PALATKA – Fulfilling its mission to serve the community, the Rotary Club of Orange Park presented a check to St. Johns River State College Foundation and President Joe Pickens to support college students in need through the Foundation’s Random Acts of Kindness and emergency stipends programs.

Each year, Orange Park Rotary raises funds to aid community organizations. The SJR State Foundation was one of this year’s recipients. In addition to offering scholarships to students of merit, single parents and first-generation college students, the SJR State Foundation provides emergency stipends to students who may need help making ends meet while in college by paying an electric bill or rent or providing gift cards for food, gas and basic necessities not covered by scholarships or grants.

Surprising to some, many students are homeless and endure food insecurity while in college. According to a December 2022 article, Florida was first in the nation for students facing housing insecurity. In this study, 29% of students reported they don’t have a place to stay. With the current state of the economy and inflation, the SJR State Foundation is receiving more student assistance requests.

The Foundation assists students at all three campuses, including Orange Park.

Recently, a student whose home burned down received assistance. She lost her computer and books, which were replaced by a stipend from the Foundation. Another Allied Health student needed appropriate shoes for his clinicals in a medical setting. He received two pairs of new shoes and a gas card to assist with transportation to and from clinicals. A third student was unable to pay his rent and was facing eviction. His grant paid the balance to the landlord and provided gift cards for food and gas to help him through a challenging time.

“With the SJR State Foundation and community partners, the College has forged pathways to empower students by addressing their basic needs and dismantling barriers to success,” said Dr. Iana Harris, Student Support Ombuds. “With community support, we can weave a safety net of programs, ensuring no student navigates their journey alone.”

Assistance provided during crucial times in a college student’s life can determine whether a student stays in college and reaches goals. The ability to continue on the educational path impacts the student and the generations that follow this student.

“Without community leaders like those representing the Rotary of Orange Park, many students would not reach their potential,” SJR State President Joe Pickens said. “I hope more community members will join the college, the SJR State Foundation, and Rotary of Orange Park to invest in student potential. This is how we create a community that flourishes.”

If you are interested in learning more about or giving to support the SJR State Foundation Random Acts of Kindness and emergency needs stipends, contact the SJR State Foundation at (386) 312-4100 or visit the Foundation webpage. If you want to join the Rotary of Orange Park, contact the organization on Facebook.