After years of living in the midst of grief after the death of her beloved sister Andrea (Dre) Kristin Jackson, Birmingham-resident Jennifer Jackson found her way out by asking herself, "What would she want for my life?"
The answer came in the form of delivering home-cooked meals for people facing hardship. Over time, that vision developed into the DRE Project. The organization's mission is to bring light and positivity to the world — one meal and box of groceries at a time, in partnership with other nonprofits throughout Metro Detroit, such as Humble Design Detroit, New Day Foundation, Easterseals MORC, Sheriff PAL, Kids Empowered on the Move and SAY Detroit.
Birmingham City Lifestyle spoke with the Birmingham resident about the DRE Project's development and goals for helping others.
Why did you choose feeding families as a way to help?
I was raised in the pizza industry and started in the stores at the age of 10. When I lost my sister, I went to hell, and as I came back, I wanted to shine the light that she left in this dark world. I didn't know how, so I turned to Kensington Church, which has been a huge part of my journey, and took the LIVE! Training. In that class, I was taught to look at my hands and see the gifts that I had been given. I knew I was good at food; it was in my blood, so that's where I started.
We deliver 60 pounds of dry goods, a home-cooked meal prepared by the Foodie Engineer, and our birthday boxes. Our next step is a recipe book with all the items we serve in the boxes, which provide about seven days of food. We want help getting creative and cooking on a budget for a family! We start with food but then offer any additional resources a family might need. From household items to clothing, furniture and baby items, our community is pulling together to help these families.
How has the mission changed over time?
The DRE Project began serving home-cooked meals to families that suffered loss during COVID-19 and delivered more than 2,800 meals through 2021. Today, we deliver one time to any family facing hardship. In 2023, we delivered to more than 200 families and are on track to help more than 600 families in 2024.
This happens out of my garage, so imagine what I could do with a space. I have been praying for a space to come forward that we can utilize. If anyone has a space and wants a tax write-off, please reach out!
What advice would you give people learning to live with grief?
In all honesty, I ran from grief for the first six years, and it was hell. Grief is a journey we must follow on our own, but understand we are not alone. Don't run from grief. Go through it. It hurts. It sucks, and you will never get over the one you lose. So, face it, accept it, understand the feelings and push through it. We have so many resources now, and the New Hope Center for Grief Support is one of them. I facilitate virtual groups for this Northville-based nonprofit that has many in-person groups as well.
How do you think Dre would feel about the project named after her?
Dre had this caring side of her, which we call the ‘wounded bird syndrome.’ She was always taking people in, helping them, offering them meals and just someone to listen. I know she is proud to see the number of people we're helping in her honor, and the more we can serve, the bigger she will be smiling down on us.
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How To Help
The DRE Project is run entirely on support from the community. For more information about the DRE Project, to donate or to volunteer time or services to the DRE Project, visit thedreproject.org or call (248) 709-3229.