Staff Spotlight: Jackie Lott

In the heart of Jacksonville, JFCS is a place where families find hope and support. Among the dedicated individuals who make this possible is our office administrator Jackie Lott, the smiling face to greet you when you walk through our doors. In this Staff Spotlight, we aim to shine a light on Jackie and all she does for our agency.

Q: How long have you been an employee at JFCS? What is your role? Have you had any past roles at JFCS?

Jackie: I have been a JFCS employee since March 2005. I started as a driver, picking up kids from their foster homes and bringing them to visitation. After a brief break, I returned and transitioned to my current role as the office administrator in December 2010.

Q: How did you find your way to JFCS?

Jackie: I moved to Jacksonville from Atlanta, looking for a job where I could be more “hands-on” in helping others. My niece worked here as a caseworker, and she suggested a position that was perfect for what I was looking for. That’s how I found JFCS.

Q: What does your day to day look like?

Jackie: First of all, as an office administrator, I assist our guests. I guide them to where they need to be, whether it’s counseling at the back of the building or a meeting in the administration area. I also answer and direct phone calls, manage data entry, and handle our mail and packages. I also direct donations when donors drop them off. When we receive an in-kind donation, I send an email to our staff asking if any of their clients could use it. (They always do!)

Q: What do you enjoy most about working with JFCS?

Jackie: What brings me joy is being the first point of contact for anyone who enters our agency. I’ve been to places where people greet you with scowls on their faces, and it’s never a pleasant experience. I enjoy being that smile, the person who’s first to show our guests that they’re welcome here. I also appreciate what JFCS does not just for clients but staff as well. This agency really cares about its employees . . . I feel like I hit the jackpot.

Q: What is your favorite memory from working at JFCS?

Jackie: One of my favorite memories was during the holidays one year, when we received toys for children in the Holiday Gift Giving program. I remember videotaping our staff as they brought them in. There were tons of toys, bikes, one after the other . . . seeing so many toys come in for those kids, and recording that moment, was very touching.

Q: What would you say has been your greatest accomplishment in your work at JFCS?

Jackie: My most significant accomplishments at JFCS are the moments when I’ve been able to help folks who call us in really tough times. Some people tell me everything they’re going through. Someone will explain they lost their job, their lights were cut off, they’re losing their house, they’re on oxygen . . . And they’re experiencing that all at once. So, I’m there to offer hope and encouragement. I’m able to be that reassuring voice and a resource when they’re going through a lot. I live for that.

Q: How do you spend your time when you’re not working?

Jackie: I enjoy going for walks, spending time with my grandchildren, and traveling with my “Road Dog” – my sister, Ruby. I also really like watching Old Westerns. Watching Old Westerns is how I spend my Saturdays!

Q: Why should people invest in the JFCS mission, “Helping people help themselves”?

Jackie: Because we actually “get it done.” We don’t just talk about helping people; we do it. We’re an agency that really does care about people – and we do all we can to fulfill our mission.

Jackie has been an integral member of the JFCS family for nearly two decades. With every call she answers and every guest she assists, she reminds our community that JFCS is a place where all are welcome. We are incredibly grateful for Jackie and the difference she makes in the lives of those we serve.