Upward & Onward Jacksonville

Cooking Up Success Recap!🍝

We had a great time in our youth cooking class! Our young chefs prepared their own dinner, explored different spices, and learned how to reduce salt for healthier choices.

It was more than just cooking…it was laughter, conversation, education, hands-on learning, and building life skills that support their overall well-being.

Thank you parents for your commitment 💚

And a huge thank you Chef Calise Curry for your patience 🤭 and the ability to teach our youth how to cook with love 😊

Stay tuned for the next youth meet-up with Upward & Onward Jacksonville ✨

Exciting news 💚 We’re expanding our reach to serve even more youth and young adults at-risk to homelessness.

As we embark on this journey, we’re seeking dedicated individuals to serve as board members, interns, and volunteers to help steer our organization towards greater impact and success.

If you’re committed to making a difference and empowering those in need, we want you on our team! Complete our interest form or submit your resume via email.

https://forms.gle/MfpW3t14QAvxZZHc8

💚 Together, We Can Build Brighter Futures Through Opportunity and Support

🥘 Cooking Up Success! 🥗

Caregivers, give your youth the opportunity to learn healthy cooking and nutrition skills in a fun and supportive environment! This Youth Health & Nutrition Class will teach participants how to prepare simple, nutritious meals while building confidence in the kitchen.

✨ Spaces are limited, so don’t miss this opportunity to register your youth today!

Registration 🔗
https://forms.gle/WHr3Lruqr6aG7tmU8

Let’s cook up success, together 💚

⛳️ “Swinging Toward Success” happened today!

Providing opportunities for our youth is always a priority. Exposure and support can truly shape the trajectory of their future…so we remain committed to opening doors, building confidence, and creating pathways for success.

Thank you JAXStars and First Tee ⛳️

Next Saturday is our Health & Nutrition Cooking Class! 🍳 Join Us ✨✨✨✨

⛳️Swinging Toward Success!⛳️

Caregivers, give your youth a fun and meaningful experience on the green! Join us for a FREE Youth Golfing Day, where youth will build confidence, learn new skills, and enjoy positive community connection.

✨Spaces are limited, so don’t miss this opportunity to register your youth today!

🔗 https://forms.gle/XMU2fTRShhLU5wfu5

💚 Building Brighter Futures Through Opportunity & Support.

We are deeply grateful to Simply Healthcare for awarding us the NeighborGood Grant and believing in our mission.

This support affirms the work we do and strengthens our commitment to creating meaningful opportunities and lasting impact for our youth. 💚

Our first Workforce Readiness Cohort Graduation Day inside the Juvenile Detention Center was amazing. We invited 2 community volunteers to share their trade journeys based on the youth’s expressed interest, for real-life conversations between men about work, choices, setbacks, and purpose.

It truly takes a community to make this happen! 💚

Huge thanks to DJJ/JDC for trusting us with this opportunity, and to our wellness coach, mentor and volunteers, your dedication to our youth is the foundation of real change.

✨The Results Are In! ✨

Remember when we shared about connecting with an organization that donated hair products to the young ladies in the detention center?

Here are the results.

Thanks to stylist Samaria Paul, 8 young ladies received a little TLC, boosted confidence, and felt seen and cared for. 💚

This is what happens when community shows up. Grateful for partners who believe in pouring into our youth - inside and out. ✨

Thank you DJJ for your continuous trust in us!

✂️Calling 4 Barber Volunteers✂️

We’re looking for 5 skilled barbers (1 committed) to help cut a few youth on a consistent basis and pour into them with encouragement at the same time.

Your time and talent can boost confidence and change a life. 💈✨

📩 DM us if you’re willing to serve!
Please share 🔂