The Heart of a Teacher. The Vision of a Servant.

The mission of Mercy’s Hand of Northeast Florida Inc. is rooted in a decade of listening. Before its official launch, Joseph F. Snyder Jr. spent nine years as an educator within Duval County Public Schools (DCPS). From the high-stakes environment of alternative high schools to the foundational years of elementary and middle school classrooms, Joseph discovered a universal truth: regardless of age or background, every person shares a fundamental desire to be heard, understood, and given the grace to make mistakes.

This journey of service took a personal turn in June 2024. While navigating a life-altering kidney transplant and recovery, Joseph found the clarity to revive a dream first sparked in 2010. On his 42nd birthday, he officially launched Mercy’s Hand, finally bringing to life the mission that had been brewing for over a decade.

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While the name has evolved, the core remains the same. Joseph leads Mercy’s Hand with the spirit of G.R.A.C.E.—an acronym from his original vision: Giving Race a Chance to Excel. Today, he uses his deep experience in Jacksonville’s educational system and his own journey of resilience to ensure that every individual served by the organization knows they are valued, supported, and capable of transformation.