Beaches Emergency Assistance Ministry gathered local faith leaders at the Beaches Museum Chapel on Oct. 22 to talk about how congregations and the nonprofit can work together to reach struggling neighbors sooner.

The breakfast, themed "Rooted Together, Growing Forward," brought representatives of Beaches-area congregations together for a conversation about pressures facing local families and seniors, the Ponte Vedra Recorder reported. Discussion centered on the growing needs of seniors, increasing pressures on families living paycheck to paycheck and the importance of making sure people know where to turn for help.

Jeff Winkler, CEO of BEAM, facilitated the conversation and reintroduced faith leaders to the breadth of the organization's services.

"BEAM began because local faith leaders recognized that they could do more for their neighbors by working together," Winkler said, according to the Recorder. "That partnership is just as important today. By listening to what congregations are seeing and making it easier to connect people with help, we can reach more families and seniors before a difficult situation becomes a crisis."


The Rev. Don Lynn, one of BEAM's founding members, recalled how local congregations created the organization in 1985. The Recorder reported that his remarks underscored the breakfast's focus on working together to care for neighbors.

BEAM was founded in 1985 by representatives of local churches who received many personal appeals for emergency financial assistance, according to the nonprofit's website. The organization serves low-income residents in the 32082, 32224, 32227, 32228, 32233, 32250 and 32266 ZIP codes.

Its services include food assistance, emergency financial help for rent and utilities and specialized support through its Senior Program, Single Parent Program and Heirs' Property Assistance, the Recorder reported. BEAM operates two client-choice food pantries, one in Jacksonville Beach and one in Mayport.

From July 2024 through June 2025, BEAM distributed more than 1 million meals and spent $893,614 on overdue rent and utility bills. During that period, 1,180 households received financial assistance, according to the nonprofit.

The nonprofit also partners with the city of Atlantic Beach on the AB Cares program, which helps residents and utility customers struggling with water and sewer bills, according to the city's website. In June, the Beaches Community Fund awarded BEAM a $50,000 grant for general operating support.


BEAM had also invited pastors and community leaders to tour its Jacksonville Beach offices on Nov. 6, the Recorder reported. More information about its programs is available on BEAM's website.