Getting To Know Kernan

1. How long has the Kernan Center been serving the community, and what makes it unique among the FCWS locations? 

The Kernan Center has been serving the community for three years at its current location after relocating from Jacksonville Beach, where it had operated for ten years. In our first year on Kernan Boulevard, we doubled the number of clients from the Beaches area. 

One of the things that makes our center unique is its accessibility. We are strategically located near two universities, Mayport Naval Station, the beaches, and several major roadways, making it convenient for a wide range of clients. 

2. What is the heart or mission behind the Kernan Center’s work specifically? 

In line with our mission statement, “Empowering women to make informed choices about their pregnancy,” our heart is to provide hope, compassion, and support. We strive to educate every client about the options available to them, whether their pregnancy is planned or unplanned. Our desire is for each person who walks through our doors to feel heard, valued, and supported. 

3. What kind of clients typically walk through your doors, and what are their most common needs? 

More than 90 percent of our clients are experiencing unplanned pregnancies. Many are seeking information about abortion, free ultrasounds, options-based counseling, emotional support, and medical or material resources. Our clients represent a wide range of cultural backgrounds, reflecting the diversity of our community. 

4. Walk us through what a typical client experience looks like from the moment they arrive. 

From the moment clients arrive, we aim to create a warm and welcoming environment. They are greeted by our receptionist with a smile, along with water and a snack. After completing any necessary paperwork, they meet with a client advocate who brings them into one of our private, comfortable counseling rooms. 

In that safe, confidential, and nonjudgmental space, clients are invited to share their stories, needs, and concerns. With their permission, we guide them through their options and show short, informative videos to help them understand those options more clearly. 

A lab-grade pregnancy test is self-administered. If the client reads it as positive, the client advocate may offer an appointment for a free limited ultrasound. We then connect the client with any outside resources that may be helpful based on the needs they have expressed. 

Clients are also invited to participate in educational, video-based parenting classes, which allow them to earn baby items such as cribs and other essential supplies. For those who have chosen abortion or are post-abortive, we offer compassionate post-abortion healing support. 

5. How does your center help women who are considering abortion, adoption, or parenting? 

With the client’s permission, we walk them through each of their options by sharing factual information and asking thoughtful questions. We offer educational videos on abortion procedures presented by a doctor, along with information on fetal development. We also explain the value of a free limited ultrasound, which provides key details that can help inform their decision. 

In addition, we provide information on adoption and parenting, and we offer referrals to resources outside of our organization as needed. Throughout the process, our staff offers emotional support and compassion, walking with each client every step of the way. 

The team at Kernan shared that they genuinely love serving every individual who walks through their doors. Their dedicated staff and volunteers have a true heart for service and are committed to making each client’s experience one that reflects compassion, value, and care. 

If you are pregnant or think you might be, we are here for you. Call us at (904) 915-HELP (4357) or click here to schedule an appointment with the Kernan Center today.