Mission Statement:
BeLikeJacob is a cause close to our hearts…that honors the young man who inspired our organization, by showing compassion, kindness, and love. We strive to give hope and support to those in need in our community to continue his legacy.
Our Community Impact Goals for 2026
- Empowering the Next Generation of Skilled Professionals
- In 2026, we will invest in the future workforce by equipping high school students entering the skilled trades with the tools they need to succeed. By removing financial barriers and placing essential equipment directly into their hands, we are not just giving tools — we are building confidence, independence, and career pathways that can change the trajectory of a young person’s life.
- Strengthening Classrooms, One Book at a Time
- We will continue to support new teachers by helping them build vibrant classroom libraries. Every book placed on a shelf represents opportunity — an opportunity to inspire imagination, strengthen literacy, and foster a lifelong love of learning. By investing in educators, we invest in every child they teach.
- Serving and Uplifting Our Community
- Our commitment extends beyond programs — it extends to people. In 2026, we will deepen our outreach efforts to better support community members facing challenges. Through intentional partnerships and direct assistance, we aim to meet real needs with compassion, responsiveness, and action.
- Championing Youth Through Recreation
- We will sponsor a local youth soccer or baseball team to promote teamwork, discipline, and healthy lifestyles. Supporting youth athletics means more than putting our name on a jersey — it means standing behind young people as they grow in confidence, leadership, and resilience both on and off the field.
2025 Accomplishments
- Empowered 4 classrooms in Hazel Park, equipping students and teachers with critical support and resources that directly enhanced learning environments.
- Delivered 10 Thanksgiving dinner gift cards, ensuring families in need could gather around the table with dignity, warmth, and a full meal during the holidays.
- Supported 4 families during Christmas, helping create moments of joy, stability, and relief during a season that can otherwise bring financial strain.
- Purchased and distributed winter clothing for multiple families, providing essential protection against the cold and reinforcing that our community takes care of its own.
- Stepped in to assist 2 families impacted by cancer, offering meaningful relief during some of life’s most difficult and vulnerable moments.
- And beyond these milestones, we continued to serve quietly and consistently throughout the year — meeting urgent needs, filling critical gaps, and strengthening families across our community.