Action Jackson

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When Melodie Jackson found herself at a difficult place in life, she decided to take action rather than succumbing to the pressures surrounding her. She started going to the AL-ASSIST Behavioral Healthcare Center, which aids people dealing with drug and alcohol addictions and mental health issues. Once through her own process of recovery, she wanted to use her newfound hope to help others dealing with similar problems.

“Folks didn’t give up on me,” Jackson said on where her inspiration comes from. “There’s the hope that I might be a blessing for someone else.”

After returning to school to complete her studies, the resident of the 1900 block of Carpenter Street is now a certified peer counselor at AL-ASSIST. As part of her job, she encourages members of the program that life can get better. Jackson also handles case management and travels to court and the Department of Human Services to advocate for parents who have chosen to seek help at the Fourth-and-Reed-streets facility.

“One of my peers who I began to engage with a year ago is now assistant administrator of the Philadelphia Community Center,” Jackson said. “Just to get to see him blossom the way he has, has just been a miracle. It’s an awesome thing to see people grow and come out of their condition.”

Rene Goodwin, a resident of the 100 block of Federal Street, said is someone who has made a difference in many lives.

“She’s a hero in my book,” Goodwin said in her nomination letter.

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