The Sanctuary on 8th Street

08/20/2026

We have the highest enrollment number for our after-school program yet and we need your help! In just one visit, you can make an impact on a child’s life through one-on-one tutoring, homework help, supporting daily activities, and so much more. If you or someone you know would like to volunteer, please visit the link in our bio to come spend some time with us!

08/18/2026

Thank you to our friends at San Marco Presbyterian Church for inviting us to join their lovely morning breakfast to learn about their new building, the Point. Forming new connections with members in our community is important to our mission as we strive to continue fostering relationships with others in meaningful ways. We love our neighbors and we’d love to meet all of you one day too.

08/17/2026

Mark your calendars for October 1st because the SHINDIG in support of the Sanctuary is right around the corner! Purchase your ticket and meet us at the Emerald Station for an amazing night. 🎟️

The SHINDIG is going to be extra special this year with a throwback to the 80’s in honor of our former Executive Director Vicky Watkins. With delicious local food, a silent auction, community networking, and fun booths, you won’t want to miss it.

Help make hope happen here by purchasing your ticket today through the link on our bio! SHINDIG is supported by a grant from the Delores Weaver Forever Event Fund, est. 2015. We can’t wait to see you at SHINDIG 80’s Night!

08/14/2026

Good News Friday:

Yesterday the Sanctuary hosted an Open House for our kids and their families. While UPS handed out new school materials for their annual Back to School Drive with us, the Sanctuary held a parent/ guardian orientation to discuss the services we provide as well as the community resources in and around Springfield.

The evening was filled with fun like playing on the inflatable obstacle course, getting their faces painted, dancing, corn hole, winning candy and fidget prizes at stations, and having a blast! Thank you to everyone who made the event possible. 💜

Bounce house obstacle course: Bounce IT Out
Live DJ: Jurrell Jiles
Vendors: Center for Children’s Rights and Hubbard House, Inc.

08/11/2026

We are SO back! 💜 Day two is in the books for the 2026-2027 Sanctuary after-school program. There’s been so many new faces, friendships, and obviously fun! We’re happy to serve over 70 families this year and more than 90 kids. 🎉 We can’t wait to watch our kids grow this year.

08/07/2026

Update - she is safe and has been found!

9 a.m. update: Jordyn has been located safe. Thank you to those who helped spread the word!

Missing Child: Help us bring 11-year-old Jordyn Carter home safe.

Jordyn was last seen leaving her home on Thursday night between 6:00 and 8:00 p.m. on Kenmore Street near I-95. Due to her age, we want to make sure she is safe.

Jordyn is 4’10” and 90 pounds. She has brown eyes and brown hair. She was last seen wearing a green Hello Kitty shirt, blue jeans, and pink slides.

If you see Jordyn or know where she is, call us at 904.630.0500. Please share this post so we can spread the word faster!

08/05/2026

Since 2020, our Weekend Nutrition Bags of Hope Program has been a source of support at the Sanctuary that provides essential groceries for the kids and their families over the weekend.

As we start the new school year, we need your help to continue providing SO8 kids and their families with nutritious and healthy food. Becoming a reoccurring donor of the program ensures the continuation of this initiative. With your support, we can continue to give hope, one bag at a time. Click the link to give today https://tr.ee/xDHJOIKh4p.

08/04/2026

At the Sanctuary, we pride ourselves on providing a consistent safe space and creating positive traditions for the youth we serve, especially during our summer camp. Our annual field trip to the Salt Springs Recreation Center has become a beloved tradition, celebrating the end of camp, new friendships, and lasting memories.

What makes the day truly unforgettable is our Director, Rick Cartlidge, whose enthusiastic presence and active involvement with the kids in the water make the experience even more special and memorable for everyone! We’re excited to continue these Sanctuary traditions throughout the upcoming school year.

07/31/2026

Good News Friday: Smiles in Summer Camp 26’ surpassed previous records! 📈 Thanks to the mobile dental unit with Florida Department of Health, kids got free dental exams onsite. 🦷 Also, thanks to kind people like YOU, we were able to help create hundreds of smile-worthy moments for the kids. Thank you for helping us create childhood joy here every summer.

P.S…SMILE it’s Friday! 😁

07/30/2026

Throwback Thursday to four of our amazing aquatic adventures this summer camp!

• McKenzie’s Camp Deep Pond is always a huge fan favorite with the floating obstacle course, kayaking, an

• St. Mary’s Aquatic Center’s swimming facility that offers an awesome splash pad, lazy river, water slide, and pool.

•Fernandina Beach which was a new beach we tried this summer with a day filled with swimming in the ocean and playing on the beach.

•Kennedy Community Center Pool for weekly trips to spend the hot summer camp days pool-side