One Community Family Resource Center's Launch
Residents in east Gainesville have a facility they can use to be connected to resources in the community to meet their needs in all areas of life.
The Pleasant Street Civil Rights Cultural Arts Center launched its One Community Family Resource Center at 1725 SE First Ave. on Sunday.
"We hope to be a place to provide value to the community," said Gerard Duncan, the founder of Pleasant Street CRCA. "When we find someone in need, we want to do our best to support them and help them. We want to provide upward mobility so everyone can have a good quality of life."
The launch featured an open house where guests toured the building; a back-to-school backpack and supplies giveaway; and free food.
The facility will house offices for the community health workers and the founder of Pleasant Street CRCA; a conference room; a space for a computer lab; and a room to test residents for diabetes, high blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.
"We need to know the resources we can refer people to and what is required," Duncan said. "When people come, we want to make sure we give them everything they need or else they will be discouraged."
Duncan said the community resource center is partially being funded by Children’s Trust Alachua County, a trust which funds programs that support children and families.
He said other partners involved are Amgen, UF's mobile outreach clinic, Alachua County Public Schools and Partnership for Strong Families.
"We are a proud partner in this endeavor in an effort to expand resources in east Gainesville," said Marsha Kiner, executive director of Children’s Trust Alachua County. "We are proud to assist the center and provide the necessary resources to families."
The building will also be the new location for its Food Is Medicine food pharmacy program.
The program was created to provide nutrition counseling and healthy foods to residents while reducing food insecurity and improving health outcomes for individuals who have been diagnosed with illnesses such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, cancer, hypertension, and high blood pressure.
The food is provided by Bread of the Mighty Food Bank, Feeding Northeast Florida, and other food distribution agencies.
Duncan said residents interested in the food program can stop by the building Mondays through Thursdays at 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Alexa Strawder, the center’s resource manager, gave a tour around the building and shared how the community center will provide workshops to residents which will be hosted by local organizations such as CDS Family and Behavioral Services, BXE Real Estate, the UF Lastinger Center for Learning, and more.
"We're trying to bring people to upward mobility," Strawder said. "We will be making assessments to see if what we are doing is improving lives. We are trying to lessen the hardships."
Strawder said the resource center is focusing on five different social disparities — transportation, housing and education, social economics, and social assistance.
Jarell Whitehead, an activist and the center's community health worker, served the free food to the guests during the event and said the center is there to empower people to get what they need.
"It is a great addition to the community," Whitehead said. "We are able to give people a hand up and not a handout. We're all in need of a helping hand. We are looking forward to outcomes. If we don't provide opportunities for the people, we failed. We want to see the success."
Seddricka Thompson, attended the event to tour the facility and shared how she is looking forward to the center meeting the needs of the east Gainesville community.
"People need help and the centerwant to help people who are going through things," said Seddricka Thompson. "I can't wait to see the center bettering the community and help those in need."
Article via the Gainesville Guardian by Voleer Thomas
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Wow, I've been following the news in Gainesville, and I just had to share how incredibly excited I am about the launch of the One Community Family Resource Center! Hearing about Gerard Duncan's vision for this place makes me feel so hopeful for our community. It's not just another building; it truly feels like a beacon of support right here in East Gainesville. I remember reading about how the Pleasant Street Civil Rights Cultural Arts Center, founded by Gerard Duncan, is behind this brilliant initiative. It’s inspiring to see someone so dedicated to lifting up our neighbors. The idea is simple yet so powerful: provide a central hub where anyone can connect with the resources they need to thrive. From what I understand, this isn't just about handing out aid; it's about fostering "upward mobility" and ensuring everyone has a shot at a good quality of life. That really resonates with me, especially when we talk about community building. One of the things that caught my eye is the range of services. It's not just a single-focus center. They have offices for community health workers, a conference room, and even a space for a computer lab – which is fantastic for digital literacy and job searching! Plus, the mention of health screenings for diabetes, high blood pressure, and cholesterol levels is so crucial. Access to preventative health care can be a real challenge for many, and having it right in the neighborhood is a game-changer. Imagine the peace of mind knowing you can get these vital checks without a long, complicated process. And let's talk about the Food Is Medicine program. This is something I deeply believe in. It's more than just providing food; it's about nutrition counseling and healthy foods for those facing illnesses like type 2 diabetes, obesity, and hypertension. Knowing that organizations like Bread of the Mighty Food Bank and Feeding Northeast Florida are involved ensures residents get wholesome, nutritious meals. I've always thought that what we eat directly impacts our health and overall well-being. This program tackles food insecurity head-on while also addressing chronic health issues – a true holistic approach! The center is also tackling huge social disparities, focusing on transportation, housing, education, social economics, and social assistance. These are the foundational blocks for a stable life, and addressing them collectively is smart. I can just imagine someone struggling with housing finding guidance, or a family needing educational support for their kids getting connected to the right programs. The workshops hosted by local organizations like CDS Family and Behavioral Services and the UF Lastinger Center for Learning sound like they'll be incredibly practical and empowering. It's not just information; it's about equipping people with the tools to improve their lives. It's clear that this project has strong community backing. Partners like Children’s Trust Alachua County and Alachua County Public Schools show that this is a collaborative effort, truly designed to serve families and children. I think that kind of broad support is what makes a community initiative truly sustainable and impactful. I heard Seddricka Thompson, a fellow resident, say she can't wait to see the center bettering the community, and I completely agree! This center, spearheaded by Gerard Duncan and his dedicated team, isn't just offering services; it's offering hope and a pathway to a better future for so many in East Gainesville. If you're in the area or know someone who could benefit, I highly recommend checking it out. This is grassroots change at its best, and I'm so proud to see it happening in our city!
Love this 🤍