GOVERNOR CRIST NAMES JESSICA BRIGHT MCMULLEN OF JACKSONVILLE AS GOVERNOR’S POINT OF LIGHT FOR ADOPTION AWARENESS MONTH
December 2, 2009
Contact:
GOVERNOR'S PRESS OFFICE
(850) 488-5394
TALLAHASSEE – Governor Charlie Crist today recognized Jessica Bright McMullen of Jacksonville as this week’s Governor’s Point of Light for Adoption Awareness Month.
“Jessica’s dedication to improving the lives of children in foster care is inspiring and motivating,” said Governor Crist. “Her selfless generosity and acts of kindness exemplify the meaning of volunteerism, and I am truly grateful for all she has done to raise adoption awareness.”
Since 2007, Jessica has been a passionate volunteer with the Family Support Services of North Florida, a non-profit community-based care organization serving Duval and Nassau counties. She helped launch a series of Let’s Talk Adoption events that convene adoption specialists and experts in an open-house format to educate and inform prospective foster and adoptive families. Each event has drawn more than 100 participants. She also organized and participated in “Open Your Heart to a Child,” another Family Support Services of North Florida community-sponsored outreach event. As a foster and adoptive parent herself, Jessica also coordinated foster parent support groups through her church.
A chef and master food and nutrition educator, Jessica teaches the importance of good nutrition to both children and adults, including holding classes for foster parents at the Jacksonville Baptist Children’s Home. She serves as an advisory panel member for the Shannon Miller Foundation, an organization founded by two-time Olympic gold medal gymnast Shannon Miller. The foundation is committed to promoting and educating children about healthy lifestyles. Jessica also promotes adoption by spotlighting success stories on her weekly radio show on WCRJ/88.1 The Promise, which she hosts on a volunteer basis.
AAA Auto Club South is the supporting sponsor of the Governor’s Points of Light Award. This program recognizes Florida residents who demonstrate exemplary service to the community. Award recipients are announced weekly. A panel of judges comprised of leaders in the areas of volunteerism and service evaluate all nominations and make recommendations to the Governor. Occasionally, the award is presented to outstanding organizations. The Volunteer Florida Foundation manages the program. For more information, or to submit a nomination, go to www.VolunteerFloridaFoundation.org.