Clay Resource Directory Handout Community Compass
Clay County, Florida • Resource Directory
Navigation Guide
Use this guide to find essential services in Clay County. These agencies support your independence, health, and community involvement. Call 2-1-1 for 24/7 help.
Public Transportation
Clay Community Transportation (CCT)
Coordinated by JTA. Flex Lines (Red, Blue, Green, Teal, Orange) connecting Middleburg, Orange Park, and Green Cove.
(904) 284-9336
JTA Express Select
Commuter Service from Black Creek Park-n-Ride to downtown Jacksonville.
jtafla.com
Food & SNAP
Mercy Support Services
Food assistance and emergency housing referrals in Clay County.
515 College Dr, Orange Park
DCF: SNAP Benefits
Monthly food benefits via the ACCESS Florida system.
myflfamilies.com/access
Disability Support
Challenge Enterprises
Job placement and life skills programs for people with disabilities.
Green Cove Springs, FL
The Arc of Clay County
Adult day programs and behavioral services for individuals with IDD.
(904) 284-4449
Recreation
Clay County Parks & Rec
Manages Camp Chowenwaw, Ronnie Van Zant Park, and community centers.
claycountygov.com
Special Olympics Clay
Inclusive sports training and competition for individuals with IDD.
sofl.org/clay
Navigator Advocacy Notes:
Empowering Independence through Advocacy and Connection
Resource Scavenger Hunt Worksheet Name:
Date:
Resource Scavenger Hunt
Use the Community Compass directory to find the answers to the questions below. Think like an advocate!
01
You need to travel from Green Cove Springs to Middleburg using public transit. What specific service should you call to check the schedule?
02
If you are helping a neighbor apply for SNAP (food stamp) benefits, what website should you visit to find the ACCESS application?
03
Which local organization is located at 515 College Drive in Orange Park and coordinates food assistance for the county?
04
You are looking for a job and need help with placement and life skills. Which agency located in Green Cove Springs offers these services?
05
What is the name of the county park that is a great place for outdoor recreation and includes a historic site?
06
In an emergency, if you don't know where to turn, what 3-digit phone number should you call for the United Way Resource Line?
Advocacy Challenge
Choose ONE resource from the list. Why is that resource important for someone's independence?
Scavenger Hunt Answer Key Answer Key
Resource Scavenger Hunt • Teacher Guide
FOR TEACHER USE ONLY
01
Question:
Service to call for Green Cove Springs to Middleburg transit.
Clay Community Transportation (CCT) / (904) 284-9336
02
Question:
Website for SNAP/ACCESS application.
myflfamilies.com/access
03
Question:
Organization at 515 College Drive, Orange Park.
Mercy Support Services
04
Question:
Agency in Green Cove Springs for employment and life skills.
Challenge Enterprises
05
Question:
County park name.
Camp Chowenwaw Park (or Ronnie Van Zant Park)
06
Question:
3-digit emergency resource number.
2-1-1
Follow-up Discussion Prompts
Barriers to Entry: What are some things that might make it hard for someone to use these resources? (e.g., lack of internet, no phone, distance to the bus stop).Self-Advocacy: If you called one of these numbers and they said they couldn't help you today, what is your next step? Who else can you call?Transportation Logic: Why is transportation often called the "key" to accessing all other community resources? Community Compass Slides Community Compass
Navigating Clay County Resources
What is Advocacy?
Self-Advocacy
Speaking up for yourself to get what you need to live, learn, and work in your community.
Community Resources
Organizations and services provided to help people thrive and remain independent.
"Independence doesn't mean doing it all alone. It means knowing how to find the right support."
The 4 Pillars of Independence
Pillar 1
Transit
Clay Community Transportation
JTA Express
Pillar 2
Food
Mercy Support Services
DCF SNAP / ACCESS
Pillar 3
Support
Challenge Enterprises
Arc of Clay County
Pillar 4
Social
Special Olympics Clay
Clay Parks & Rec
The Navigator Challenge
"Marcus lives in Middleburg. He just got a job at a grocery store in Orange Park, but his car broke down. He also needs help paying for his first month of groceries before his paycheck arrives."
How will he travel?
Where will he eat?
Activity Time!
You are now a Community Navigator . Use your Visual Directory to complete the Scavenger Hunt and the Advocacy Scenarios!
1. SCAVENGER HUNT
2. ACTION SCENARIOS
Advocacy Action Scenarios Worksheet Advocacy Action Scenarios
Name: ____________________________
Being an advocate means knowing how to combine resources to solve complex problems. Read the scenarios below and use your Community Compass Directory to create a plan for each person.
Scenario 1: The New Job
Marcus lives in Middleburg and just landed a new job in Green Cove Springs. He doesn't drive and is worried about how he will get to work on time every day. He also needs work boots but doesn't have the money yet.
Transportation Plan:
Resource Support:
Scenario 2: Moving Out
Sarah is planning to move into her first apartment in Orange Park. She wants to be independent but needs help learning how to manage her money and find inclusive social activities so she doesn't get lonely.
Independence Skills:
Social Connection:
Scenario 3: Emergency Help
A local family just lost their power due to a storm and all the food in their fridge spoiled. They have three kids and don't know where their next meal is coming from.
Immediate Food Action:
The First Step:
3-digit emergency number:
Community Compass Lesson Plan Lesson Plan
Community Compass: Navigating Clay County
90 MINUTE SESSION
Target Audience
Secondary / Transition
Key Concept
Advocacy & Independence
Subject
Life Skills / Civics
Objectives
Identify local resources for Transit, Food, Support, and Recreation.
Locate contact data using icons and color-coding systems.
Synthesize info to solve real-world community advocacy scenarios.
Pacing Guide (90 Min)
Time Instructional Activity Materials 0-15m Define Advocacy: Use slides to define the 4 Pillars of Independence.Slides 15-30m Directory Tour: Review icons, color coding, and the "How To" section.Directory Handout 30-55m Scavenger Hunt: Independent practice finding specific contact data.Hunt Worksheet 55-80m Advocacy Scenarios: Critical thinking solving complex problems.Scenarios WS 80-90m Wrap-Up: Discussion on "Plan B" strategies and United Way 2-1-1.Answer Keys
Teacher Tips
Support Strategies
Color Code: Highlight scenario questions with colors matching the directory categories (Green=Food).Simplified Search: Give students the specific quadrant of the directory to find the answer.
Enrichment
Digital Deep Dive: Use tablets to find the current schedule for the CCT Teal Line.Local Spotlight: Discuss the history of Ronnie Van Zant Park or Camp Chowenwaw. Advocacy Action Answer Key Scenario Answer Key
Advocacy Action • Discussion Guide
FOR TEACHER USE ONLY
Scenario 1: Marcus
Transportation Plan:
Clay Community Transportation (CCT) Flex Line.
Teacher Note: Students should mention calling (904) 284-9336 to check if the route connects Green Cove and Middleburg directly or requires a transfer.
Resource Support:
Challenge Enterprises
Teacher Note: They provide employment and life skills support in Green Cove Springs.
Scenario 2: Sarah
Independence Skills:
The Arc of Clay County
Teacher Note: They focus on advocacy and life programs for individuals moving toward independent living.
Social Connection:
Special Olympics Clay County or Clay County Parks & Rec
Teacher Note: Both offer inclusive social and recreational opportunities.
Scenario 3: The Family
Immediate Food Action:
Mercy Support Services
Teacher Note: They are located in Orange Park (College Dr) and coordinate emergency food assistance.
The First Step:
2-1-1
Teacher Note: The United Way resource line is the standard first step for general emergency referrals.
Facilitating the Scenarios
The goal of these scenarios is to move students from identification (finding a name) to application (creating a solution).
Ask: "If the first resource doesn't pick up the phone, what is your backup plan?"
Discuss how multiple resources often need to work together (e.g., you need the bus to get to the food bank).
Focus on Mercy Support Services as a "hub" for Orange Park resources.
