Today we’d like to introduce you to Dena Jackson.
Hi Dena, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Positivity in Baltimore was created in 2015 because two friends’ (Angie & Dena) saw the needs within an underserved and often overlooked population—those experiencing homelessness in Baltimore City. Dena once worked for a state agency located near Martin Luther King Boulevard, where a tent city had formed. She often gave the homeless in this area her own lunch. Feeling that we should be doing more, we set a goal to feed the homeless in downtown Baltimore. We reached out to local businesses, family, and friends on social media for support and were able to raise $700. With that money we prepared a meal and brought toiletries and served over 200 individuals. As the years progressed, Positivity in Baltimore grew far beyond that first meal. We expanded our reach with initiatives such as Trunk or treats, community baby showers, Christmas Toy giveaways, prom dress giveaways, literacy drives and more. We’ve made it because the community surrounding us will not let us fail. All of our initiatives are community sponsored. Our roots in service run deep, as both of us were raised by parents and grandparents who instilled in us the importance of extending a helping hand to those in need.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road to becoming a nonprofit has not been easy. We have faced challenges with partnerships, in kind donations, finances, lack of volunteers, as well as the limitation of not having the capacity to store large amounts of supplies in our homes since we do not have office space. At times, we feel discouraged when donations don’t come in to support our events. We believe these initiatives are not only valuable but necessary for the community.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At Positivity in Baltimore, we offer a range of impactful programs designed to uplift women, children, and families by addressing both immediate needs and long-term challenges. Our initiatives are rooted in compassion, cultural relevance, and community connection. We are proud to serve Baltimore and to be part of a movement that spreads hope, meets needs, and makes a lasting impact—one family at a time.
We are known for showing up as our authentic selves and for creating programs that matter. We take the time to listen to the population we serve, ensuring that every initiative reflects their real needs and uplifts their lives. Our three most popular programs are our New Beginnings Community Baby shower, Christmas Toy giveaway, and B-More, Read More Literacy Initiative. As community leaders, we take pride in the moments that remind us why we do this work. A teen feeling confident and beautiful in her prom dress, a mother having the essentials she needs to care for her baby, the excitement on a student’s face when they read a book and the character looks like them, and a family accessing food resources when they live in a food desert.
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B-More, Read More Literacy Initiative
We’re tackling low literacy rates head-on with a citywide book drive focused on representation and comprehension. We collect books featuring African American characters and diverse stories, distribute them to schools and families, and create interactive learning experiences to foster a love for reading and stronger academic skills.
New Beginnings Community Baby Shower
This maternal health initiative supports Black mothers in Baltimore, who face disproportionate challenges during pregnancy and postpartum. Our baby showers provide essential items, education, and access to services like WIC, doulas, lactation support, CPR training, and mental health resources—all in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Bombas Sock Distribution
As a proud Bombas Giving Partner, we’ve distributed over 20,000 pairs of socks to those in need—including youth, the homeless, and underserved communities. Socks provide warmth, comfort, and dignity to those experiencing hardship, making a small but meaningful difference.
Christmas Toy Giveaway – Secret Santa Gift Drive
Each holiday season, we bring joy to children across Baltimore by matching them with generous sponsors who fulfill their personal wish lists. The gifts are distributed during a festive celebration filled with music, treats, and community cheer.
Say Yes to the Dress! – Prom Dress Giveaway
Prom and graduation are major milestones, and every student deserves to shine. We collect and provide new and gently used dresses so that Baltimore students can attend formal events with confidence and pride—celebrating their achievements without financial burden.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Understand that you need to have a genuine passion for serving others and helping people reach the next level in their lives. You’ll need to develop thick skin, because you’ll hear the word no often. Be relentless in pursuing funding for causes you believe in. One of the most important parts of this work is building strong, genuine partnerships to bring your vision to life.
Looking back, I wish we did more networking in the nonprofit arena. We struggled with anxiety and public speaking, so much of our work was done independently. Over time we learned the importance of engaging and building with peers. Those connections are essential for growth and impact.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.positivityinbaltimore.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/positivityinbmore/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/positivityinbaltimore/
