About Us
ABOUT US
New Town Oasis Marketplace is a 501(c)3 organization working to improve the health of local residents in Jacksonville, FL.by providing fresh produce from local farms and educating residents on the benefits of healthy eating.
Incorporated in 2022, New Town Oasis Marketplace focuses on sustainable programs to teach the importance of land ownership, opportunities in agricultural careers, knowledge of conservation activities
Current programs include the Kings Rd. Farmers Market, the STEP program (Steps to Entrepreneurship Progress), and pop up food giveaways.
OUR FOUNDER
Wilene Dennis Dozier
Founder, Chairperson and Chief Operations Officer
As a community advocate, Ms. Dozier participated in several programs in the New Town area of Jacksonville, FL. to better the community. She participated in community cleanups, food giveaways and how to address the plethora of abandoned homes in the neighborhood. One problem disturbed her. Having grown up in the area, she knows the neighborhood intimately. She remembers when there were locally owned grocery stores in the area. There were so many meetings discussing grocery stores, but no action.
Ms. Dozier took action. The idea for New Town Oasis Marketplace took shape.Both her parents were business owners, so the background was there. She also gained an educational background. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from Florida State University, a Master’s Degree from Atlanta University and a law
degree from Texas Southern University.
New Town Oasis is a community-driven initiative delivering fresh, healthy food to families in need. Our mission is to nourish lives and uplift neighborhoods—one box at a time.
Board Member, New Town Oasis Marketplace, Inc.
James Cook, Jr.
Board Member James Cook, Jr. James Cook Jr. is a familiar and respected name in Duval County, known for his dedication to community well-being and his extensive experience in security. As a former elected official of the Duval County Soil and Water Conservation District, James demonstrated a deep commitment to the environmental health and sustainable development of the region, always with an eye towards the betterment of local communities. Beyond his public service, James is a highly accomplished security professional. His career has been dedicated to ensuring safety and fostering secure environments, a skill set he now brings to New Town Oasis Marketplace. His expertise in this field is invaluable, ensuring a safe and welcoming atmosphere for all visitors and vendors. James formed a group of volunteers that orchestrated many cleanups in several neighborhoods. His efforts along with his team gathered over 10,000 lbs of gargage, including tires.
New Town Oasis is a community-driven initiative delivering fresh, healthy food to families in need. Our mission is to nourish lives and uplift neighborhoods—one box at a time.
Board Member, New Town Oasis Marketplace, Inc.
Tommy Downer
Tommy Downer is a respected community volunteer and retired professional with over 20 years of experience in corporate sales, customer service, and financial operations. His decade-long tenure with PepsiCo in Jacksonville, Florida, allowed him to build expertise in beverage sales, client relationship management, and accounting—skills that continue to inform his work in nonprofit leadership and community development.
Mr. Downer also served with the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice for 10 years, where he worked as a Detention Officer, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to youth and community safety.
A proud alumnus of Edward Waters University, where he majored in Business Administration, Mr. Downer remains actively involved in the university’s mission. He volunteers with the Schell-Sweet Community Resource Center in the Faith-Based/Nutrition Department’s “Faithful Forty” program, which partners with the New Town Success Zone and Feeding Northeast Florida to distribute food and resources to the New Town community.
Mr. Downer is a long-standing staff member of the Friends of the Brentwood Library, where he co-coordinates a wide range of community events—from book reading challenges and backpack giveaways to Halloween celebrations. He also represents the organization at board meetings and through initiatives like the MyVillage Project, which honors K-8 students with perfect school attendance.
In addition to his civic service, Mr. Downer is Associate Pastor and teacher at Peace Missionary Baptist Church. He is known for his commitment to mentorship, education, and faith—and lives by the self-motivating principle:
“You know, that which you know, when you can teach somebody, that, that you know.”
New Town Oasis is a community-driven initiative delivering fresh, healthy food to families in need. Our mission is to nourish lives and uplift neighborhoods—one box at a time.
Board Member, New Town Oasis Marketplace, Inc.
Robin Dozier Ghent
Robin Dozier Ghent Ms. Ghent's roots in entrepreneurship runs deep. Her grandparents owned several commercial businesses. She has not strayed away from the philosophy her grandparents instilled in her:"a person who fishes will never go hungry." Ms. Ghent moved to Jacksonville from Boston several years ago and began operating the family businesses. She believes in the power of community togetherness and supports many local grassroots organizations.
New Town Oasis is a community-driven initiative delivering fresh, healthy food to families in need. Our mission is to nourish lives and uplift neighborhoods—one box at a time.
We Welcome You!
Whether you’re looking to volunteer your time or support us through donations, there’s a place for you at New Town Oasis.
Join hands with us to nourish families and grow hope.