The Florida State College of Jacksonville women's basketball team kicked off the 2023-2024 season with a visit to The Sanctuary on 8th.
The team spent one-on-one time with the children and played icebreakers to get to know one another and find commonalities. It was a great time for them to ask questions and for our players to stress the importance of education.
Afterwards, they took them outside for some fresh air and to play. From the playground, tossing the football, playing basketball and foursquare, the kids enjoyed spending time the team. FSCJ player's help to push many of the children out of their comfort zone in some of the activities and they enjoyed.
The Sanctuary on 8th Street works as a catalyst for expanding opportunities for children and families in need through education, social services, recreation and the arts. They aim to encourage and empower Jacksonville youth and families in need by ministering to their spiritual, physical, social, and intellectual needs.
In response to the changing needs of the neighborhood, the Presbytery of St. Augustine and the former Springfield Presbyterian Church opened the doors of Urban Ministries of Springfield in 1992. In 2001, the name was changed to the Sanctuary on 8th Street after relocating to the historic post office building. The program has grown from a dozen to over 100 children in our after-school and summer camp programs.