Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Rachel R. Jackson-Poole. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Rachel , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
I wanted to impact the world around me. I saw a homeless man sleeping in a box, and I felt called to do something. So I asked my family and friends to donate items so I could make 1000 sack lunches. At the time, I had just lost my mom and was looking for my purpose in life. Back in 2006, I was the 1st to be featured in the “Strong Enough for a Woman” segment on the Tyra Banks show, and while there Tyra Banks and Secret Deodorant partnered up and surprised me with a check for $10,000 to fund my dream of opening up a fashion store which I did but, my primary focus was Project Compassion NFP. I felt responsible to make a difference in the world and to help the ones that needed help.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Rachel R. Jackson-Poole founded Project Compassion, NFP at just 25 years old. 18-years later Project Compassion, NFP under the leadership of Rachel has assisted over 200,000 homeless, disadvantaged and
low-income men, women, and children with food, shelter, seasonal supplies, hygiene items, Life Skills
workshops, and Vocational Training.
Rachel received local and national awards for her work including Barack Obama’s Silver Presidential
Award for her Community Service. Daily Point of Light Award. Lindenwood University
Outstanding Alum Award. The Secret Deodorant Strong Enough for a Woman Award. Rachel was
awarded the Powerful Difference Award by ABC Radio & Pine-Sol. The Top Ladies of Distinction
“Extraordinary Women” award. The Delta Economic Development Corp Award “Heroes Among
Us” Rachel is the recipient of the TOCO “Making a Difference” award and the BASIC Citizen of
Character award. Rachel is a 2014 L’Oreal Paris Woman of Worth”.
Rachel in 2011 opened the Compassionate Resource Center in Belleville, IL (2011). Rachel led the
charge in PC-NFP receiving a Proclamation from the Mayor of Belleville, IL declaring October 29th
“Compassion Day” in the city of Belleville (2014).
Rachel has received local and national attention for her work including being featured on the Tyra
Banks Show has been featured in numerous magazines, of Ebony Magazine,
MORE Magazine, Oprah (O) Magazine, Glamour Magazine, Gazelle Magazine, and
Southern Living. Rachel was featured in Black Professional Women (2011 & 2016) Rachel has
launched the first Self-Esteem & Self-Worth program called Empower-Me in 35 middle and
high schools in St. Clair and Madison County, IL working with school districts to inspire youth
and girls by building beauty from the inside first, character building, and continuing education.
Rachel is the host of the Girlz On Purpose Tour.
Rachel is a Licensed Professional Counselor and holds a B.S in Business Administration and an M.A in
Professional Counseling; Certified Master Trainer in Life Skills, and Self-esteem. Rachel is a
Certified Civil and Divorce Mediator; Rachel is a Sociology-Psychology Adjunct Professor and will
obtain a PhD in Forensic Psychology, Winter 2026.
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
After being featured on the Tyra Banks show it got me networking with my community, other churches, organizations, etc. And with the help that was being poured into me, I was able to pour it back into my organization.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
Being a community organization it allows us to build relationships with other schools and organizations and continue to build out our community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://projectcompassionnfp.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectcompassion_nfp/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/projectcompassionnfp/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/project-compassion-nfp