Barnabas Center Inc.

Mission: Our mission is to provide help and hope to individuals and families in need throughout Nassau County, Fl to improve their stability, health and well-being. We are committed to empowering our community with the compassionate support and resources they deserve, enabling them to overcome life's challenges and create brighter futures filled with possibility. Vision: We envision a community where every individual has the opportunity to lead a healthy and productive life, thereby strengthening our entire community. History: Barnabas Center began in 1986 when parishioners at St. Michael’s Catholic Church sought to help individuals and families in crisis in Nassau County. Their efforts quickly grew with support from the Fernandina Beach Ministerial Alliance and other local churches. From its humble beginnings in St. Michael’s old school building, Barnabas expanded to its own center on South 11th Street in Fernandina Beach, FL. In 1995, the “New to You” resale store was launched and has since become a major funding source, now with a second location and an online store. In 2001, a branch office opened in Callahan, FL to better serve West Nassau. Medical and dental clinics began in 2007, and in 2014, these services, along with the food pantry, moved to the current location on Jasmine Street in Fernandina Beach, FL. For over 30 years, Barnabas has been a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting people in crisis through the help of donors, churches, civic groups, and volunteers. Governed by a Board of Directors and led by a dedicated staff, Barnabas continues to evolve—offering not just emergency assistance, but long-term support and empowerment programs that help clients rebuild their lives.

Barnabas Center serves as Nassau County’s only comprehensive service center, fully dedicated to empowering those in need to become healthy, thriving citizens. We consider ourselves a hope delivery system in that we are committed to providing individuals and families with the support they need to enhance their stability, health and overall well-being. Through our diverse range of services – which include nutrition services, empowerment programs and health services – we empower our residents to overcome challenges and flourish within the community. Because we recognize that each person’s journey is unique, we are dedicated to offering tailored support that meets our clients’ specific needs. We work hard to go beyond providing immediate assistance to create hope and possibilities for brighter futures. Guided by our core values of Accountability, Community Impact, Compassion, Dignity, Excellence, Integrity and Service, we hold ourselves to the highest standards as we work to strengthen our entire community.