Joy Case serves as the Director of Development for St. Augustine Society, Inc., which includes programs such as St. Francis House, Port in the Storm and SOS Street Outreach Services.
Tell us about your role as Director of Development for St. Augustine Society Inc.
As Director of Development, my role is to connect compassionate people in our community with the opportunity to make a real difference. Every meal served, every bed provided, every step someone takes toward stability; it all happens because someone chose to care. I have the privilege of building those relationships, sharing the impact of that generosity, and inviting others to be part of something truly meaningful.
Tell us a little bit about St. Francis House, Port in the Storm and SOS Street Outreach Services.
Each of our programs meets people exactly where they are with the main focus on helping them work for and secure positive, stable housing.
At St. Francis Housing Crisis Center, adults and families find safe shelter, meals, and support as they begin working toward stability. Port in the Storm Homeless Youth Center serves young adults, ages 18–24, offering not just shelter, but guidance, education, and a path forward during a critical time in their lives. And through SOS Street Outreach Services, our team goes out into the community into places many of us never see, to connect with individuals living unsheltered and help them take those first steps toward coming inside.
Together, these programs create a pathway from crisis to stability; and they exist because of the generosity of our community.
What do you like best about what you do?
What I love most is seeing what happens when someone chooses to care. A single act of generosity can completely change the direction of someone’s life. Being part of those moments where hope is restored and a new beginning becomes possible is incredibly meaningful.
What is a typical day like for you?
No two days are ever the same, which I love. One moment I may be meeting with a donor, the next I’m writing thank you letters, or collaborating with our team. But at the heart of every day is the same purpose…making sure the support is there so that when someone reaches out for help, we’re ready.
Are you from this area originally, or did you settle here from somewhere else? If the latter, what brought you to this community?
I was born and raised in Miami, and after spending many years in Norfolk, Virginia, I felt called to return to Florida. When the opportunity to be part of this mission in St. Johns County came along, it felt like everything aligned. This community has such a strong heart for helping others, and I knew I wanted to be part of that.
What do you like best about living here?
There’s something really special about this community. It’s not just the history and beauty of the area, it’s the people. There’s a genuine sense of care here, and you see it every day in the way people show up for one another.
How do you like to spend your free time?
I love spending time with my family, especially my grandchildren. Those moments are everything to me. I also enjoy being outdoors and taking in the simple beauty of where we live; it’s a great way to reset and recharge.
How can readers get involved with St. Augustine Society, Inc. and its programs?
There are so many meaningful ways to get involved. You can give of your time, talent and treasure via monetary donations…100% of which go toward impacting our people experiencing homelessness…volunteering, attending an event, or simply helping spread the word. One of the most impactful ways is becoming a monthly Keyholder by providing steady, monthly support that ensures shelter, meals, and services are there every single day.
At the end of the day, it’s about being part of something bigger…knowing that because of you, someone has a place to turn when they need it most.
