JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Women’s Center of Jacksonville announced a $500,000 matching gift from artist Brette Petway and $461,710 in state funding. The contributions are intended to expand the nonprofit’s mental health, crisis intervention and forensic exam services across Northeast Florida.
The organization is seeking to match Petway’s five-year commitment to generate a cumulative $1 million in private support. This funding comes as newly appointed CEO Allishia Bauman prioritizes diversifying the center’s financial resources to meet rising community demand for its services.
Petway’s $500,000 gift is designed as a one-for-one match for new multi-year donations of any amount. The commitment is unrestricted, which allows the center flexibility to allocate resources toward its mental health, crisis intervention, education and advocacy services. Petway, a Northeast Florida-based artist and philanthropist, uses the term “Philanthartist” to describe her work partnering with nonprofits to create original artwork that supports fundraising efforts.
“Being a Philanthartist means investing both my creativity and my resources in causes that make our communities stronger,” Petway said. “The Women’s Center of Jacksonville transforms lives every day and I’m honored to support its mission through both this gift and our creative partnership.
My hope is that together we inspire even more people to join us in making a difference.”The $461,710 state allocation specifically supports the center’s Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (S.A.F.E.) Program. This program provides survivors with trauma-informed care and works with law enforcement agencies that investigate sexual crimes. State Rep. Jessica Baker and state Sen. Tracie Davis secured the funding during the 2026 legislative session.
Baker said the S.A.F.E. Program is an investment in hope and justice. “This program provides survivors with compassionate, trauma-informed care while supporting the law enforcement agencies that investigate these crimes,” Baker said. “I was honored to champion this funding in the Florida House and help ensure this critical resource continues to serve individuals and families throughout Northeast Florida.”
Davis noted that the investment represents a commitment to standing with survivors during difficult moments. “The Women’s Center provides a critical service to our community, and I’m grateful for their continued commitment to healing, advocacy and empowerment,” Davis said. “When we work together across the aisle and alongside community partners, we can make a meaningful difference and ensure survivors know they are not alone.”
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