Finding Peace, Purpose, and Community with Kurt Elliott
by: Hannah Washington, Data Development and Communications Coordinator, Jacksonville Community Center
If you walk by the Jacksonville Community Center on any given afternoon, you might see Kurt Elliot power-washing the walkway, tending to the landscaping, or meticulously fixing up a spot on the roof. But before he became the center’s go-to handyman, Kurt and his wife, Heidi, lived a very different life in the bustling San Fernando Valley. Tired of the constant noise and endless traffic, they came to visit Kurt’s brother—who had moved to the area a few years prior—and instantly fell in love with the slower, peaceful pace of life.
When they officially made the move three years ago, Kurt found himself deeply appreciating the quiet beauty of Jacksonville. But he didn’t just want to live here; he wanted to contribute to the town and make a genuine difference. The opportunity arose naturally when Heidi began hosting her popular “paint and lunch” classes at the community center. While helping out, Kurt noticed the roof was getting dirty and immediately jumped into action, moving things around and cleaning. He saw potential maintenance issues down the road, brought them up to Julie, and got the green light to handle them himself—saving the non-profit valuable funds by doing the repairs on his own.
For Kurt, volunteering is all about taking pride in the place you live. “When I think of the Jacksonville Community Center, the first word that comes to mind is community,” he shares. “It’s an important place for anyone. For such a small town, everything it offers—from kids’ classes to paint parties and event spaces—truly stands out”.
Over the last three years, the center has given a lot back to Kurt, too. It has connected him with incredible neighbors who share his dedication, including folks like Steve Casaligio. Together, Kurt and Steve have teamed up to tackle repair work, fix trees, and put tables together for events. To Kurt, working alongside Steve has been an absolute inspiration and a testament to the friendships built through service.
Looking ahead, Kurt is incredibly optimistic about the center’s trajectory, noting the beautiful new walkway, fresh landscaping, and expanding event calendar. But when he isn’t busy keeping the building in tip-top shape or helping prepare for his wife’s awesome art classes, Kurt fully embraces the quiet life he came here for. You can usually find him sitting contentedly on his front porch, enjoying a hot cup of coffee with his wife, and relaxing with their dog by their side.
If you are looking for a meaningful way to give back, connect with your neighbors, and leave a lasting legacy, Kurt has a simple message: dive in. The Jacksonville Community Center is shaped by the passion of its volunteers, and there is always room for one more helping hand.
If you are interested in finding out more about volunteering, please contact Victoria (Tori) Wood at: vwood@jacksonvillecommunitycenter.org.
