Lift Jax is an initiative of business and community leaders working to eradicate generational poverty in Jacksonville. The flagship strategy of Lift Jax is the implementation of the Purpose Built Communities model in Jacksonville’s Eastside. Purpose Built Communities is a successful approach to breaking the cycle of concentrated, generational poverty, which requires coordinated implementation of strategies within four pillars: mixed-income housing, cradle-to-career education, community wellness, and long-term financial vitality.
Lift Jax is the owner of the property, the building(s) and the project. Lift Jax has championed the fundraising, community relations, project implementation and bringing on operating partners for the project.
Goodwill Industries of North Florida is a local, not-for-profit organization that removes barriers to employment through training, education, and career opportunities bringing an 80-year record of successfully operating social enterprises. Goodwill Industries has been identified as the lead implementation partner and will operate both the not-for-profit neighborhood market and the GoodCareers Center in a combined model.
On the first floor, Goodwill will operate a not-for-profit neighborhood market with an emphasis on fresh vegetables, meats and dairy products. Upstairs, Goodwill will bring workforce development and career services through its GoodCareers Center. GoodCareers Centers are a no cost, full-service career center for people who want to find a job and develop the skills they need to be successful in their search. GoodCareers Centers offer hundreds of current job leads, soft skills workshops, use of computers for resume prep and job searches, on-site interview, career fair, individualized career counseling and more.
VyStar Credit Union has a simple purpose, which is to Do Good. This philosophy traces back to the credit union’s founding in 1952 and guides every decision made today.
VyStar’s presence at the Debs Store will give area residents access to a walk-up ATM and resources available on site to provide personal financial assistance.
“Debs Store served as a landmark in the historic Eastside neighborhood going back more than a hundred years, and VyStar is proud to play a role in bringing the building back to life and revitalizing the neighborhood. Supporting Debs Store is a perfect opportunity for us to fulfill our mission.”
