Our Story
Small House. Thirty Years. Still Here.
Founded in 1996 on a handshake and a belief that Jacksonville takes care of its own.
The Person Behind the Door
Meet Summer Jennings
Summer Jennings
Director, Jacksonville Community Outreach Center
Most organizations this size would need a staff of five. JCOC runs on one person who has been here 14 years.
Summer Jennings took over the center when it was smaller and more limited than it is today. She writes the grants, manages the finances, and built the partnerships with Walmart, Dollar General, and the Community Food Bank herself. She learned the system so she could navigate it for people who could not, and showed up every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday whether it was busy or quiet.
Today she manages grants, finances, scheduling, operations, and a commercial refrigerator full of retail-donated produce. She does it because nobody else was going to.
If you walk in and need help, Summer is the person you will meet. She is the reason JCOC is still here.
See JCOC in Action
A short look at what we do.
Summer’s Credentials
- ✓14 years with JCOC
- ✓United Way partner liaison
- ✓Charity Tracker administrator
- ✓Manages Walmart and Dollar General retail partnerships
- ✓Community Food Bank of Feeding Alabama partner
- ✓Works alongside Interfaith Ministries
Why JCOC
How We Operate
Serving the Community
JCOC serves qualified households in Jacksonville and surrounding areas. Food assistance is available Tuesday and Thursday for clients who have completed the JCOC application process. Utility assistance is by appointment on Mondays.
Thirty Years of Showing Up
We've been here through recessions, COVID, and everything in between. We're not a pop-up program — we're part of Jacksonville.
Every Dollar Tracked
We use Charity Tracker to account for every pound and every dollar. We file a 990. We believe you have a right to know where your donation goes.
Built on Partnerships
United Way partner. Community Food Bank partner. Walmart and Dollar General retail donations twice a week. We work with the whole community.
Ready to Help or Get Help?
Open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Food assistance Tue & Thu. Utility assistance by appointment on Mondays.