Growth Comes in Many Forms!

Our growth over the past year has been fueled by hard work,
deep faith and our willingness to ask for support from our community. At each stage of this journey we have seen that it is our steadfastness and resilience that has shown we are an investable entity. 

Much like the people we support, we too, are proving our worth each step of the way. We have managed to create jobs, build a community of like minded people and foster other social enterprises along the way.

Each week, in our shop, at the Jacksonville Farmers Market, we get to meet people from all over our community. We are ever astounded at the diversity of our city. We get to learn about their lives and support their goals be them health, business or personal. The goal of Character Counts is to foster discussions and experiences that help us live to the Six Pillars of Character. The shop at the JFM allows us to welcome these exchanges and build relationships based on character.

It is quite an honor to host this space. We feel so privileged to  bear witness to the many stories that are told week to week. It has been so inspiring to hear how others over come hardship and find courage day to day. 

We hope you will find the time to spend a few minutes with us out at the Market. Your insights and wisdom will add to the magic of the space!

The One Spark Lessons: Involved to Evolve

Join us April 9-13
Workscapes Jacksonville
121 West Forsyth Street
Project #20538

Project No. 20538

Project No. 20538

Project No. 20538

As we prepare for One Spark, I am struck at the energy that is being created around us.

While sharing what we are working on, resources and people are being attracted to our mission: To bring resources to other social enterprises to fuel growth and sustainability.

Articulating and sharing our mission has helped us see anew. It has helped us to see how all that we have learned while creating Conscious Eats has fueled how we want to help others on their path to creating livelihoods and change.

Building Conscious Eats has taught us that fostering meaningful alliances within our community is critical. Working to build a social enterprise is complex. While creating a business we are also creating an educational platform that will empower those who are involved to evolve. 

Some days the vision is sparkling and clear, other days the vastness of it all confuses us. Yet as we step forward day to day, each and every lessons brings us closer to realizing the dream of employing those who have struggled to find their place in the world. Our commitment to this vision is strengthened and fueled each step along this path...

Read our One Spark vision!

Why is CCINJAX interested in design dialogues?

This free monthly lunch has been created to foster interdisciplinary dialogue within the design and social change communities. We believe in the power of design to engage and transform. The goal of this monthly event is to explore the discipline of design as well as the many facets of it. All change agents are welcome to join the dialogue. As we work to refine the design of our city, we hope these gatherings will inspire a spirit of collaboration and shared values. 

Why is CCINJAX interested in design? 
Florence Haridan the Executive Director of the organization has been a designer her whole career. Before leading our non-profit, her roles as a leader have always been grounded in design thinking. 
 
As she brings the work of CC to life, she has leveraged her knowledge of design to to create and implement programs, projects and products. She believes the discipline of design is critical in the social change process and is often referred to as a design advocate. 

Today the Conscious brands are guided by design thinking and it is this discipline we believe will bring the social enterprises long term sustainable success. 

Hosted by Workscapes Jacksonville,  a proud sponsor of Character Counts! in Jacksonville.

A light healthy lunch will be provided by Conscious Eats, the social enterprise of CCinJAX.

Space is limited to 30.
RESERVE your space for March 7
RESERVE your space for April 4

Would you like to support the work of Character Counts! in Jacksonville? Please bring along a bag of plain nuts or dried fruits. They are used to create fund raising products. 

Adversity As A Change Agent

Who do you show up as during times of adversity?

What aspect of your character is revealed?
Strengthened? 
Questioned?

Each of us has the opportunity to live and breathe into our character during times of turmoil. As we participate/witness systems that are flawed, broken and misunderstood, we are often called to voice our opinions.

HOW we voice those thoughts is critical to igniting meaningful dialogue and in turn taking right action. We ask that YOU consider how your character will be revealed and what the legacy of your words and actions will create. 

Creating a community based on trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship, we MUST look within and allow ourselves to be held to the next level of accountability. It is in that commitment, we inspire others to do the same. 

How are you showing up today?

The Road to One Spark!

As we evolve and expand what we are doing in our One Spark Space
we will be sharing the team, the inspirations and the lessons!

What can a bagel turn into?

Could be anything!

The team at Conscious Eats is curious!! Our partner Einstein Bagels generously donates their end of day stash to us. We are busy developing products that our employees can create and market. What's your idea?

We have a few but are interested in what you are thinking.

If you are curious about our creations come visit us at the King Street Market most Wednesdays, starting January 15th. 5-8 at Intuition Ale Works.

If you place a comment here, we will give you a free treat to taste!!

The ROI of Giving

EVENT POSTPONED: Will POST when rescheduled.

Each day we are asked to give our attention, our resources and often our hearts to individuals, causes or ideas. How and why we decide where we invest is critical to achieving the right results, that will make a life or a community better.

The question we have been considering, as resources become more precious is, are we giving or are we investing?

We believe it is about investing. When we give, are we to expect an outcome, most often not. Yet over the years of researching this topic, I have found this to be a falsehood. We have a natural expectation that when we give, there will be a result. Our innate desire to make a difference in the world is connected to our ability to manage the resurces we have to achieve the greatest result. 

Quite simply, the goal of igniting this conversation is to get each of us to think more strategically on how and where we give for the greatest impact in our community.

Join us January 9th at Everbank stadium for an afternoon of discussion, passion and purpose.

We ask you to consider...

Business Owners:  
• What charitable organization touches your heart?
• Who do you decide to give to?
• How does your community investment affect your brand?
• What social impact is your business most proud of?

Non-Profits, Social Entrepreneurs:
• What makes you investable?
• What makes your organization worthy of investment?
• How are you articulating return on investment to your donors? Funders?

 Individuals:
• Where are you volunteering? 
• Are you learning while volunteering? 
• What skills are being honed?

These are hard questions to consider. Join us to explore these questions as a community. Come away with new perspectives and insights that will inspire action!










Join author Robert Clancy for an afternoon of inspirational stories and spiritual highlights from his acclaimed new book, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Soul. Through thought-provoking excerpts and open dialogue, experience how volunteerism, community service and a compassion for humanity can help shape your career, bring deeper meaning to your business and enlighten your soul!

After Robert shares his insights we will have time to speak with each other and listen to a panel of local and national business leaders and philanthropists. Our special guests are finalizing their calenders. As we know more we will post!

Three "take-aways":
• Learn how community service can tangibly enhance your business and your bottom line.
• Discover how volunteerism truly makes a difference in our community and why you    should be involved on deeper levels.
• Gain insights on how to engage with volunteers and donors in new ways.
This thought provoking afternoon is sure to fire you up and inspire your next move in the giving community!

Register NOW!
Cost: $45 Individual • $180 - Buy 4 - Get 5  • $360 - Buy 8 - Get 10

This event is proudly sponsored by Everbank, Hunter & Associates, Bold Bean Coffee Roasters. and Einstein Bagels 

Are you interested in sponsorship? Spots still available!

This event is proudly supported by AIGA Jacksonville and Jacksonville American Marketing Association

Who is worthy of your help?

 Who is worthy of your help?
How may you hold them accountable?

The act of asking for help is a deep and powerful expression of self worth. Often it is the hardest thing a person or organization can can do when in need. 

This morning I received word that an old friend took her life. I sat praying for her, for her family and finally for myself. That I would remember this moment of personal doubt that was fueled by my, "What could I have done?" thoughts.  

Regret is here. Shame is here. Passion has been stirred. Action is real!

Several years ago I created a workbook that was about the cycle of giving and receiving. I interviewed hundreds of people on the topic and came to two very deep conclusions. We ASK for help when we feel worthy and GIVE help to those we deem worthy. 

It was a humbling exploration into my own self worth and that of those around me. My journey these past years has been a deeper education on the cycle of help. I know today when I ask for help, I MUST be willing to be held accountable to the giver and I have a responsibility to hold those I give help to accountable.  

As you give this holiday season, I ask you to ponder the notion of accountability and how it plays into who and how you give.

THANK YOU Friends GIve Ten$

Frank Denton: Redemption for the worst among us

Redemption for the worst among us.

 

Originally Published in the Florida Times Union
September, 22 2013

Written by Frank Denton

You and I love stories about redemption — people overcoming, surviving and conquering.

This column was going to be about the redemption of a convicted felon named Shawn, but then I found out what he did to earn 12 years in prison, and I — and probably you — can’t handle that yet. I need a more open mind and a bigger heart.

Let’s see if we can find that. Maybe through another powerful story of redemption, that of Florence Haridan, who ultimately became one of Shawn’s angels of redemption.
Eleven years ago, Haridan was a senior executive at Citibank in Jacksonville, leading teams of hundreds of people in the credit card division.

But her life was a disaster. The daughter of an abusive alcoholic father, she was married to an abusive husband. And she weighed more than 400 pounds. “I’d been fat my whole life. Food was my drug of choice.”

About 11 years ago, at the age of 40, she had a “personal awakening,” when her weight was keeping her from enjoying the beach, one of her few pleasures. It just wore her out to walk on the sand and bend over to pick up seashells. So, she said, “I went on a personal journey. I gave myself a chance.”

She had gastric-bypass surgery, committed to a 12-step program, lost 220 pounds and kept it off. After a particularly violent night — “my birthday” — she divorced her husband and left him with “half of my net worth.”

But trouble wasn’t through with her. She had left Citibank to find more creative work, but instead, she developed pernicious anemia, a very serious disease that enfeebled her for 2½ years and left her impoverished and miserable.

In 2008, Haridan decided to kill herself. She wrote the note, took some pills and planned to jump off a bridge in St. Augustine. A friend called the police, and the cop who checked on her, noting the religious art around her apartment, asked if she believed in God.
“Where is he now?” she remembers responding. “I’m broke, I’m almost dead.”
The officer said: “He sent me.”

Haridan spent nine days in the Flagler Hospital “psych ward” under the Baker Act, then went through psychotherapy. She said the doctors figured out her misery traced back to the pernicious anemia.

Haridan remembers the moment in the hospital that jolted her to end her free fall and begin the ascent. “Some friends had come to see me, and I felt so bad when they left because I couldn’t leave. I saw people in there being given up on. They had no one.”
They were almost disposable people, being tossed out as useless, and that became a metaphor for her and what came next.

“I just got busy getting better. The psych ward had a creative room, so I started getting creative again.” She had a BFA in graphic design and had worked in that field early in her career. One of her favorite, and oft-used, words is “creative.”

And she got a job as the local executive director of Character Counts, the national program that works to infuse schools, governments and agencies with its “six pillars of character” — trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship.

“We work to bring character to life in unique and innovative ways by creating experiences that engage the participants to have their voices heard,” the organizations says. “We endeavor to create a sense of accountability and empowerment for all our members.”
Something in those words resonated with Haridan — her education, experience and personal redemption. “All that life experience prepared me for this.”

She decided to create an entrepreneurial enterprise for Character Counts that would recycle or revive disposable things — food, material and people.

So far, she has created Conscious Eats, which takes donated food and uses it for catering or different products — Einstein Bagels, for example, donated day-old bagels that Conscious Eats is turning into trail mix and bagel chips for Intuition Ale Works.
Still to come are Conscious Threads, to repurpose clothing, and Conscious Story, to tell inspirational stories of re-created lives like Haridan’s.

But after the entrepreneurial creativity and business plans are the heart of the Conscious projects — reclaimed people to work for the enterprises.

Remembering those lost souls in the psych ward and, for a time, herself, Haridan targeted the most disposable people, those no one wants — ex-cons. She takes them fresh out of prison, sees they get character coaching and counseling with mentors, helps them develop a “business plan” for their lives, insists they follow the parole rules, gives them some work to do and some self-respect, and shows them there is a way up.

Her star is Shawn, a former Blue Cross manager who came to her 2½ years ago after serving 12 years in prison — for sexual assault of a child. Haridan said he himself was abused as a child, and he turned himself in, and so on, but still … sexual assault of a child.
Haridan said Shawn has worked hard and straight since he went to prison. He taught GED classes inside and learned Spanish. Since he’s been out, she said, he’s obeyed all the parole and sex-offender registration rules, and he’s about to receive his bachelor’s degree at FSCJ. He’s chair of the finance committee of his church, and he and his fiancée are planning their wedding.

Hardly anyone else wants him. He has to live in a “hellhole, with a slum landlord,” Haridan said, and keep a log of everywhere he goes and avoid certain social situations. (Shawn is so nervous about this column that he finally asked that his last name not be used. Out of hope for his redemption, I agreed.)

While Shawn worked at menial labor, Haridan started hiring him part time to help establish Conscious Eats, and through hard work and creativity, he now is full-time director of operations.

In talking about Shawn and her other ex-offenders, Haridan fairly exudes energy, enthusiasm and optimism. Her eyes brighten and her words accelerate as she describes the emotional, psychological and functional transformations she sees in her recycled people.
“While they’re in prison,” she said, “they’re just sitting, and their neuro pathways for problem-solving are set aside. Someone tells them when to eat, when to drink, when to sleep. They can’t use their creative side where they have to improvise, make something out of nothing.”

So after they’re released, receive some counseling and supervision, they need work, which is hard enough for an ex-con. Haridan said they also need a chance to succeed at something and earn self-respect. A lucky few get a chance to do that with Character Counts and the Conscious project.

“These are amazing men who can be wildly creative, but before, they used it in crime.” Haridan said that, with some opportunity and their own commitment, they can recycle that creativity into a new life.

“I am very ambitious and very determined,” Shawn said, “and as my personal coach, she has managed to pull me out of my shell and take my strengths, skills and abilities and start to hone them. Working with her has pushed me back to where I focused, taking more initiative, more problem-solving as related to business opportunities.

“Rather than being something of an outcast, she has helped me meet people and have some purpose in my life again, rather than just a run-of-the-mill job to pay the bills.”
Shawn, now 39, said he understands why people are revolted at his crime. “Nothing I can say will excuse it or justify it or make it go away. I don’t try to minimize what I did, but I also have learned how I got to that point and why I did what I did.

“While I was in [prison], it took me several years of really finding what was meaningful in life to me, to where I really gave my life to Christ. He has changed me immensely, while I was inside and now on the outside. A catalyst to me becoming a different person.

“I want to live uprightly and do what’s right and be a contributing member of society. People can change. People who get to know me see my person, see how I live my life, they’re very comfortable and at ease with me. They see what I’m focused on and what my life is about. I know that redemption is possible, that redemption is real.
“Nothing is throwaway. Everyone has potential.”

So will Shawn make it? “Absolutely,” said Haridan. “He’s going to run this company, or another one. He’s an entrepreneur, way smarter than humping boxes in a warehouse. He has a dream. He wants a family again. He’s going to be fabulously successful.”
She said she will be, too. “I’ll employ hundreds of guys, and I’ll have tons of jobs created — and people living in character.”

Go back to the bagel analogy. “Those bagels are half a day old,” Haridan said, “so they’re disposable, just like these guys. But with a little bit of ingenuity, a little bit of creativity, you can make something that’s garbage into something that’s unexpected and beautiful.
“I helped Shawn get his faith in himself back. I help people love themselves again.”
Most of us can’t see the potential in people like Shawn. Thank goodness someone does.

Asia Week TOGO Menu

This weeks ASIAN TOGO menu is available in 12 ounce containers

Veggies - 12oz. $4  -  serves 2-3
Rices, Noodles - 12oz. $4  -  serves 2-3
Quinoa, Grains - 12oz. $5  -  serves 2-3
Egg Dishes - 12oz. $5  -  serves 2-3
Meats - 12oz. $6  -  serves 3-4

Delivery within Riverside, Downtown or San Marco - $2 OR
We can meet in Riverside and that is FREE!!!

This weeks Asian Menu

Almond Scallion Quinoa & Brown Rice Salad •  12 oz - $5

Hoisin Green Beans •  12 oz - $5

Lemon Grass Kale and Carrot Salad •  12 oz - $5

Rice Noodles Ponzu Mushrooms •  12 oz - $4 - Sold OUT

Ginger Cucumbers •  12 oz - $4

Egg Fu Young Squares •  12 oz - $5

ToFu Bundles •  12 oz - $4

Terriyaki Chicken •  12 oz - $6

Sesame Slaw •  12 oz - $4

Call Florence for pick up and delivery!  612-3934

 

September 18 - Asian Lunch Menu

Join us at Beaver Street Enterprise Center for a healthy flavorful meal!

11:30-1:30
Small Tasting Plates $4.00
Full Plate Vegetarian $8.00
Full Plate with Meat $9.00

There are many new tastes to explore so
Lil Tastes are available too!!  

1225 W Beaver St  Jacksonville, FL 32204
Ample Parking available!



This weeks ASIAN TOGO menu is available in 12 ounce containers

Veggies - 12oz. $4  -  serves 2-3
Rices, Noodles - 12oz. $4  -  serves 2-3
Quinoa, Grains - 12oz. $5  -  serves 2-3
Egg Dishes - 12oz. $5  -  serves 2-3
Meats - 12oz. $6  -  serves 3-4

Delivery within Riverside, Downtown or San Marco - $2 OR
We can meet in Riverside and that is FREE!!!

This weeks Asian Menu

Almond Scallion Quinoa & Brown Rice Salad •  12 oz - $5

Hoisin Green Beans •  12 oz - $5

Lemon Grass Kale and Carrot Salad •  12 oz - $5

Rice Noodles Ponzu Mushrooms •  12 oz - $4 - Sold OUT

Ginger Cucumbers •  12 oz - $4

Egg Fu Young Squares •  12 oz - $5

ToFu Bundles •  12 oz - $4

Terriyaki Chicken •  12 oz - $6

Sesame Slaw •  12 oz - $4

Call Florence for pick up and delivery!  612-3934

 

Mediterranean TOGO 9/9-9/13

Mediterranean TOGO  9/9-9/13

Delivery within Riverside, Downtown or San Marco - $2
OR 
we can meet in Riverside and that is FREE!!!

Mushroom Quinoa •  $4 - $7
Tomato Kalemata Basil Salad
Kale and Chick Pea Salad •  $4 - $7 
Tri-Color Couscous with Caramelized Onions •  $4 - $7
Thyme Cucumbers •  $4 - $7
Smoked Paprika Pickles •  $4 - $7
Lemon Garlic Smoked Chicken •  $5 - $8
Smoked Gouda Frittata •  $4 - $7  - Sold OUT
Zesty Tuna Salad •  $5 - $8
Pumpkin Heaven Dip with Protein Biscotti •  $4 - $7

Also available: 
Asian: ToFu Bundles  •  $4 - $7
Caribbean : Mango Glazed Cucumbers •  $4 - $7
Southwestern: Adobo Pulled Pork •  $5 - $8
Indian: Masala Butternut Squash •  $4 - $7
Indian: Curried Cabbage and Chick peas  •  $4 - $7

Call Florence for pick up and delivery!  612-3934

Weekly Lunch • Wed, Sept 11

Beaver Street Enterprise Center is Ready To Eat!

WEEKLY LUNCH 

 Open to the public!

 

Mediterranean
  Olives • Sun Dried Tomatoes • Basil • Lemon

to name a few flavors of the day!

Mushroom Quinoa • Tomato Basil Salad 
Kalamata Roasted Potatoes • Kale and Chick Pea Salad 
Tri-Color Couscous with Caremelized Rosemary Onions
 Thyme Cucumbers • Lemon Garlic Chicken 
Smoked Gouda Frittata • Mixed Greens

WED,  September 11
11:30-1:30

We are creating a fun inspiring space for weekly lunch. 

Come eat, meet people who share your
creative spirit and walk away inspired!

Small Tasting Plates $4.00
Full Plate Vegetarian $8.00
Full Plate with Meat $9.00

1225 W Beaver St  Jacksonville, FL 32204

Ample Parking available! 

Learn more about Conscious Eats now!

9/2 Indian Menu At Beaver Street and TOGO!

This weeks menu is available TOGO!

Large and Small Portions Available

Delivery within Riverside, Downtown or San Marco - $2 OR we can meet in Riverside and that is FREE!!!


Today's Menu 
• Curried BBQ Ribs  •  $5 - $8
• Peach Chutney •  $4 - $7
• Ginger Glazed Sweet Potatoes  •  $4 - $7
• Kale and Moong Dal Salad •  $5 - $8
• Tandori Red Cabbage •  $4 - $7
• Mustard Seed Red Potatoes •  $4 - $7
• Yellow Tomatoes with  Coriander Dressing •  $4 - $7
• Cucumber Raita •  $4 - $7
• Basmati RIce •  $4 - $7
• Popadums

This Weeks TOGO Menu | SOUTHWEST!!

This weeks menu is available in 2 or 4 serving containers.

2 servings is  $6
4 servings is  $10

Delivery within Riverside, Downtown or San Marco - $2
OR we can meet in Riverside and that is FREE!!!

• Green Pepper Tri-color Cous Cous with Red Quinoa •  Black Lentils with Shallots
• Yellow Squash with Red Pepper Cream
• Coriander and Cilantro Cucumber Pickle • Fresh Salsa Cruda 
• Jalapeno Creame Chopped Salad
• Golden Quinoa with Cilantro Pesto
• Smokey White Beans with Butternut Squash 
• Chicken Adobo  
• Mixed Field Greens 
• Corn Chips • Flour Tortillas


Call or text Florence to arrange delivery 904-612-3934

Beaver Street Enterprise Center is Ready To Eat!

WEEKLY LUNCH 
 Open to the public!

Tuesday, Aug 27
11:30-1:30

We are creating a fun inspiring space for weekly lunch. 

Come eat, meet people who share your
creative spirit and walk away inspired!

Small Tasting Plates $4.00
Full Plate Vegetarian $8.00
Full Plate with Meat $9.00

1225 W Beaver St  Jacksonville, FL 32204

Ample Parking available! 

 

Learn more about Conscious Eats now!

Southwestern Inspired today!
Green Pepper Tri-color Cous Cous with Red Quinoa • 
Black Lentils with Shallots • Yellow Squash with Red Pepper Cream • Coriander and Cilantro Cucumber Pickle • Fresh Salsa Cruda  • Jalapeno Creame Chopped Salad • Golden Quinoa with Cilantro Pesto • Smokey White Beans with Butternut Squash  • Chicken Adobo   • Mixed Field Greens • Corn Chips • Flour Tortillas

TO GO Options Conscious Eats | Weekend 8/23

This weeks menu is available in 2 or 4 serving containers.

2 servings is  $6
4 servings is  $10

Delivery within Riverside, Downtown or San Marco - $2
OR we can meet in Riverside and that is FREE!!!

• Caribbean Coconut Rice 
• Curried Tomato and Okra 
• Smokey Black Beans 
• Honey Lime Slaw 
• Citrus Garden Tomato Chunky Salad 
• Field Greens with Zesty Tricolor Tuna 
• Blackened Okra 
• Sea Salt Brinded Thyme Pickles 
• Pinto Bean Hummus with Kalamata Olives 
• Mango Peach Salad 

All come with a package of dipping bread...

Call or text Florence to arrange delivery 904-612-3934

Call For Nominations for the 2013 Golden Rule Award

The Golden Rule Award has been recognizing character in individuals in our community since 2005. Our first winners, Sheriff John Rutherford, Jacksonville Sheriff's Office and Doug Milne, of Doug Milne Company Inc, set the standard high!

This is a year of expansion on several levels. We are adding two additional categories: family and business as well as opening the nomination process to the community!

As we work to instill a character based approach to community building, it became clear that the fastest way to expand the discussion was to bring the community into the process in a more meaningful way...

We know amazing expressions of character and ethics happen every day in our city. We want to be able to hear about them and recognize them. The Six Pillars are the foundation of our philosophy. We look to them for a standards and structures.

This year we are not only opening the nomination process to the community, we are bringing on more perspectives as we select our winners. The selection committee is being formed and will be announced soon! As well as the location of the award ceremony!

To nominate an individual, a family or a business, take a look at the criteria and see who in your life teaches you about living a life of character!

Carribean Week At Beaver Street Enterprise Center!

Beaver Street Enterprise Center is Ready To Eat!

WEEKLY LUNCH 
 Open to the public!

Tuesday, Aug 20
11:30-1:30

We are creating a fun inspiring space for weekly lunch. 

Come eat, meet people who share your
creative spirit and walk away inspired!

Small Tasting Plates $4.00
Full Plate Vegetarian $8.00
Full Plate with Meat $9.00

1225 W Beaver St  Jacksonville, FL 32204

Ample Parking available! 

Learn more about Conscious Eats now!