At JFCS, we know that a child’s journey to success in school starts well before they ever step into a classroom. That’s why we’re proud to partner with the University of North Florida, the Florida Institute of Education, and other dedicated local and state partners to bring crucial support to families through the Jax Preschool Strategic Early Education and Development Support (SEEDS) pilot program partnership.
Recently, one of the directors at Lil Nuggets Daycare Inc, an early childcare center in Westside Jacksonville, wrote in with praise for our dedicated staff:
“I cannot say enough about Mrs. Misline Brown — she has truly been heaven-sent. Before she stepped in, I didn’t know much about the resources available here in Jacksonville. I used to just redirect families to ELC, which I’m sure felt overwhelming for many. But Mrs. Brown has opened so many doors and provided our families with much-needed help, resources, and guidance. She’s made such a difference.
I am just so grateful for ALL of you and for this amazing program. Thank you for everything you do for our students, families, and community!”
— Katia Paul, M.S., Director
Launched in October 2023, SEEDS is designed to spark a love of reading and build strong literacy skills among preschoolers in Jacksonville’s Westside neighborhoods. The program takes place across six early learning centers, where UNF students, known as “Dream Promoters,” read and interact with children twice a week. These special sessions create joyful learning experiences that help kids develop the skills they need to thrive.
Thanks to funding from Kids Hope Alliance (KHA), JFCS Family Advocates work hand-in-hand with families to remove barriers that might hold their children back. Whether it’s sharing literacy materials, helping with housing, or connecting parents to counseling services, our goal is to create a safe, stable, and supportive environment for every child.
Christopher Atkins, LCSW-QS, Director of Project LAUNCH, SEEDS, and SOARS at JFCS, highlights the program’s focus on giving kids a strong start: “We’re not just focusing on literacy in isolation; we’re making sure families have their basic needs met so parents can really engage with their children’s education. That way, when kids start school, they’re already ahead of the curve.”
Misline E. Brown, M. Ed., Jax SEEDS Lead Family Advocate, shares how much heart has gone into building SEEDS from the ground up: “We’ve truly been there since the beginning — writing documents, meeting teachers and directors, and really getting to know the community.”
The JFCS SEEDS team: Christopher Atkins, Misline Brown, Adi Zaken
At the heart of SEEDS is what staff call “reimagined family engagement,” where families aren’t just handed information—they’re guided every step of the way. As Adi Zaken, MA, Jax SEEDS Family Advocate, puts it: “From the moment parents come to us, we don’t just give them pamphlets and send them on their way. We walk side-by-side with them, step-by-step, to make sure every goal we set together is met. That’s something really special about SEEDS — and I love that so much.”
Misline adds, “We can bring in outside help in a way that’s honestly mind-blowing to me.” Both she and Adi agree that what makes SEEDS so powerful is the trust they’ve built in the community: “That’s community-building right there.”
On top of that, SEEDS families benefit from the wraparound services available at JFCS — programs like SOARS, Project LAUNCH, Achievers for Life, and the Max Block Food Pantry — that tackle the bigger picture. By removing socioeconomic hurdles, SEEDS helps parents focus on their children’s growth and development, free from the stress of unmet basic needs.