The Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida Honors the Woman Whose Vision and Heart
Built a Foundation for Youth Success
JACKSONVILLE, FL - The Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida recently honored the extraordinary legacy of Dr. Davy Parrish, a trailblazing youth advocate and community leader whose visionary leadership has shaped the lives of countless young people for more than 35 years.
A lifelong champion for underserved youth, Dr. Parrish played a pivotal role in the establishment and success of The Bridge Boys & Girls Club in Jacksonville’s Springfield neighborhood. Under her leadership, the Club became a beacon of hope and opportunity, providing a safe space, mentorship, and critical resources for generations of children and teens. Known for her deep compassion, relentless advocacy, and belief in the potential of every child, Dr. Parrish inspired a culture of excellence and inclusion that still defines the organization today.
The celebration of her legacy recognized not only her decades of dedicated service but also the enduring impact of the initiatives she launched. Many of the hallmark programs Dr. Parrish introduced such as the vibrant Bridge Legacy Scholarship that provides wrap around services and remains central to the Club’s mission, continuing to open doors for members to pursue higher education and brighter futures.
“At The Bridge Boys & Girls Club, we are proud to carry forward Dr. Parrish’s commitment to caring for children and teens,” said Paul Martinez, President/CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida. “Her impact is immeasurable, and her vision continues to guide our efforts every day.”
The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida is to enable all young people especially those who need services the most to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Across the organization’s five-county service area, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida is committed to serving as many young people as possible through safe, enriching after-school programs. Still, thousands of children and teens remain in need of these essential services.
The recent celebration of Dr. Parrish’s legacy served as a powerful reminder of what’s possible when one person commits their life to uplifting others. Her leadership not only built a foundation for The Bridge Boys & Girls Club, but also ignited a movement that continues to shape lives today.
PHOTO IDENTIFIERS: (L-R) Brian King, Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida Board Chair, Dr. Davy Parrish, Paul Martinez, Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida President/CEO, Caleb R., Florida Boys & Girls Clubs Youth of the Year.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida:
For over 60 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida has enabled young people to achieve great futures as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Our 59 Clubs serve more than 5,200 young people each day in Alachua, Clay, Duval, Nassau and St. Johns counties. Our Boys & Girls Clubs provide a safe place, caring adult mentors, fun and friendship, and high-impact youth development programs during critical non-school hours and during the summer. Club programs promote five core areas: character and leadership, education and workforce readiness, the arts, health and wellness, and sports and recreation. In a Harris Survey of Boys & Girls Clubs alumni, 57 percent said the Club saved their lives. Learn more at bgcnf.org