The United Way of St. Johns County celebrated its recently renovated office in St. Augustine last Thursday, Sept. 27, with several members and leaders of the community. The celebratory event also served as an “After Hours” networking event for the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce.
According to United Way of St. Johns County President and CEO Melissa Nelson, the organization’s office, which is located at 117 Bridge St., was severely damaged from the last two years of hurricanes. The space was in such bad shape, she said, that the office’s front counter was taped together.
“If we did not improve our infrastructure, we could not increase our impact,” Nelson said. “The time was now.”
The renovations to the office included new flooring, a newly painted ceiling and a few general redesigns to allow for more space. Nelson described the renovations as “simple changes that led to great, new circumstances.” The office now has a collaborative area for volunteers to have more room.
Through support in the community, Nelson said her organization has raised nearly enough money to cover the cost of the renovations, which totaled $100,000. Thanks to a match from the Community Foundation of Northeast Florida, the United Way only needs to raise another $10,000 to meet its goal.
“It’s been a journey to get to this point,” Nelson said. “We just want to thank you.”
