New Town Oasis Marketplace Awarded Funds from United Way to Assist in Youth Enrichment via Racial Equity Grant
Jacksonville, FL – June 25, 2024 – New Town Oasis Marketplace is proud to announce it has been awarded a grant from United Way of Northeast Florida. The funds were made possible with a generous gift of 1 million dollars from Miller Electric Company’s investment in racial equity and social justice.
Spurred by Jacksonville-based nonprofit, 904ward’s 2021 report, Duval County: Race in Retrospect, and United Way of Northeast Florida’s commitment to racial equity, the Racial Equity Grant targets young people. According to United Way, the grants support programs designed to enhance young people’s development, skills, and well-being. Some examples of youth enrichment programs include but are not limited to character education and mentoring; career exploration and skill development; personal development; leadership development; community service and volunteering; and arts and culture opportunities.
“The Racial Equity Grant from United Way will allow our organization to focus on the next generation and introduce them to the agriculture industry. Over the last four years, we have compiled a database of black farmers. One disadvantage of living in the city and going to a grocery store is not knowing where food originates and what chemicals may have been utilized. This grant will allow us to introduce the agricultural industry to young people in the zip codes we focus on,” said Wilene Dozier, President, at New Town Oasis Marketplace. “This funding will allow us to expand our offerings to young people of color to encourage them to enter the agriculture industry as providers of food or gain knowledge of agriculture science. “
For more information about the New Town Oasis Marketplace, please visit www.newtownoasis.org or email [email protected] or follow us on social media.
About New Town Oasis Marketplace
New Town Oasis Marketplace is a community-centric nonprofit organization located in the heart of the New Town neighborhood of Jacksonville, FL. With a focus on accessibility and nutritional education, the marketplace strives to provide fresh, affordable produce to all residents, supporting a healthier, more vibrant community.
About United Way of Northeast Florida
Celebrating 100 years of serving and uniting our community, United Way of Northeast Florida has earned a reputation as a respected and efficient philanthropic organization. United Way envisions a community of opportunity where everyone has hope and can reach their full potential. The organization’s mission is to solve Northeast Florida’s toughest challenges by connecting people, resources, and ideas. United Way focuses on improving economic mobility in the following impact areas: basic needs, financial well-being and racial equity. The nonprofit organization’s long tradition of addressing the human-service needs in Duval, Baker, Clay, Nassau and northern St. Johns counties is made possible through the commitment of thousands of volunteers, donors, and community partners. To learn more, visit unitedwaynefl.org, or follow United Way of Northeast Florida on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and X, formerly known as Twitter.###
New Town Oasis Marketplace Awarded Grant from First Coast Relief Fund to Enhance Access to Fresh Produce in New Town Neighborhood
Jacksonville, FL – March 15, 2024 – New Town Oasis Marketplace is proud to announce it has been awarded a grant from the First Coast Relief Fund Healing Jax Effort. The funds were raised as a result of the heinous shooting and killing of Jacksonville residents on August 23, 2024. This funding is earmarked specifically to increase the availability and accessibility of fresh produce to residents, addressing critical nutritional needs and promoting healthier lifestyles within the community.
The First Coast Relief Fund is dedicated to helping Northeast Florida residents in times of natural disaster and man-made crisis by providing critical support to nonprofits. The Relief Fund — fueled by the generosity of hundreds of donors in our community — is a key supporter for the nonprofit sector, benefitting hundreds of thousands of neighbors in time of need. By providing funding to enhance the capacity to supply fresh fruits and vegetables, the grant aims to bridge the nutritional gap faced by many residents, ensuring that wholesome, nutritious food options are within reach for all.
“The grant from the First Coast Relief Fund marks a significant milestone in our mission to ensure every resident of New Town has access to fresh, affordable produce,” said Wilene Dozier, President, at New Town Oasis Marketplace. “This funding will allow us to expand our offerings and support farmers and producers of color, fostering a sustainable ecosystem of food production and consumption that benefits our entire community.”
New Town Oasis Marketplace plans to introduce a range of initiatives designed to make fresh produce more accessible. These include partnerships with farmers of color to supply seasonal fruits and vegetables, educational programs on nutrition and healthy eating, and community events that celebrate the joy of food and community spirit.
The impact of the First Coast Relief Fund’s grant extends beyond the immediate benefits of increased access to fresh food. It signifies a crucial investment in the health and vitality of the New Town neighborhood, contributing to a foundation of wellness and prosperity that will support generations to come.
For more information about the New Town Oasis Marketplace, please visit www.newtownoasis.org or contact [email protected] or follow us on social.
About New Town Oasis Marketplace
New Town Oasis Marketplace is a community-centric nonprofit organization located in the heart of the New Town neighborhood of Jacksonville, FL. With a focus on accessibility and nutritional education, the marketplace strives to provide fresh, affordable produce to all residents, supporting a healthier, more vibrant community.
About the First Coast Relief Fund
Originally conceptualized following the Pulse Nightclub shooting in Orlando in 2016, the First Coast Relief Fund is a partnership of The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida, the Jessie Ball duPont Fund, the Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida, United Way of Northeast Florida and United Way of St. Johns County.
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