The Need
Right here in St. Johns County, roughly 800 students are considered homeless, and thousands more are living at or below the poverty line. Every day, these children attend school with empty stomachs…or shoes that don’t fit….or worn clothing. Students do not have books to read at home, or funds for field trips, or access to mentors. From Ponte Vedra Beach to Nocatee, from Julington Creek to Fruit Cove, from St. Augustine to Hastings, thousands of our youngest neighbors have basic, unmet needs.
The Mission
Hugs Across the County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in St. Johns County, Florida. Our mission is:
- Raise awareness throughout the County about student poverty right here in our own community.
- Work closely with school counselors and the student services staff to identify needs.
- Raise funds and provide assistance to students in crisis situations.
- Organize St. Johns County neighbors to work together to provide assistance to our youngest residents.
- Provide classroom volunteers and mentors to Title 1 schools that serve more than 80 percent of students on free and reduced meal programs.
Volunteer Staff and Board of Directors
Board of Directors
- Brette Reiman, Founder and President
- Sandy Calvin, Vice President
- Stephanie Cills, Treasurer
- Holly Ross, Secretary
- Jen Bachman, Community Volunteer
- Karen Burke, Community Volunteer
- Susan Connor, Title 1 Coordinator, St. Johns County School District
- Heather Crawford, Anchor, First Coast News
- Nicole Crepes, Junior Service League of St. Augustine
- Lendward Griffin, The PLAYERS Boys and Girls Club of St. Augustine
- Michael Israel, Homeless Student Liaison, St. Johns County School District
- Judy Revels, Community Volunteer
- Colleen Wood, Community Volunteer