Introduction to President, Clay Veterans, Inc

Jessica Polvikoski, President, Clay Veterans, Inc. (April 2025 - current)

First, a little history. For me, being a founding member of the nonprofit Clay Veterans, Inc began as an idea about giving back to Clay County veterans after I retired from Camp Blanding in 2019. I personally experienced the frustration of trying to figure out on my own how to submit a VA claim, where to find information about VA educational benefits, and generally, searching for who was responsible to "gather up" the information veterans needed.

Luckily for me, VFW Post 8255 Veteran Service Officers, Harry Silvers and Chris Lanham introduced me to the Veterans Council Clay County Florida Inc. in 2019.  And through the actions of Veterans Council Member Organizations and their Board of Directors (VCBOD), much has changed for veterans in Clay in the last six years.

VCBOD determined in November 2021 that "Championing a Veterans Center" in Clay County was one of their strategic goals and that a separate nonprofit would be responsible for managing the center. Only a few years later, they opened Clay Veterans Center in April 2025 at 2497-1 CR 220, Middleburg, Florida 32068 in partnership with Clay Veterans, Inc.

How the "center" would be organized and what the mission would be has evolved over the years. Now after being open for nine months, managing partner, Clay Veterans, Inc's Board of Directors (CVBOD), has a better idea of how to best serve Clay County veterans and their families and published an updated Strategic Plan in January 2026.

Clay Veterans, Inc.

Strategic Plan 2025 - 2030

Vison: a thriving veteran community where every veteran and their family can access support services, find camaraderie, and continue serving others — all from a dedicated, stand-alone facility with space for programs, events, and community gatherings.

Strategic Priorities:

• Operate and Strengthen the Veterans Center

• Build Membership Value Through Connection and Purpose

• Expand Programs and Participation

• Grow Organizational Capacity and Sustainability

• Secure a Stand-Alone Facility with Grounds

Strategic Goals:

Goal 1: Strengthen Core Programs

Goal 2: Grow and Engage Membership

Goal 3: Build Organizational Sustainability

Goal 4: Secure a Stand-Alone Facility

The changes you have seen to this website are the first steps in the implementation of these strategic goals. For further exploration, click on the Strategic Plan under the About menu item.

STAY TUNED - MORE TO FOLLOW!