Business Details
47 Years
experience
Trusted Community Support Services in Jacksonville, FL
Lutheran Social Services Of Northeast Florida has served Jacksonville communities since 1979, driven by a mission to empower individuals through compassionate support. Our organization provides hunger relief, HIV care, refugee resettlement, financial coaching, and housing assistance to address systemic challenges facing vulnerable populations. With over four decades of experience, we combine community partnerships and specialized programs like Steps 2 Success to create pathways toward self-sufficiency. Our team of certified financial coaches and case managers delivers personalized support grounded in proven methodologies.As a trusted nonprofit, we maintain transparency through annual impact reports showing service to tens of thousands annually. Our collaborations with healthcare providers and government agencies ensure comprehensive care for clients. We demonstrate expertise through tailored services addressing food insecurity, mental health, and employment barriers. Our authority in social services is reinforced by decades of local engagement and client success stories. We uphold trust through consistent ethical standards, measurable outcomes, and community accountability.
Services
Hunger Relief
Refugee Services
HIV Services
Steps 2 Success
Representative Payee Services
Details
- Year established: 1979
Highlights and features
- We have 45 years of experience in community social services
- Our team includes certified financial coaches and case managers
- We maintain partnerships with 20+ healthcare and government organizations
- Our programs have served over 48,000 individuals annually
- We offer integrated services combining food assistance with career development
What people say
Life-changing support
Caring counselors
Genuine commitment
Effective programs
Comprehensive services
Services
Hunger Relief
Our Hunger Relief program provides emergency groceries to Duval County residents through monthly appointments. The Jan Jirousek Food Pantry distributes fresh and shelf-stable food items while partnering with Jacksonville Humane Society for pet food assistance. We serve over 40,000 food-insecure individuals annually, offering nutrition support through community partnerships and donor contributions.
Steps 2 Success
Steps 2 Success offers personalized financial and employment coaching to help clients achieve long-term stability. Our certified coaches provide career development, budget management, and digital skills training. This program combines income support services with job placement assistance, helping clients secure sustainable employment and improve financial literacy through one-on-one sessions.
Refugee Services
Our Refugee Services program assists individuals from 29 countries with resettlement and integration. Services include employment training, English language classes, youth mentoring, and legal assistance. The program supports over 2,500 refugees annually through cultural orientation, housing assistance, and community sponsorship initiatives that promote self-sufficiency and social inclusion.
HIV Services
The ACE Program provides comprehensive HIV care including medical case management, psychiatric services, and medication assistance. We offer peer support groups, housing aid, and benefits navigation through partnerships with CAN Community Health. Our services address both medical needs and social determinants of health for individuals living with HIV/AIDS.
Representative Payee Services
This program helps vulnerable individuals manage income through bill payment assistance and budget planning. Fiscal coordinators ensure essential expenses are covered for clients with mental health challenges or disabilities. We serve 500+ clients monthly, preventing homelessness by maintaining housing stability and protecting clients from financial exploitation.
People
Tracy Williams
Chair
Tracy Williams serves as Board Chair while working as Senior Director at GuideWell Health. With extensive healthcare leadership experience, she contributes strategic oversight to Lutheran Social Services' community initiatives and program development efforts.
Dr. James Dennis
Treasurer
Dr. James Dennis, Professor of Surgery at University of Florida College of Medicine - Jacksonville, provides financial stewardship as Board Treasurer. His medical expertise and administrative experience strengthen our healthcare-related programs and organizational governance.
Kimba Clark
Client Success Story
Kimba Clark transformed her life through Steps 2 Success, achieving housing stability and employment within a year. Her journey from homelessness to self-sufficiency demonstrates the program's effectiveness in creating lasting personal and financial improvements for participants.
Stewart Miller
Program Coordinator
Stewart Miller manages Steps 2 Success operations across two Jacksonville locations. With expertise in workforce development, he oversees client services that combine financial coaching and employment training to help adults achieve career advancement and economic independence.
Alane Ertel
HIV Services Coordinator
Alane Ertel leads our HIV Services program, coordinating medical case management and support services. She connects clients with lifesaving treatments and community resources while maintaining partnerships that expand access to comprehensive HIV care in Northeast Florida.
Questions
How do I schedule food pantry assistance?
Use our online scheduling system to book monthly appointments during operating hours (Monday-Friday, 10 AM-2 PM).
What refugee support services are available?
We offer employment training, language classes, youth programs, and cultural orientation for refugees from 29 countries.
Do you offer financial coaching programs?
Steps 2 Success provides free one-on-one financial coaching, career development, and digital skills training for adults.
How can I support your mission?
Donate funds, food items, or volunteer time. We also accept furniture donations for refugee resettlement programs.
What HIV/AIDS services do you provide?
Our ACE Program offers medical case management, psychiatric services, medication assistance, and support groups for HIV-positive individuals.
Are there volunteer opportunities available?
Yes! We need volunteers for food distribution, mentoring, tutoring, and administrative support across all our programs.
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