Program Success Black History 2016 Edition | Page 10

Ju ’ Coby Pittman-Peele
Willard Payne

Ju ’ Coby Pittman-Peele

Ju ' Coby Pittman Peele Jacksonville , Florida Black History 2016
For the past 23 years , Ju ’ Coby Pittman has dedicated her life as an advocate for equality in developing and implementing programs for the homeless , veterans , youth and low-come in the community . With the support of community stakeholders , staff , the Board of Directors and volunteers , under her leadership the Mission has raised , developed and implemented a $ 2.1-million-dollar project to include a 24-hour operation of transitional housing , job training in Culinary Arts , Janitorial Training and Construction Maintenance , a Veteran Drop- In Day Center , a daily feeding program .
In addition , she has developed a separate 501 © ( 3 ) organization for the Eartha M . M . White Historical Museum , which provides educational and historical resources to the community . Her efforts are to continue the legacy and tradition of founders , Clara and Eartha White by developing on-going support and fundraisers to generate long term sustainability with a team approach .
In April , 2007 , a new initiative in partnership with St . John ’ s Episcopal Church , the Mission opened Clara ’ s at the Cathedral , a training café for students to perfect their skills and prepare them for the workforce in the hospitality industry . In 2015 Clara White Mission with the partnership of Baker County Reentry Program begin delivering our training programs in the area of culinary , electrical and janitorial to clients within the system . We are most proud of this newest endeavor . In the summer of 2016 the Beaver Street Project will become a reality and housing and assistance will be given to homeless veteran women . The Mission continues to reach out to those that are in need of our services .

Willard Payne

Willard Payneele Jacksonville , Florida Black History 2016
When Willard Payne entered Jacksonville in 1975 , his impact , though unintentional , was pioneering - expanding the range and limits for Black Floridians in business , education and politics . As an educator , businessman , and consultant , Willard Payne ’ s 45-year career has included general and administrative management , consulting and entrepreneurial experience with several national companies , a Fortune 500 international food conglomerate , a national parking enterprise , and varied work with a host of other businesses .
Willard is best known as the first African-American Owner of a McDonald ’ s Restaurant in the state of Florida , and his business impact in Jacksonville was immediate as he built 4 McDonald ’ s restaurants , hired more than 250 employees , and was responsible for creating more than 500 jobs . “ It has been most rewarding to me as a McDonald ’ s owner to see employees that have worked at my stores go on to be doctors , lawyers , politicians , and even Wall Street executives ,” Willard says . “ I feel I have had a positive impact in developing leaders of future generations .”
Willard currently serves as the President / Treasurer of Northern Florida Recruiting and Consulting Services , Inc . ( NFRCS ) where he directs professional recruiting , consulting and lobbying client services for many local and national businesses . Willard has been instrumental in the election of many Black Politicians statewide and nationally . He is described by many as a “ powerful political shaker and mover ”. With the impressive success of NFRCS , and a clientele that literally reads like Who ’ s Who in American Business , his professional gait of achievement continues at a non-stop pace .