Pine Castle, one of Northeast Florida's leading agencies that serves adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DDs), recently received three golf carts donated by THE PLAYERS Championship to help engage and provide support for its participants on the Employment Pathway. Additionally, Duval Asphalt Products Inc. has committed to providing new paving for much of the 10-acre campus to ensure safety and provide a smooth ride for the new carts.
Pine Castle offers its participants two pathways within its academy to pursue their individual talents and interests: the Pathway to Life Enrichment or the Pathway to Community Employment. On the Employment Pathway, participants earn at least minimum wage while working on job-training skills and contracts. On-campus opportunities include manufacturing assembly, the wood shop and trade crew training in culinary, janitorial or maintenance.
“These golf carts will serve a great purpose in helping our crews get around and do their jobs here on our 10-acre campus,” said Lori Ann Whittington, chief executive officer. “Participants on the Employment Pathway will learn how to responsibly use the carts while working in their individual trade crews, sharpening their skills and adding to their workplace experience, helping them prepare for future jobs in our community.”
THE PLAYERS is dedicated to giving back to the communities where they live, work and host one of the world’s most recognized sporting events, THE PLAYERS Championship. Over the past 50 years, THE PLAYERS has supported more than 300 nonprofit organizations in Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau and St. Johns counties, including Pine Castle.
“At THE PLAYERS, our commitment to giving back to the community is at the heart of everything we do,” said Lee Smith, executive director of THE PLAYERS. “We're proud to support organizations like Pine Castle, and through initiatives like to Employment Pathway program, we strive to make a positive impact in Northeast Florida, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.”
In addition to the donation of golf carts from THE PLAYERS, Pine Castle received a gift of services from Duval Asphalt that will provide new paving across much of the 10-acre campus. Not only will the updated paving provide a safer surface for staff and participants alike to walk on but will also provide a smoother ride for the golf carts.
“We are truly grateful for this amazing gift from Duval Asphalt to replace most of our aging pavement across the campus,” said Whittington. “We can’t wait to see the new paving with the beautiful golf carts in Pine Castle’s colors of green and blue traveling around the campus with ease.”
Duval Asphalt is committed to providing support and services to organizations in the community. Duval Asphalt focuses its charitable contributions and participation almost exclusively on local nonprofits, many of which have or currently provide support to their employees and their families.
“We are honored to provide our time and resources to improve the overall appearance, functionality and safety of Pine Castle’s asphalt driveways, walkways and parking areas.” said Jennifer Garrett, director of marketing and business development.
On May 16, THE PLAYERS staff and the Championship’s Red Coats, a group of local civic and corporate leaders who oversee the tournament's volunteer efforts, helped unveil the carts to the Pine Castle campus.
The unveiling ceremony featured words from the Pine Castle staff, including Whittington, testimony from two participants on their experiences in the Employment Pathway, and a ribbon cutting ceremony.
“I currently work on the culinary crew where I’m learning about the food service industry in a real working kitchen where we serve food to staff and participants,” said Pine Castle participant Anna. “These golf carts and the new pavement on campus are going to be so helpful when transporting food, and we’re very happy to have them.”
The afternoon continued with an abundance of outdoor activities for the Pine Castle participants to enjoy, as well as a picnic-style barbecue for all, and a hands-on experience for THE PLAYERS and Red Coats volunteers in the Pine Castle Woodshop.
With a legacy spanning more than 70 years, Pine Castle has been a steadfast advocate for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs), fostering growth and inclusivity throughout its history. As an organization, Pine Castle serves and empowers adults with intellectual and developmental differences through opportunities to learn, work and connect. The organization has helped pioneer the philosophy that individuals with IDD have the right to live full and productive lives and envisions a community where they can achieve their potential for independence.
