My name is Audraine Jackson, founder of J&V Cares, Inc. Our group is spurred by the values my parents taught me. James was an entrepreneur who provided jobs and training for returning traumatized war veterans. Victoria was a voting rights and education activist who would take her children out of school to join her as she fought inequalities. We are approaching 25 years of executing two signature programs.

The first year after losing a spouse is the most difficult for life adjustment. The Flowers to Widows program surprises men and women on Valentine’s Day with a dozen roses and gifts in the name of their loved one. This program comforts the bereaved at a time most needed. The September 11th First Responders Appreciation Day is our signature program. Every year we honor police, firefighters and EMTS for their service by feeding them and offering prayers for safety. We lobbied the state legislature in 2023 passing the First Responders Appreciation bill into law recognizing first responders statewide every September 11th. 

Our recent program, the Beyond the Call of Duty Awards, recognizes and awards first responders who go above and beyond what is normally required. Our tag line “Compassion is Strength” reflects our values. We need your support so we can continue working to comfort the bereaved and serve those who answer our call for help.