Renewed and Revitalized: Lutheran Social Services of Northeast Florida's Grand Re-Opening Marks a Milestone in Community Support

Lutheran Social Services of Northeast Florida celebrated a momentous occasion with its grand re-opening event on Wednesday, March 6th, 2024, at 10 am.

The event, attended by over 130 community members, marked a significant milestone for the agency, which dedicated the past year and a half to renovating its facilities for enhanced community service.

The renovations included an impressive transformation, with upgrades such as an improved lobby area, a new freezer in the LSS Food Pantry, and fresh paint and carpeting throughout the building. These enhancements not only improve the physical space but also reflect the agency's commitment to providing top-notch services to those in need.

LSS staff welcoming guests in the main lobby of the agency.

"The renovations represent more than just physical upgrades; they symbolize our unwavering commitment to providing hope and support to our clients. This grand re-opening reaffirms our dedication to serving the community and marks a new chapter in our journey of service and community support." - Bill Brim, CEO of Lutheran Social Services of Northeast Florida

As LSS turns 45 this year, the grand re-opening serves as a symbol of its enduring dedication to its mission.

Moreover, it signifies a grand re-entry into the community, where the agency showcased not only its physical upgrades but also the addition of four nonprofit partner that have gradually moved into the facility.

The onsite nonprofits include CAN Community Health, JaxCareConnect, WeCareJax and Vision Is Priceless.

Guests stopping by the WeCareJax office.

Guests learning more about vision services at Vision Is Priceless office.

CAN Community Health welcomes guest to learn more about its services, including its mobile testing unit.

JaxCareConnect connects those who are uninsured and low-income with primary care physicians.

This expansion further solidifies LSS' position as a cornerstone of support and assistance for individuals and families in Northeast Florida.

The event showcased speeches from LSS President & CEO, Bill Brim, and Dr. Tracye Polson, Director of Strategic Partnerships from the City of Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan's Office. After the remarks, attendees enjoyed a short film, produced by Honey Hive Productions, highlighting the importance of strategic community partnerships. Brim and LSS Board Chair, Kym Hammer, then officially cut the ribbon, marking the beginning of the agency tours.

Guests were treated to a self-guided tour of the entire building, with stops at all five of LSS programs (Hunger Relief; Steps2Success; Refugee Services; HIV Services; and Representative Payee services) and opportunities to learn more about the on-site nonprofits.

LSS staff warmly welcomed guests as guides throughout the tour, and attendees received custom event passports, encouraging them to explore all the stops. Those who completed the tour and visited all stops had the chance to enter into a drawing, adding an element of excitement and engagement to the day's festivities.

Overall, the grand re-opening event was a resounding success, marking a new chapter in LSS journey of service and community support.

LSS and its onsite nonprofit partners collectively helped 90,000 individuals in 2023.

Were you spotted at the grand re-opening? Check out more photos from the event. Thank you to Mark Krancer for documenting the celebrations.