Meet the Founder
Rachel R. Jackson, LPC
Rachel R. Jackson founded Project Compassion, NFP at just 25 years old. Twenty-one years later, under her leadership, Project Compassion has assisted more than 200,000 homeless, disadvantaged, and low-income men, women, and children with food, shelter, seasonal supplies, hygiene items, life skills workshops, and vocational training.
She launched Empower-Me, the first Self-Esteem & Self-Worth program, which has operated in 65 middle and high schools across St. Clair and Madison Counties, Illinois. The program partners with schools to inspire youth, particularly young girls by promoting inner beauty, character development, and continuing education.
In 2011, Rachel opened the Compassionate Resource Center in Belleville, Illinois, and in 2014, under her leadership, Project Compassion, NFP received a Proclamation from the Mayor of Belleville declaring October 29th as “Compassion Day” in the city.
Rachel has received numerous local and national honors for her impactful work, including:
- Barack Obama Silver Presidential Award for Community Service
- Daily Point of Light Award
- In 2014, Rachel was honored as a L’Oréal Paris Woman of Worth.
- 2025 Women’s History Month recognition, Illinois State Comptroller.
- 2025 Illinois State Senate Recognition, Senator Christopher Belt
- Lindenwood University Outstanding Alum Award
- The Secret Deodorant “Strong Enough for a Woman” Award.
- Powerful Difference Award by ABC Radio & Pine-Sol
- Top Ladies of Distinction “Extraordinary Women” Award
- Delta Economic Development Corp “Heroes Among Us” Award
Including features on The Tyra Banks Show and in publications such as Ebony Magazine, MORE Magazine, O (Oprah) Magazine, Glamour, Gazelle Magazine, Southern Living, and Black Professional Women.
Rachel also serves as the host of the Girlz On Purpose Tour.
Rachel is a Licensed Professional Counselor(LPC), holding a B.S. in Business Administration, an M.A. in Professional Counseling, and a Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.) in Forensic Psychology.
She is a Certified Master Trainer in Life Skills and Self-Esteem, a Certified Civil and Divorce Mediator, and an Adjunct Professor of Sociology and Psychology.
Rachel will obtain her Ph.D. in Forensic Psychology in Winter 2026
Rachel R. Jackson founded Project Compassion, NFP at just 25 years old. Twenty-one years later, under her leadership, Project Compassion has assisted more than 200,000 homeless, disadvantaged, and low-income men, women, and children with food, shelter, seasonal supplies, hygiene items, life skills workshops, and vocational training.
She launched Empower-Me, the first Self-Esteem & Self-Worth program, which has operated in 65 middle and high schools across St. Clair and Madison Counties, Illinois. The program partners with schools to inspire youth, particularly young girls by promoting inner beauty, character development, and continuing education.
In 2011, Rachel opened the Compassionate Resource Center in Belleville, Illinois, and in 2014, under her leadership, Project Compassion, NFP received a Proclamation from the Mayor of Belleville declaring October 29th as “Compassion Day” in the city.
Rachel has received numerous local and national honors for her impactful work, including:
- Barack Obama Silver Presidential Award for Community Service
- Daily Point of Light Award
- In 2014, Rachel was honored as a L’Oréal Paris Woman of Worth.
- 2025 Women’s History Month recognition, Illinois State Comptroller.
- 2025 Illinois State Senate Recognition, Senator Christopher Belt
- Lindenwood University Outstanding Alum Award
- The Secret Deodorant “Strong Enough for a Woman” Award.
- Powerful Difference Award by ABC Radio & Pine-Sol
- Top Ladies of Distinction “Extraordinary Women” Award
- Delta Economic Development Corp “Heroes Among Us” Award
Including features on The Tyra Banks Show and in publications such as Ebony Magazine, MORE Magazine, O (Oprah) Magazine, Glamour, Gazelle Magazine, Southern Living, and Black Professional Women.
Rachel also serves as the host of the Girlz On Purpose Tour.
Rachel is a Licensed Professional Counselor(LPC), holding a B.S. in Business Administration, an M.A. in Professional Counseling, and a Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.) in Forensic Psychology.
She is a Certified Master Trainer in Life Skills and Self-Esteem, a Certified Civil and Divorce Mediator, and an Adjunct Professor of Sociology and Psychology.
Rachel will obtain her Ph.D. in Forensic Psychology in Winter 2026