JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Area Sexual Minority Youth Network has received a building as a donation.
Drs. Paul Schilling and James Dutton of Vilano Beach purchased and donated the building next to the current JASMYN location on Peninsular Place in Jacksonville's Brooklyn neighborhood. The gift includes a portion of the costs associated with repairing and renovating the building.
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"After 12 years in our current location, the number of youth we serve has grown exponentially and we have literally outgrown the building," said executive director Cindy Watson. "We have immediate needs for more program areas and desperately need additional space to accommodate our increased counseling staff and growing HIV clinic. The additional building will allow us to dedicate space for these and other services."
JASMYN's board began planning and expanding more than a year ago.
"Paul and Jay really understand our immediate needs and ultimate goals. They hope to support us with an eventual capital campaign that will provide the space we need to truly expand for the future," said board chair Bruce Musser. "We are so grateful for their belief in us and for sharing our vision."
JASMYN expects work on the additional building to be finished by late October. Staff are working to determine how to optimally use the space in each building.
According to JASMYN, more than 20,000 youth have benefited from the non-profit since its establishment in 1994. The organization has been nationally recognized for its programs and services.
The nonprofit will hold a special 20th anniversary celebration in November at Unity Plaza in Brooklyn. For more information, visit JASMYN's website.