JACKSONVILLE, FL – A small church on Jacksonville’s Northside is making a big impact — feeding families, providing clothing and resources, and offering a sense of community to anyone who walks through its doors.
This month’s Positively JAX winner, The Miracle Center, is led by Reverend Eric Lockett, who says the ministry grew out of a promise he made years ago.
“I had a vision. The Lord saved me,” Lockett said. “I told the Lord, if you can change my life, I’ll help others.”
A full-service ministry with no red tape
During a tour of the facility, Rev. Lockett showed us the sanctuary, food pantry, clothes closet and lunch room — all of it free and open to the public.
“This is our clothes closet,” he explained. “We give away clothes. We do everything free.”
Donations come from individuals and organizations across the community, but Lockett says the center is always in need of more support to meet growing demand.
“Anybody can come and shop — no questions asked,” he said. “No red tape.”
Feeding the community — physically and spiritually
The food pantry stays busy, especially around the holidays. One man picking up groceries lit up as he opened a box filled with onions and potatoes.
“Is this for Thanksgiving? Right, right,” he said with a smile.
Inside the lunch room, volunteers serve hot meals daily. “We’re serving tacos today,” one volunteer shared.
Support beyond food and clothing
The Miracle Center’s outreach goes far beyond basic necessities. The ministry helps clients look for jobs, find housing, pursue education and address emotional and spiritual needs.
“We help them holistically — spiritually, emotionally,” Lockett said. “If they want to go to school, we help in that area too.”
His goal is to build a community where no one feels judged or overlooked.
“You can come as you are — but you can’t stay as you are,” he said. “We love them where they are.”
Changing lives, one family at a time
For Cheryl, a longtime visitor, the center has become a lifeline for her entire family.
“They got fed… got clothes… my God, my God,” she said. “Got shoes, everything.”
She says the support she receives here brings her peace.
“It feels like you can trust the Lord,” she said. “Feels like the Lord is here. Feels like the Word is true.”
How you can help
The Miracle Center relies entirely on donations and volunteers. To learn how to support their mission, visit their website.
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