No family should have to face difficult times alone.

Community Cares is a partnership between the JBE PTO and our school guidance department that provides short-term assistance to JBE families experiencing financial or unexpected hardships.

In addition to providing emergency assistance, Community Cares helps connect families with available school district and community resources, ensuring they receive the support they need both now and in the future. Every request is handled with care, respect, and complete confidentiality.

How does Community Cares Work?

Families may request assistance for themselves, or a teacher, staff member, or another family may confidentially nominate someone who could benefit from support.

After a request is received:

  • Student enrollment is verified by the school guidance counselor.

  • Requests are reviewed confidentially by the guidance counselor and the PTO Community Cares representative.

  • Assistance is provided based on individual need and available funding.

Only the guidance counselor and the designated PTO representative have access to request information. Personal information is never shared with the school community.

How can Community Cares help support JBE families?

Community Cares provides support in a variety of ways, including:

  • Grocery, gas, and retail gift cards

  • Assistance with school-related expenses

  • Emergency financial assistance for essential needs

  • Connecting families with Duval County Public Schools resources, including the School Social Worker and Full Service Schools program

  • Referrals to community organizations that provide additional support

  • Coordinating seasonal outreach efforts, including the annual Thanksgiving Food Drive

  • Other short-term assistance as funding and community partnerships allow

Because every family's situation is unique, support is personalized whenever possible. Gift cards are our primary form of assistance because they allow families to purchase what they need most while preserving privacy and dignity.

Beyond Immediate Assistance

Sometimes the greatest need isn't financial assistance; it's knowing where to turn.

Community Cares works alongside the JBE Guidance Department to connect families with trusted school district and community resources, including:

  • School Social Worker services

  • Full Service Schools

  • Community assistance programs

  • Local nonprofit organizations

  • Other resources based on each family's unique situation

Our goal is not only to provide immediate relief but also to help families access longer-term support whenever possible.

Other Frequently Asked Questions

Who can receive assistance? Any current JBE family with an enrolled student, or a JBE staff member, may request or be nominated for assistance.

Is my information confidential? Yes. Only the school guidance counselor and the PTO Community Cares representative review requests. Information is never shared publicly.

What kinds of assistance is available? Support is provided based on individual needs and available funding. Most assistance is provided through gift cards or payment of school-related expenses.

How quickly are requests reviewed? Requests are reviewed as quickly as possible. Processing time may vary depending on the type of request and available funding. Families submitting through the guidance counselor may experience a slightly longer processing time.

Need Support?

If your family is experiencing a temporary hardship, we encourage you to reach out.

Whether you're facing an unexpected emergency, financial strain, or another difficult situation, Community Cares is here to help.

All requests are confidential.

Request Assistance

Pam LoVerde
School Counselor
LoverdeP@duvalschools.org

Additional Questions?

PTO Representative
JBE Community Cares
fojbeptocommunitycares@gmail.com