Teresa Jackson

Teresa Jackson’s journey toward founding Sharing Life Community Outreach began in one of the hardest seasons of her life. A single mother of three, Teresa turned to local food pantries for help. Questions were answered curtly, if at all. “At times, I felt invisible; at others, judged. What should have been a moment of relief instead left me discouraged,” she said.

The experience stayed with Teresa — not just the need for food, but also for compassion and respect. She pressed on, doing what was needed for her children, carrying with her a quiet promise: if she ever had the chance, she would create something better. “I imagined a place where people would be welcomed with dignity and kindness, no matter their circumstances,” she said.

As her situation improved, that goal grew into something more. Rooted in faith, Teresa described feeling as though God was whispering to her, guiding her toward a greater purpose. “I reflected on what had been missing in my experience — empathy, compassion and human connection — and came to believe that true support must meet both immediate needs and long-term stability. That vision became Sharing Life Community Outreach,” she said.

Teresa knew heart alone wouldn’t sustain the mission. “Determined to lead with excellence, I immersed myself in learning — attending workshops, conferences, and classes to better understand nonprofit leadership,” she said.

In 2010, Teresa earned a certification in nonprofit leadership from Southern Methodist University, equipping her with tools to grow her vision into something lasting. She continues to seek opportunities that strengthen her leadership and the organization she leads.

Because learning transformed her life, Teresa made it central to Sharing Life’s mission. She launched the Financial Empowerment Center,

where individuals can access workforce training, financial coaching, employment services, five VITA tax centers, and GED preparation and testing. “The goal is simple: to give people not just help for today, but tools for tomorrow,” she said.

As the organization expanded, so did its reach. In 2015, Sharing Life partnered with the North Texas Food Bank to create the Hub, a model that allows Sharing Life to act as a distribution center for smaller organizations and mid-sized food pantries. In 2025 alone, Sharing Life and its partners distributed more than 13 million meals across the region.

Through it all, Teresa never lost sight of the heart behind the work. One of her favorite memories is when she helped a single mother facing an electricity shutoff. With support from TXU Energy, she kept the lights on for that family. It was a small moment, but one that would shape decades of service.

Today, Sharing Life Community Outreach serves families across Dallas, Rockwall, and Kaufman counties. Where Teresa once felt dismissed, others now feel seen. “What began as a painful experience has grown into a mission grounded in compassion,” she said, “ensuring that every person who walks through the door is met with dignity, respect, and hope.”