Our story, mission, and the people behind the purpose
Our Story
Founded in 2012 by Sheila Brown-Jefferson, B.O.A.T.T. (Blessing Others All The Time, Inc.) began with a simple but powerful mission — serve others. After 30+ years of observing homelessness in Duval County, Sheila felt called to do more. She started carrying personal hygiene items on her daily walks and distributing them to those sleeping outside.
The following year, the Lord laid it on her heart to formally establish BOATT. What started as one person and a bag has grown into a full nonprofit organization providing school supplies for children, personal care items for the homeless, and essential resources for underserved communities across Northeast Florida.
Guided by Luke 6:38 and Galatians 5:13, BOATT's team connects directly with people experiencing financial hardships or homelessness — meeting them where they are with love, integrity, and practical support.
Our Vision
Our vision is to one day acquire a building so that volunteers have a permanent location to meet, strategically plan activities, and assemble bags to help further our mission. In addition, we will use funding to run a mobile station with showers, washers, and dryers for the homeless — because dignity is not a luxury, it is a right.
Our Founder
Founder & Executive Director — B.O.A.T.T.
Sheila grew up in Fort Pierce, Florida before moving to Jacksonville. She earned a Bachelor's degree in 2005 from the University of Phoenix and founded BOATT in 2012. She currently works at Clara White Mission and completed the Nonprofit Executive Program at the Jim Moran Institute (October 2020).
Credentials: Master Life Coach | Certified Master Practitioner in Financial Capability (CMPFinCap) | Licensed Insurance Agent | How Money Works Financial Educator
"I know I can't assist them all but my prayer is for you to use me to make a difference in the lives of those that I come into contact with — letting them know that there are Godly people in this world who care about them and their well-being."
Recognition
Jacksonville Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority — June 2023
Confessions of a Goddess / Simply Ke'Say Boutique — Community Service During COVID-19
Jacksonville Jaguars / TIAA Bank — Community Champion, December 2019
Sally B. Mathis Community Service Award — October/November 2019
Simon Burke Foundation Community Award — November 2019