Conversations with Jacquelyn Blackwell

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacquelyn Blackwell

Hi Jacquelyn, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I began with Feed My Sheep food pantry as a liaison between my church and Feed My Sheep of Durham NC Inc. Feed My Sheep was looking for a new location and we were looking for a community outreach program. I served in that position for 2 years. I was later ask to become the Volunteer Coordinator, keeping track of court appointed community service workers and reporting to the Judicial Service. I served in that position for 5 years while working closely with the program manager on pantry distribution. When our program manager passed away and our project manager left to care for a sick family member the board decided to combine the two positions to create a new executive director position. I was appointed to the position of Volunteer Executive Director.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road. The transition of a new position and new responsibilities requires a lot of time and dedication to the work. Instead of two people doing the work is now one. This position is totally voluntary. The struggle for consistent volunteers, having enough food to serve the community, paperwork and reports to the foodbank and be overwhelming at times. Covid was a challenge moving from indoor distribution to mobile distribution along with the increasing numbers of guest. Our mission has always been to offer hope,healing and hospitality.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am an elementary teacher by trade. I have a Sociology and Elementary Education degree from North Carolina Central University. I taught kindergarten and 1st grade before retirement. In addition to my position at Feed My Sheep, I am the Co-Coordinator for End Hunger Durham, a mobile resource hub providing vital resource materials to the community.
I am exceptionally proud of my 2022 Duke University Chapel Humanitarian Award and the Triangle Nonprofit and Volunteer Leadership Center 2024 Key Volunteer of the Year. I am also proud of my ordination to Elder in my church. For the past 14 years Feed My Sheep Food Pantry has continued to survive and thrive. That is something to be proud of.
I think what sets me apart from others is that I take the time to listen to their stories. I am a firm believer that it’s just nice to be nice. I also can be diverse without being controversial.

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
The best way to work or collaborate is to offer their time and volunteer, their talent by talking to people about pantry relief efforts and their treasure, donate directly to a small local food pantry.

Pricing:

• To operate a pantry with an all volunteer staff is around 40,000 a year.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: feedmysheep919