Members of the John’s Island Community Service League enjoyed an Opening Luncheon that began with a delightful 45th anniversary video, “Empower Tomorrow,” composed by Sallyan Pelletier, in which members spoke about ways the philanthropic group continues to enrich the lives of others while having fun doing so.
From the time Johnny Van Name and some friends established the Tambourine Resale Shop and granted its first $25,000, the JICSL has grown exponentially. Through contributions, volunteerism and innovative collaborative initiatives, they have funneled $20 million back into the community, including more than $1.7 million in grants and scholarships this past spring.
“I really think that the video captures the spirit of the Service League,” said Ellen Kendall, JICSL board president. “It’s an organization that really creates a community and a sense of purpose for its members in addition to the grants, scholarships and programs that we fund.”
The guest speaker was Meredith Egan, CEO of the United Way of Indian River County, with whom the Service League has collaborated on several successful initiatives, including Access to Justice, the Housing Emergency Advocacy Response Team Program, Step Into Kindergarten, and the Mental Health Intensive Outpatient Program.
Egan said our United Way supports multiple nonprofits addressing the areas of education, financial stability and health. Locally, more than 60 percent of funding comes from individuals rather than workforce campaigns, and includes a John’s Island segment that accounts for 34 percent of the overall campaign.
“We are proud that United Way is often recognized as the community problem solver, convener and think tank,” said Egan, explaining that funded partners are afforded financial support and stability, increased visibility and credibility, and access to training and resources.
Much of their work supports the 44 percent of our county’s ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families – hard-working, low-paid residents who struggle to pay for basic needs – and the nearly 15 percent who live below the poverty rate.
Egan spoke of how the United Way was able to respond quickly to the devastation caused by the recent tornadoes and hurricane, thanks in large part to their established network of community partners and funders.
“We sprang into action because we were already prepared,” said Egan.
“At this point, let me pause and say thank you so much for your generosity, your flexibility and your immediate response, even though many of you were miles away,” said Egan, referencing a $250,000 grant from the JICSL Contingency Fund.
A Multi-Agency Resource Center was set up at the United Against Poverty UP Center, bringing multiple services under a single location to provide on-site immediate assistance.
“At the MARC, we served 1,752 people, helping them to find temporary housing, food and basic needs, all within days of the storm,” said Egan. Additionally, national disaster response teams such as the Cajun Navy and Team Rubicon found our town because of its United Way.
Egan said 51 homes were completely destroyed, and another 547 sustained substantial damage, many of them populated by ALICE families who will need ongoing support to rebuild their lives.
“Recovery is not about restoring what was lost. It’s about building a more resilient community for the future. In times of disaster, the United Way connects, convenes and leverages relationships to ensure our neighbors have the support they need to recover. United, we are greater than any storm,” said Egan.
Kendall related that the JICSL raised over $2 million from membership dues, events, donations and the Tambourine Shop last year, and distributed $1.7 million, through annual grants, strategic grants and scholarship programs. Monies raised this year will go toward 2025-2026 grants.
She explained that 12 teams are reviewing 47 programs covering adult senior care, crisis foster care, shelter education, early education, mental health, mentoring and special needs.
“Literally hundreds of volunteers and donors, made all of this possible, allowing us to do so much more with your donations,” said Kendall, thanking everyone for their support.
For more information, visit JICSL.org.
Photos by Joshua Kodis
