Generation kicks off Jacksonville project with free all-ages CommUNITY event

Generation will launch its new Community Leaders Igniting Mobility, or CLIMB, project this Saturday in Jacksonville with a CommUNITY Fest at the Weaver Center for Community Outreach.

Research conducted by Generation and its partners — the United Way of Northeast Florida and the Network for Southern Economic Mobility — found that many young people in Jacksonville do not have an opportunity for economic mobility.

CLIMB aims to bring together Jacksonville community leaders to identify, understand and disrupt the roadblocks to mobility for the citizens of Jacksonville. In partnership with the United Way, Generation will be hosting a series of CLIMB community meetings in Jacksonville neighborhoods over the coming months to discuss mobility and issues of access to transportation, childcare and healthcare in their communities.

Generation IT student poses with her family at a graduation ceremony in Jacksonville, FL
Generation IT student poses with her family at a graduation ceremony in Jacksonville, FL

“We know the future of our community is tied to the success of our young people,” said Phyllis Martin, Head of Community Impact and Strategic Investments for United Way of Northeast Florida. “Through intentional listening, intentional focus, and intentional action CLIMB is working to ensure our young people can achieve their aspirations and that businesses have the local talent they want and need to thrive.”

CLIMB’s first CommUNITY Fest will be held Saturday, August 25, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. the Weaver Center for Community Outreach, which is located 616 A. Philip Randolph Blvd. The free event includes items from the following food trucks: Ambitious Eats, Treemendous Sea and Soul Food, Treemendous BBQ and Frozen Sweets Truck. Giveaways and raffle items include laptops, backpacks and lunchboxes for the kids, Fresh Market basket of goods, adult and child bikes helmets and a monthly bus pass. Participants can also enjoy live music from 106.1 Radio bus and activities for the kids like Space Walk Jax, face painting, wellness information and much more!

“So many people are working hard to make sure Jacksonville youth and families have a chance to move up economically through both educational and career opportunities,” said Alex Rudnick, Generation U.S. Retail Program Manager. “CLIMB is bringing people together to tackle barriers that hold young people back, and to create new opportunities for them to succeed.”

CLIMB Community Fest Wellness Vendors:

  • Florida Department of Health – Duval County
  • Girls Inc of Jacksonville
  • Operation New Hope
  • Northeast FL Coalition, The Magnolia Project
  • CAN community health
  • Lutheran Services HS/EHS-Child Care Partnerships
  • Lutheran Social Services
  • United Way NEFL/RealSense
  • Generation – Programs
  • Chamos Language Academy, LLC
  • Springfield Preservation and Restoration, Inc.
  • Northeast Florida Healthy Start Coalition
  • Generation – Clothing Drive
  • FreshMinistries, Inc.
  • Usborne Books & More
  • Hubbard House
  • City Year
  • New Town Success Zone; Financial Opportunities Center
  • PACE Center for Girls, Inc.
  • Community Rehabilitation Center
  • Florida Rights Restoration Coalition
  • JEA

Funded by a grant from the Walmart Foundation, CLIMB will host a series of community forums in the Jacksonville neighborhoods of New Town (Sep 27), Springfield (Nov 1) and Arlington (Dec 6). Community discussion topics include roadblocks and pathways to education and employment. The forums provide an environment for community members to voice their experiences and shine a light on priorities to work toward to diminish poverty in Jacksonville.