Today we’d like to introduce you to Joy Case.
Hi Joy, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Growing up in Miami, I developed a deep compassion for people experiencing homelessness. I was the little girl who pulled a red wagon around my neighborhood collecting canned goods for donation, and I spent many of my summer breaks volunteering with underserved children. Those early experiences shaped my commitment to service and stayed with me as I built a professional career in marketing, event planning and development/fundraising.
In 2021, after relocating to St. Augustine, I saw an opportunity with St. Augustine Society that allowed me to bring together my professional expertise and lifelong passion for helping others. Today, I focus on raising the critical funds that make it possible for individuals, youth, and families in St. Johns County to access safe shelter, warm nutritious meals, and the services they need to move from the streets toward permanent, stable housing.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Some of the biggest challenges in getting to where I am today involved building confidence in my leadership voice and learning to take calculated risks in my career. Early on, I had to step outside of my comfort zone; taking on roles that stretched my skills, leading large initiatives, and trusting that the experience I was gaining in marketing, relationship-building, and event strategy would translate into larger opportunities. There were also moments where I had to balance professional growth with family life and major life transitions, including relocating and starting over in a new community, which required rebuilding networks and establishing credibility from the ground up.
Those experiences ultimately strengthened my resilience, adaptability, and determination. Each challenge taught me how to lead with purpose, stay focused on long-term impact, and continue growing professionally so I could use my skills in a way that truly makes a difference in the lives of others.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about St. Augustine Society, Inc.?
I serve as the Director of Development for St. Augustine Society, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals, youth, and families experiencing homelessness in St. Johns County move from crisis to stability. Through our programs, St. Francis Housing Crisis Center, Port in the Storm Homeless Youth Center and SOS Street Outreach Services, we provide safe shelter, nutritious meals, case management, and personalized pathways that help people work toward permanent housing and long-term self-sufficiency.
What sets our organization apart is that we are low-barrier, free emergency shelter. Our comprehensive, community-centered approach focuses on long-term solutions like pairing immediate shelter and support with employment readiness, housing navigation, and individualized care plans designed to help each person rebuild stability. We are also known for the strong partnerships we maintain with local businesses, volunteers, and donors, whose support makes every program possible.
From a brand perspective, what I am most proud of is that our organization is deeply rooted in compassion, accountability, and measurable impact. Every dollar raised is directly connected to real outcomes…families moving into permanent homes, youth transitioning from homelessness to independence, and individuals gaining the stability they need to start again. What I want readers to know most is that our work is truly community-powered…when people come together to support the mission, lives are changed every single day.
What matters most to you? Why?
I believe that everyone deserves a safe place to sleep, access to basic needs, and the chance to rebuild their future, and I feel a deep responsibility to use my skills and experience to help make that possible. Knowing that the work I do helps connect compassionate people in our community with individuals and families who need support gives my career a strong sense of purpose; and I’ve seen the impact firsthand.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://stasociety.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stfrancis_portinthestorm/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StFrancisPortInTheStorm
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/st-francis-house-port-in-the-storm
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@programsofst.augustinesoci4297
