Character Counts! In Jacksonville

With the whirlwind of activity that is happening at Character Counts! in Jacksonville, it is increasingly necessary to provide timely updates to our supporters so that you can all be aware of our progress, decisions, successes and setbacks.  We are learning in leaps and bounds and hope that you are inspired to chip in as you see the progress being made.

First Quarter Report

For Character Counts:

• Almost 300 supporters celebrated our Golden Rule award winner Jim Baily!
• Joined the NonProfit Center of Northeast Florida
• Joined the Jax Chamber
• Joined Hands On Jax
• Worked with Perdue Office Systems to design and layout the interior plans for our warehouse/event space
• Cleaned out and organized our downtown warehouse space with the support of a great MEETUP volunteer team led by Bill Bade.
• Met with the District Superintendent of the United Methodist Church about potential initiative in the local schools
• Invited to the Interfaith Council at the school board (remember the goal to be invited back into the school systems!!)
• Hired two interns for the summer months
• Prepared for the Chick-Fil-A Leadercast event (May 10th, 2013).  Promoting and Advertising the event.  Preparing for volunteers, contract with the library, coordinating drinks & refreshments.
• Visited Baker CI to work with soon-to-be-released men.
• Continued Teen Court Parenting classes - received a touching letter from a parent who graduated from the class, that express deep gratitude for the class.
• Continued City Rescue Mission classes - deepening relationship with the team to create an employee funnel for Conscious Eats. 
• Establishing long term organizational chart and writing job descriptions for it.

For Conscious Eats:

• Hired our first full time employee, Shawn Bryson!
• Filed Fictitious Name with the state of Florida for our Conscious Eats catering company
• Obtained Tax ID # for the items to be sold
• Filed Application for Catering License with State of Florida
• Continued research and preparation for Conscious Eats - suppliers such as US Foods, Blue Buddha; requirements to meet state laws; identified potential Executive Chef
• Catered events for AIGA and JAMA for promotional purposes
• Catered our first event and deposited a check from it!!
• Identified potential Executive Chef, retired Navy vet, who is looking to volunteer his time. 
• Establishing long term organizational chart and writing job descriptions for it.