A Mission Rooted in Community Care
Helping Families Facing Food Insecurity Across Detroit and Michigan
About The DRE Project
The DRE Project was founded by Jennifer Jackson in honor of her sister, Andrea Kristin Jackson, affectionately known as “Dre.” Following the devastating loss of her sister in 2013, Jennifer turned her grief into purpose by creating a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping families facing hardship throughout metro Detroit.
Inspired by Dre’s compassionate spirit and lifelong desire to help others, The DRE Project provides food assistance, home-cooked meals, pantry support, and community outreach to individuals and families in need.
What began as one act of kindness has grown into a community-driven mission rooted in empathy, healing, and hope.
Our Founder Story
Jennifer Jackson
My sister, Andrea Kristin Jackson — affectionately known as
“Dre” — was born on February 26, 1978. Although she was surprisingly quiet as a young child, once she began talking at age four, she never stopped. Dre grew up attending Catholic school before going on to attend Central Michigan University. In true Dre fashion, she eventually ventured fearlessly to Los Angeles to pursue her dream of producing movies.
Her free spirit, fearless nature, and compassion for others were impossible to ignore. She often stepped into difficult situations to help pull others “out of the darkness and into the light.”We had so many plans for the future together.
Everything
When I learned of Dre’s passing on July 29, 2013, my world stopped. I lost my best friend, my partner in crime, and someone whose light had shaped so much of my life.
For years, grief consumed me. I moved through life in a fog, carrying the heaviness of loss everywhere I went. One day eventually became 2,773 days.
Then on the morning of October 22, 2019, I woke up with a question on my heart:
Through Service
Although I had grown up attending Catholic schools, I realized I had never truly developed a relationship with God. As I explored my faith more deeply, my grief slowly began transforming into purpose and joy.
Around the same time, my daughter was preparing to leave for college, and I found myself entering a new season of life as an empty nester. I initially imagined spending that time traveling and pursuing the plans Dre and I once dreamed about together, but it did not feel the same without her.
DRE Project
As more people began reaching out for help, I realized the need had grown beyond what I could do alone. Rather than turning families away, I asked others to join me in supporting the community.
In December 2020, I organized a fundraiser with the goal of delivering 30 meals per week to local families. Within two weeks, the generosity of family and friends raised $3,300, allowing us to provide 32 meals every week.
Our Founder Story
From Our Founder, Jennifer Jackson
My sister, Andrea Kristin Jackson — affectionately known as
“Dre” — was born on February 26, 1978. Although she was surprisingly quiet as a young child, once she began talking at age four, she never stopped. Dre grew up attending Catholic school before going on to attend Central Michigan University. In true Dre fashion, she eventually ventured fearlessly to Los Angeles to pursue her dream of producing movies.
Her free spirit, fearless nature, and compassion for others were impossible to ignore. She often stepped into difficult situations to help pull others “out of the darkness and into the light.”We had so many plans for the future together.
A Loss That Changed Everything
When I learned of Dre’s passing on July 29, 2013, my world stopped. I lost my best friend, my partner in crime, and someone whose light had shaped so much of my life.
For years, grief consumed me. I moved through life in a fog, carrying the heaviness of loss everywhere I went. One day eventually became 2,773 days.
Then on the morning of October 22, 2019, I woke up with a question on my heart:
Finding Purpose Through Service
Although I had grown up attending Catholic schools, I realized I had never truly developed a relationship with God. As I explored my faith more deeply, my grief slowly began transforming into purpose and joy.
Around the same time, my daughter was preparing to leave for college, and I found myself entering a new season of life as an empty nester. I initially imagined spending that time traveling and pursuing the plans Dre and I once dreamed about together, but it did not feel the same without her.
The Beginning of The DRE Project
As more people began reaching out for help, I realized the need had grown beyond what I could do alone. Rather than turning families away, I asked others to join me in supporting the community.
In December 2020, I organized a fundraiser with the goal of delivering 30 meals per week to local families. Within two weeks, the generosity of family and friends raised $3,300, allowing us to provide 32 meals every week.
Our Mission Today Serving Families Across Metro Detroit
Today, The DRE Project continues to provide food assistance and compassionate support to families experiencing hardship throughout metro Detroit.
Our outreach includes:
Monthly pop-up food pantries
Fresh perishable food distribution
60-pound dry goods deliveries
Home-cooked meals
Birthday boxes for families and children
Community volunteer outreach
Every delivery and pantry event is rooted in dignity, compassion, and the belief that no family should feel alone during difficult times.
The Ladybug Symbol
After Dre passed away, Jennifer and her daughter adopted the ladybug as a symbol of remembrance, hope, and positive change.
Across many cultures, ladybugs represent happiness, transformation, and good fortune - making it a meaningful symbol for The DRE Project and the lives we hope to impact through service and compassion.
A Reflection of DRE's Spirit
“Smile! A day without a smile is a day to dread indeed.
For a person without a smile is a person who's in need.
Share your beautiful smile with all those whom you love.
For with your beautiful smile you could take down the heavens above.
Smile. You are Loved!”
- Andrea Kristin Jackson
Board of Directors
The DRE Project Board of Directors brings leadership, expertise, and community partnership to our mission while generously volunteering their time.
Jennifer Jackson
Barb Stabno
Selam Sanders