KEYSTONE HEIGHTS – The “Impact Clay Train” made its first stop at Keystone Heights Junior/Senior High last Saturday, where mobile care teams provided benefits to the community. The services convoy will stop throughout the county on the third Saturday of each month.

“The goal is to build trust and consistency among the communities we visit,” said Impact Clay CEO Connie Thomas.

Impact Clay Train is a mobile healthcare caravan comprised of private, public, nonprofit and faith-based organizations dedicated to making healthcare and social services more accessible to residents who otherwise couldn’t access them. There were many “cars” on the train:

Clay Behavioral Health helped residents sign up for government benefits like Medicaid and SNAP. The organization was also there to triage mental health and substance abuse to offer resources for those in need.

Celebration Church, Food for Clay County and Waste Not Want Not offered bundles and bounties of food residents could take home. No one went home hungry.

The Emanuel Project was there to continue its mission of providing quality healthcare services to the underserved and vulnerable populations of Northeast Florida. The nonprofit used an RV repurposed as a mobile clinic to offer checkups, physicals and referrals for residents without health insurance or limited health coverage.

Seeds of Love and Springs Church had a clothing boutique “car” that offered clothes from infant to all sizes.

Cuts of Grace and Valkyrie Salon offered free haircuts.

Showering God’s Love offered hot showers and privacy for those without access to running water.

Mercy Support Services offered faith-based counseling and spiritual guidance.

Saved 2 Serve grilled up some sizzling, savory burgers and hotdogs.

Although Impact Clay Train is not a “train” in a literal sense, the organization was sure to offer engineers’ hats, train whistles and a train ride attraction for anyone who wanted fun. Commissioner Mike Cella had a blast riding in the caboose, even if he was a bit dizzy getting off, he said.

Impact Clay Train will be pulling up to Clay Hill Elementary on Feb. 17. After that, the train will stop at Grove Park Elementary in Orange Park on March. 16. From there, the train will return to Keystone Heights again.

Thomas invited the community to come out to the stops throughout the year. The events are open to the public, and the healthcare professionals are there to answer any questions.

“Anyone who needs community – anyone who wants or needs any help is welcome to come out. We have 75 volunteers who love people and are here to serve you… Don’t hesitate to come out to our other stops, either,” said Thomas.