Supporting Long-Term Success and Independence
Care Connect serves thousands of residents across St. Johns County, offering life-changing support to individuals and families. With a strong commitment to community well-being, the organization connects people with the resources they need to build healthier, more stable, and independent lives. Using a client-centered approach, Care Connect addresses immediate needs and lays the groundwork for long-term success.
Building Strong Partnerships to Drive Change
Care Connect is a network of 97 partner organizations, each assisting with the complex needs within the St. Johns County community. Together they form a resource collective, which meets on the last Friday of each month. This alliance includes healthcare providers such as hospitals, clinics, mental health specialists, dentists, and rehabilitation centers. Social service agencies contribute to support in areas like housing, employment, education, and family services.
Government entities collaborate with Care Connect to align local, state, and federal resources, streamline service delivery, and ensure compliance with public health guidelines and funding regulations. Nonprofits and community-based organizations provide grassroots-level support, offering everything from food distribution and clothing assistance to youth and senior care.
At the heart of this professional ecosystem are compassionate staff, donors, and tireless volunteers who bring Care Connect's mission to life. They serve as service providers, advocates, educators, and lifelines, strengthening families and promoting long-term community health and success.
Health, Housing, Nutrition, and More — Comprehensive Care That Connects
Healthcare access is the pillar of Care Connect's services. The organization helps individuals locate primary care physicians, access prescription medications, receive dental care, and find mental health support. Care Connect also assists with navigating health insurance options, ensuring clients can enroll in and maintain coverage through Medicaid, Medicare, or other plans.
Additional services include preventive screenings and chronic disease management, substance use support, psychiatric care, and crisis intervention. Transportation to and from medical appointments is also available. In times of crisis, such as homelessness, domestic violence, or sudden job loss, Care Connect acts quickly to stabilize individuals and families by providing information about shelters, crisis hotlines, and emergency response agencies.
Housing stability is another focus. Care Connect works with local partners and funding sources to offer rental and utility assistance, helping families avoid eviction and keep their electricity, water, and other essential services running.
Care Connect provides information about local food pantries, meal programs, and grocery vouchers to combat food insecurity. They also help families enroll in SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and offer education on nutrition, meal planning, and healthy eating on a budget.
Lastly, specialized support is available for seniors, veterans, individuals with disabilities, single parents, and survivors of domestic violence. Services focus on cultural sensitivity, trauma-informed care, and accessibility, ensuring that every client is treated with dignity and respect.
Speak with a Community Health Associate
To apply for services, individuals can begin by completing a form on the Care Connect website. Once submitted, an intake specialist will discuss the specific resources and programs available within the county.
Targeted Programs for Meaningful Impact
In addition to its resource and referral services, Care Connect offers targeted initiatives to meet specific community needs, most notably, the Brave program and the UF Health - St. Johns Mobile Outreach Clinic.
The Brave program focuses on improving the behavioral health of youth across St. Johns County. Serving thousands of young people, Brave works to break down the barriers and negative perceptions often associated with mental health. Through access to therapy, counseling, and various behavioral health services, Brave creates a safe and supportive space where youth are encouraged to seek help, build emotional resilience, and learn healthy coping strategies.
Complementing this initiative, the UF Health St. Johns Mobile Outreach Clinic delivers healthcare services directly to underserved areas in partnership with Brooks Rehabilitation and the Wildflower Clinic. This mobile unit increases access to care by offering medical and dental services, including wound care, vaccinations, health screenings, acute care, women's health services, chronic disease management, diagnostic testing, and preventive care.