Celebrating Black History Month: Meet Polly Pulley

Polly Pulley, 63, has a heart for the Jacksonville community. The trailblazer has directed programming for the Spirit of Faith Soup Kitchen since 2012, supported the Healthy Jacksonville initiative and recently joined the Passavant Area Hospital Board of Directors.

She’s been a giver since the beginning.

“When I look back, I was always helping others, even as a child,” Polly said. “I hung around with the elderly people and helped them out. In my family, I was always the one helping the children. I was a mother to all of my sisters. It’s just always been a part of me.”

Under Polly’s direction, the Spirit of Faith Soup Kitchen has provided a refuge for thousands of people each year, providing warm, healthy evening meals every Monday through Thursday amd serving about 7,500 meals each year.

Through Healthy Jacksonville, Polly has connected healthcare partners with different soup kitchen clients who need services. Now she is serving on the board of directors for Passavant Area Hospital and learning much about healthcare, which has always been an interest of hers.

She offers this advice to others who want to give back: “Respect everyone’s gift,” she said. “No matter how small it may seem – when we use all our gifts together, we can do awesome work for others.”