With all the hustle & bustle of preparations for the holiday season of Thanksgiving and Christmas, it’s sometimes difficult to think of those American Inspired individuals who continually give assistance to others from their unselfish contributions.  There is a lady that has dedicated her life to showing others how to recuperate from hard times and then to make a new life for themselves and others.  Her name is Ju’Coby Pittman-Peele and she is the CEO / President of Clara White Mission in Jacksonville, Florida.

Ms. “V” first became aware of Ju’Coby and her ongoing support of Clara White Mission from a telecast on the NBC “Today Show”.  As time went on, this writer had the opportunity to see the many other efforts that Ju’Coby Pittman has initiated, or was the recipient of other generous donations to Clara White Mission.

• Clara White Mission and NBC Today’s Show
• Clara White Mission – “Clara’s at the Cathedral
• Clara White Mission Graduation
• Highway Safety & Construction Maintenance Program
• Clara White Mission hosts annual Miracle on Ashley St.
• CWM annual Pearls & Cufflinks benefit
• Clara White Mission C4aCz benefit
• Welfarewell Theatre JAX has food-drive for CWM

For the past 18 years, Ju’Coby has dedicated her life as an advocate for equality in developing and implementing programs for the homeless, veterans, youth and low-come in the community.  With the support of community stakeholders, staff, the Board of Directors and volunteers, under her leadership the Mission has raised, developed and implemented a $2.1 million dollar project to include a 24-hour operation of transitional housing, job training in Culinary Arts, Janitorial Training and Highway Safety and Construction Maintenance, Drop-In Day Center, a Daily Feeding Program and Prevention Programs of golf, tennis and academics for inner city youth.  In addition she has developed a separate 501 (c) (3) organization for the Eartha M. M. White Historical Museum, which provides educational and historical resources to the community.  Her efforts are to continue the legacy and tradition of founders, Clara and Eartha White by developing on-going support and fundraisers to generate long term sustainability with a team approach.

In April, 2007, a new initiative in partnership with St. John’s Episcopal Church, the Mission opened “Clara’s at the Cathedral”, a training café for students and graduates to perfect their skills and prepare them for the workforce in the hospitality industry.  Currently, the vision is to develop a $12 million dollar affordable housing development with supportive services in the downtown LaVilla community.  Ju’Coby’s philosophy is “Go out of your comfort zone to make a difference.” ― Clara White Mission.  Ju’Coby along with a staff of 24, accomplish the care and welfare of the Clara White Mission through donations, the Skip-A-Meal program and other fundraising efforts.

Clara's Quick Facts:

• The Clara White Mission was founded in 1904, but traces its origins back to the 1880's
• Former slave, Clara English White, fed her hungry neighbors and community from her apartment.
• Helps feed over 10,000 homeless men, women and children every year.
• A community center stimulating economic development through educational programs, daily feedings, advancement and more.
• Its educational programs graduate rate is at 90%.

Ju'Coby Pittman-Peele is to be commended for being a shining example of leadership as she devotes her passion of caring for others and the sacrifice that she gives to those in the Jacksonville Florida area.  Thanks to Ju’Coby and the staff of Clara White Mission!

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