L-R Rebecca Jackson, mother Journey, daughter Gracie, and Rachel Driscoll at awards ceremony
Photo: Courtesy
By Kristi King
Rebecca “Becky” Jackson, founder of It Takes A Village, a local organization that offers valuable services to community members, received the prestigious “20 Outstanding Women” Award sponsored by Hannaford on April 28 at USM’s Hannaford Hall in Portland to honor her work with the unhoused and veterans in the Sanford community.
Rachel Driscoll, a member of Saint George’s Episcopal Church nominated Becky saying, “When I heard of the award, I immediately thought of Becky Jackson. With great humility and unceasing drive, Becky Jackson is on a mission to lift up people who are too often unseen. Becky sees them, and without judgement, reaches out with a helping hand and a warm and welcoming hug.”
The goal of It Takes a Village 207 is to be “the village” that helps struggling community members get on their feet, while making them feel loved and understood. ITAV207, established in 2020 and voted Best Non-Profit Organization in 2023 by the Portland Radio group, helps community members by providing resources for local veterans through the Maine Homeless Veterans Alliance along with families and individuals struggling with financial hardship, homelessness, food insecurity, substance misuse, domestic violence and other life challenges. It connects them with housing, recovery programs and jobs along with a weekly community hot meal outreach for the unhoused.
Reverend Timothy Higgins arranged for the group to hold the weekly hot meal distribution at the church as a permanent meeting place where many of the weekly volunteers are church members. He said, “We have relationships and respect here. We are building community and connection,” while noting that they’ve had no issues or trouble. Linda Farr, a church volunteer for six years through her connection with Becky’s mom said, “Becky deserves the award. She’s good at what she does and everyone involved are great people.”
On a recent Wednesday, a large group of people gathered at the church saying they look forward to seeing each other every week with smiles, laughter and renewed hope. Becky Jackson greeted each person before setting them up with necessary supplies by providing clothing, gear and other essentials. They also assist local families with heat, appliances, repairs, school supplies and through their annual ITAV207 Christmas Assistance Program. The organization recently held another successful Spring Auction in which local businesses donated services and products for the event.
Becky’s mother, Journey Jackson, explained the large amount of work that Becky dedicates to the organization which includes a variety of services. “She’s amazing! She works so hard! She deserves the award.” The volunteers and donations come through for the group each time a need is requested so “we always have enough,” said Journey. A weekly outreach participant, “Gabbie,” appreciates what they do for the unhoused and veteran community members saying, “They really care and it’s wonderful to feel that!”
Becky, who said, “It was really wonderful to be honored with this award,” was busy throughout the meal and was still organizing the packing up at the end of the community outreach saying, “Another successful community connection is completed!” Everyone agrees she’s a valuable asset for the community and deserving of this award. For more information: https://mainehomelessveteransalliance.org/it-takes-a-village-207/
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