GET INVOLVED: VOLUNTEER AT LSSBarrett began her LSS career in July 2013, as a Refugee Services data specialist. Over the years, Barrett rose through the ranks as the nonprofit's Development Manager (January 2014 to January 2021) and Director of Development (January 2021 to September 2022). “I am so fortunate to call LSS my second home,” Barrett said. “It is a place where I have been allowed to learn, explore and grow. That’s a rare gift in this world and I treasure it and my LSS family.” Some of her many career highlights include helping to increase LSS fundraising by 150% in fiscal year 2022; and establishing the LSS Leadership Council with acclaimed concert pianist and philanthropist Christopher Kuo. Earlier in her career, Jennifer has worked as a teacher in the Duval County Public School system and as an administrative assistant for United Way of Northeast Florida. Barrett was also a founding member of the Civic Orchestra of Jacksonville, established in 2016. Currently, Barrett serves as the nonprofit’s treasurer and plays cello in the orchestra’s string section. Learn more about Lutheran Social Services, the importance of our work and how to get involved at lssjax.org.
CAREER AT LSS: Apply today!This article was written by Kelli Urbanek; to contact the author, email her at kelli.urbanek@lssjax.org.
I really admire how Barrett’s journey at LSS shows long-term growth and genuine passion for making an impact—it's not easy to stay committed and achieve that kind of progress over the years. I find it especially meaningful how she describes LSS as a second home, because I think that sense of belonging is what drives people to do their best work. In a totally different way, I notice how I feel something similar when I spend time in EaglerCraft, where I can learn, explore, and grow creatively, and it reminds me how important supportive environments are in any context.
I really admire how Barrett’s journey at LSS shows long-term growth and genuine passion for making an impact—it's not easy to stay committed and achieve that kind of progress over the years. I find it especially meaningful how she describes LSS as a second home, because I think that sense of belonging is what drives people to do their best work. In a totally different way, I notice how I feel something similar when I spend time in EaglerCraft, where I can learn, explore, and grow creatively, and it reminds me how important supportive environments are in any context.