing; Hope Therapy, a non-profit equine therapy program in Middleburg, Sanctuary on 8th Street, an urban organization that ministers to and empowers Jacksonville youth and families in need, Building Abilities of Special Children & Adults (BASCA, Inc.), an organization that improves the quality of life for individuals with intellectual and developmental differences in Northeast Florida, L’Arche Harbor House, a Jacksonville community for people with intellectual and physical disabilities, Somer’s Garden, the first public food forest garden in Northeast Florida, Seamark Ranch, a home for children to prosper and heal in a faith-filled environment and Clara White Mission, an organization working to reduce homelessness through advocacy, housing, job training and employment.

Photo by St. Augustine Catholic/Woody Huband

The day will end with a sending off keynote, prayer service and sending forth piece. The teens will be invited to come back during the summer to do a full week of service at another new program – A Servant’s Heart Camp.

The local speakers for the event include Matthew and Danielle Hernandez and Josie Kulhman. The band Stella will perform. For more information, contact Robin Shipley at rshipley@dosafl.com or (904) 262-3200, ext. 189.