Sulzbacher Center Update

Sulzbacher Center logo

Post Irma Update

We are so grateful.  During this powerful hurricane, the Sulzbacher Center’s downtown and beaches locations, as well as the Village construction site suffered only minimal damage.  More importantly, every client and every staff member was safe throughout the storm.  Although the flooding downtown was the worst the city has ever seen, we were able to move our residents back into the shelter on Tuesday. And we were able to open both of our clinics on Thursday.

The before and after pictures below only begin to tell the story of the impact of this storm.  What they highlight is how incredibly lucky we were to have weathered it without injury or loss of life.

Before Irma After Irma
Group photo of Sulzbacher volunteers
Dr. Turner and other Sulzbacher volunteers preparing the clinic to reopen after the storm.

We are currently assessing the damage from the flooding and any needs we may have and will get that information out as soon as we have it.

We would not be able to have such a positive outcome without the help of many.

  • First and foremost, Mayor Lenny Curry for his calm leadership and the City of Jacksonville Emergency Preparedness team for providing the needed emergency services to our clients.  The City designated LaVilla Middle School to be our shelter exclusively.
  • Thank you to LaVilla Middle for their hospitality!
  • Duval County School resource officers provided round the clock security for us while we were there.
  • Jacksonville Fire & Rescue Department checked on us both before, during and after the storm.

And we cannot forget the amazing team of staff members who accompanied our residents to LaVilla and stayed with them throughout the storm, providing food, shelter, medical care and emotional support through a scary time.

We continue to be amazed at the resilience and positive attitude that our team brings to every challenge – thank you!