Speakers

In 1987, I was laid off from work. I had five maxed credit cards, a house note, a car note, and child support payments. It seemed I was at a dead end with no hope in sight. I became depressed because I couldn’t find employment, and my unemployment benefits were running out. There wasn’t enough money coming in to pay for everything. I didn’t know what to do and had plans to move, to run. I wanted to take my little money and leave the state. I tried to escape the pressures and responsibilities, which included my children. At that point, it was self-preservation; that’s all I knew. It seemed instinctive. I was only 25 years old.

Of course, that’s not how the story ended. God had another plan for me and my relationship with my three boys. I gave Him a chance, and immediately, my life had purpose, meaning, and direction.

This is why FARM was created: to help men reunite with and make a difference in their children’s lives. Statistics tell us that the world is a better place when fathers learn to take their rightful place, helping to raise, teach, and support their children. 

Jennifer Jackson has been involved in Hungry Howie's Pizza since she was 10, spending her summer vacations helping at stores and the corporate office. In 1998, she officially joined the company as a Fundraising Coordinator and has since held various roles, currently serving as the Vice President of Public Relations.

After the tragic loss of her sister, Dre, Jennifer founded The DRE Project to honor her memory. Over the past 4 years, the nonprofit has provided home-cooked meals and groceries to more than 1,000 needy families. Today, The DRE Project delivers 60 pounds of essential dry goods, a home-cooked meal, and a birthday box to individuals and families facing hardship across Metro Detroit. In 2025, they served over 600 new families and are on pace for the same in 2026. Jennifer currently leads the organization as the founder and President of the 501(c)(3) charity. Learn more about The DRE project at the website: https://thedreproject.org/

 

Best Buddies is the world’s largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical, and economic isolation of the 200 million people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The IDD community includes, but is not limited to, people with Down syndrome, autism, Fragile X, Williams syndrome, and other undiagnosed disabilities. Our programs empower people with IDD to form meaningful friendships with their peers, secure jobs, improve communication and advocacy skills, and live independently, while also offering support for their families. Learn more at BestBuddies.org