We had the good fortune of connecting with Jacqui Jackson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jacqui, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
To be completely honest, my thought process was “Hard No.” I am risk averse by nature; however my husband and Co-Founder Jeff – is much more of a risk taker. After a mission trip to East Asia to work in a special needs orphanage, we were both overcome and recognized that we had now seen things that most of the world would never see. You can’t un-ring the bell. Both of us felt deeply that God was asking us to do something. So when God made it crystal clear that we were to start a child-welfare ministry – when I was 4-months pregnant with our 4th child – I said “Hard No.” and my much more obedient and risk-taking husband was all in and said “Yes.” He took a leave of absence from his job to start the ministry, and God has provided for us and paved the way ever since. It’s probably the best professional decision either of us have ever made – but that’s not to say it wasn’t scary. For me it felt like jumping off a cliff with the whole family – but in doing so God has positioned Ignite Hope to Advocate, Resource and Empower whole families who are parenting kids in crisis. We’ve been doing this work in a non-profit space for 7 years now and we will continue fighting for kids in crisis and those who choose to love them God says stop.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Ignite Hope – Champions for Children- is not just a non-profit. It is the legacy of our family’s life. We work in the space of child welfare, and because of that we see some of the hardest and then some of the most hopeful situations impacting kids today. As a mother to many, I am humbled and grateful to be our kids’ biggest cheerleader and champion – but not all kids have a Mama Bear who is able to advocate for them, and to stand in the gap for them. So I see my role at CEO of Ignite Hope as not only a ministry leader, but as the Mama Bear for kids in crisis who have no voice. And I get it in deep ways – because I was that kid. My start began in an orphanage in a third world country. I spent time in foster care, and was then adopted into my forever family. I am so blessed. My family is incredible. But even with all the divine appointments and opportunties I’ve been given in my own story, there’s also been a-lot of hard stuff I’ve had to reconcile and process. Jeff and I founded Ignite Hope to bring hope to what feels like hopeless situations. We never want any kid in crisis -to grow into adulthood with wounds that are untouched and un-healed, like we did. We never want any family to feel isolated and alone in the journey of parenting kids from hard places. Our goal is to Ignite Hope in the space of child welfare and we are so grateful to have had this opportunity to empower kids and families in this space for almost 7 years!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love historic downtown areas. When friends come to visit the first places I will suggest will be possibly downtown Roswell or downtown Marietta. You can walk around the town, drink in the history, and enjoy some truly fabulous people watching. For Jeff and I, one of our favorite types of date nights, is to do a progressive dinner through a downtown area. Grab an appetizer one place, dinner at another, and find a yummy desert somewhere else. That way we get to experience new places, support local businesses, and get the best ROI when we’re paying a sitter to give us time alone together.

For a get-away, I always love to visit Blue Ridge. Again, the historic downtown area is incredible – but there is just so much to do or not do. Napping is a favorite past time of mine, so relaxing and nodding off to the beautiful mountain or lake scenery in this area is a must. I also love hiking and kayaking (kayaking makes my heart smile) so the Blue Ridge area is a fabulous place to do both of those things.

If I’m in Blue Ridge I love to eat at Chester Brunnenmeyers or Harvest on Main. I almost must visit The Bear Store on Main Street – an amazing family-owned Christmas/ Gift Shop. And of course finish it off by finding and then eating amazing fudge!

Wow – planning that – I think I’m ready for a get away!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am thrilled to highlight and honor my mommy-mentor and dear friend – Bonnie Walker. After losing my momma suddenly to very aggressive cancer, Bonnie did what she always does and opened her mother heart to me. This is special in it ‘s own right – but Miss Bonnie is already a mother to 28 – yes 28 – 3 bio, 24 adopted out of foster care and 1 spiritually adopted. So for her to choose to pray over and pour into me, in addition to the ministry of adoption and foster care that she has been a part of for decades – I could not do this work of ministry and motherhood without her. (I love you Bonnie!)

Website: www.ignitehope.online

Instagram: ihope4orphans

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jackson-ignite-hope

Twitter: ihope4orphans

Facebook: ihope4orphans

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChxBTAWd8_94AZ49WC3QIgg

Other: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09YYDCKDC/ref=as_sl_pc_as_ss_li_til?tag=jeffjackson86-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=011fe91347950bbbb3fe3bd2409b86c2&creativeASIN=B09YYDCKDC This is the link to our newest devotional resource. This book dropped in May and was a best seller in prayer, adoption and infertility it’s first day on sale!

Image Credits
Stuart Hassan – Photographer stuarthassan.com for our gala event Jeff Jackson – chief technology officer Ignite Hope And personal photos Jacqui and Beatrice Sakal of Frontline Policy Jacqui and the Gala Team at the Ignite Hope Giving Gala 2022 The Ignite Hope Chest- a free boutique on the campus of North West Christoan church in Acworth- one of our Anchor Church Partners. Jacqui Jackson, Ignite Hope Board Member Lavinia Myers and Igniters- Ken and Janet Graves., founder of Capital Research Advisors Ignite Hope Volunteers, board members and team preparing for an event. Jacqui and Team member/ Gala chair- Dawn Lynch, President of Marketing Partnership Program and Igniter Christine Witzel of America Bank.

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