Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel R Jackson
Hi Rachel R, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Rachel R. Jackson, LPC, founded Project Compassion, NFP (PC-NFP) in 2005 when she was just 25 years old. Her organization has made a significant impact, assisting over 200,000 homeless, disadvantaged, and low-income individuals with essential needs such as food, shelter, hygiene items, and vocational training.
Rachel’s dedication and achievements have earned her numerous accolades. She has been recognized locally and nationally, receiving awards such as the BASIC Citizen of Character award, the Barack Obama Silver Presidential Award for Community Service, and the Daily Point of Light Award. In 2014, she was honored as a L’Oreal Paris Woman of Worth and received the Outstanding Alum Award from Lindenwood University.
Rachel’s community efforts extend to various honors, including the Top Ladies of Distinction “Extraordinary Women” award, the Delta Economic Development Corp Award “Heroes Among Us,” and the TOCO “Making a Difference” award. Her influence led to the establishment of the Compassionate Resource Center in Belleville, IL in 2011. Furthermore, in 2014, the Mayor of Belleville declared October 29th as “Compassion Day” in recognition of PC-NFP’s contributions.
Rachel has also been featured in numerous high-profile media outlets and shows. She appeared on the Tyra Banks Show, where she received the Secret Deodorant Strong Enough for a Woman Award, and has been highlighted in publications like Ebony Magazine, MORE Magazine, Oprah (O) Magazine, Glamour Magazine, Gazelle Magazine, and Southern Living. Her work has been acknowledged by ABC Radio & Pine-Sol with the Powerful Difference Award.
In addition to her extensive work with PC-NFP, Rachel launched the Empower-Me program in St. Clair County, IL. This initiative focuses on building self-esteem and self-worth among youth, particularly girls, through character building and continuing education. She also hosts the Girlz On Purpose Tour, furthering her mission to inspire and empower young women.
Rachel’s journey from founding Project Compassion to receiving widespread recognition showcases her commitment to serving and uplifting her community. Her numerous awards and media features underscore the significant impact of her work.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My journey with Project Compassion, NFP has not always been smooth. Like many nonprofit founders, I’ve faced significant challenges and obstacles along the way. Securing consistent funding and resources is a common struggle for many nonprofits, and Project Compassion was no exception. Rachel often had to find creative ways to ensure her organization could meet the needs of the 200,000 individuals they have helped over the years. This required persistent grant writing, fundraising, and seeking donations.
Building awareness for Project Compassion and its mission was another hurdle. In the early stages, I’ve had to work tirelessly to get the word out about Project Compassion, NFP, and the services it provided. This involved engaging with the community, networking, and leveraging media coverage to bring attention to the cause.
Running a nonprofit organization comes with its own set of operational challenges. From managing volunteers and staff to ensuring the efficient distribution of resources, Rachel had to develop robust systems and processes. Establishing the Compassionate Resource Center in Belleville, IL, for example, would have required meticulous planning and execution.
Founding and running a nonprofit often demand personal sacrifices. I’ve faced the challenge of balancing personal life with the demands of her organization. The dedication required to sustain and grow Project Compassion would have been immense, requiring long hours and unwavering commitment.
Working within the constraints of local, state, and federal regulations can be a significant barrier. Obtaining necessary permits, ensuring compliance with nonprofit laws, and navigating the bureaucratic landscape have posed challenges along the way.
Despite these struggles, My resilience and dedication to Project Compassion and NFP mission have been evident through the numerous awards and recognitions I’ve received. I am SO grateful God has trusted me with such an assignment as this.
We’ve been impressed with Project Compassion NFP, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Project Compassion, NFP (PC-NFP) is a nonprofit organization founded by Rachel R. Jackson, LPC, in 2005. The organization is dedicated to serving homeless, disadvantaged, and low-income individuals and families by providing essential services and resources to help them achieve stability and self-sufficiency. In 19 years, PC-NFP has assisted over 200,000 people, making a significant impact on the community.
PC-NFP provides food, shelter, seasonal supplies, and hygiene items to the homeless. These services are critical for individuals and families facing immediate crises and ensure they have the basic necessities to survive.
We offer workshops designed to equip individuals with the skills they need to navigate life’s challenges. These workshops cover various topics, including financial literacy, job readiness, and personal development.
PC-NFP provides vocational training programs that help individuals gain the skills needed for employment. This training is essential for helping participants secure stable jobs and achieve long-term economic stability.
Specialization and Unique Offerings
What sets PC-NFP apart from other organizations is our holistic approach. We do not just address immediate needs; we also focus on long-term solutions by providing education, training, and support services to help individuals break the cycle of poverty.
One of our flagship programs, Empower-Me, focuses on building self-esteem and self-worth among youth, particularly girls, in St. Clair County, IL. This program is designed to inspire young people by building inner beauty, character, and a commitment to continuing education.
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Established in Belleville, IL in 2011, the Compassionate Resource Center serves as a hub for our services, offering a safe and welcoming space for those in need to access resources, attend workshops, and receive support.
We are proud of the numerous awards and recognitions that highlight the impact of our work, including:
– BASIC Citizen of Character award
– Barack Obama Silver Presidential Award for Community Service
– Daily Point of Light Award
– L’Oreal Paris Woman of Worth
– Powerful Difference Award by ABC Radio & Pine-Sol
These accolades reflect our commitment to excellence and the positive difference we are making in the community.
Our brand is built on the principles of compassion and empowerment. We strive to not only meet the immediate needs of those we serve but also to empower them to build better futures for themselves and their families.
We are deeply embedded in the community and work closely with local partners, volunteers, and supporters to maximize our impact. Our efforts have garnered local and national attention, further solidifying our reputation as a trusted and effective nonprofit organization.
Project Compassion, NFP, is dedicated to transforming lives through comprehensive support and empowerment. We believe that everyone deserves a chance to achieve stability and self-sufficiency, and we are committed to providing the resources and support necessary to make that possible. Whether through direct services, workshops, or vocational training, our goal is to create lasting change and build a stronger, more compassionate community.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
The Covid-19 crisis has imparted several important lessons to Project Compassion, NFP and has significantly influenced how we operate and serve our community.
The pandemic required us to quickly adapt our services to meet changing needs.
The crisis highlighted the significant digital divide in our community. Many of those we serve lacked access to necessary technology and internet services, We improved our communication strategies by leveraging social media, email newsletters, and virtual meetings to keep our community informed and engaged. These tools have proven invaluable for maintaining connections and providing updates on our services and initiatives.
The pandemic underscored the importance of strong partnerships with other organizations, local businesses, and government agencies. Collaborating allowed us to pool resources, share information, and coordinate efforts to more effectively address the increased demand for services. We hosted free mobile meals and a mobile market for over one year during the pandemic.
We saw a remarkable increase in volunteerism and community support. Many individuals stepped up to help, whether through virtual volunteering, donations, or participating in community drives. This surge in community spirit was a powerful reminder of the resilience and generosity of people in times of crisis.
The pandemic brought mental health issues to the forefront, both for those we serve and within our own team. We recognized the need for increased mental health support and incorporated mental wellness programs and resources into our services. Supporting the mental health of our staff and clients became an integral part of our response strategy.
The economic impact of the pandemic posed significant challenges to our funding. To ensure sustainability, we focused on diversifying our funding sources through grants, online fundraising campaigns, and partnerships with corporations. This approach helped us maintain financial stability and continue our operations during uncertain times.
Throughout the pandemic, staying true to our core mission of compassion and empowerment guided our decisions and actions. This focus ensured that we remained aligned with our values and continued to make a meaningful impact, even in the face of unprecedented challenges.
Covid-19 crisis has been a profound learning experience for Project Compassion, NFP. It has highlighted the importance of adaptability, technology, community collaboration, health and safety, financial stability, and preparedness. These lessons will continue to shape our strategies and operations, making us a stronger and more resilient organization.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.projectcompassionnfp.org
- Instagram: #projectcompassion_nfp
- Facebook: projectcompassionnfp
