Newark Couple Helps People Recovering from Substance Abuse

Everyday Inspirations is a series that features people in Patch communities who inspire others through their work, or people who have faced extraordinary situations and grown from them. They have been featured by other people in the community that have been inspired by the nominees.

Name: Jacquelyn and John Lake
Town: Newark, NJ

Why is this person an "Everyday Inspiration?" 
These people are an everyday inspiration because they exudes altruism, tenacity and sincerity. Jacquelyn and her husband give freely to those in recovery from substance abuse by providing them with Life-Skill Development training through a program they started called THE ALTRUISM INITIATIVE.

Jacquelyn lost her older brother to addiction when he was only 41. She now gives back so others are aware of the dangers and the sheer reality of substance abuse and its outcomes. Her husband has been in recovery for almost a decade.

Has the nominee's life been changed in an extraordinary way? 

Jakki's life has been changed in such a way, that she is sacrificing the material desires of her family in an effort to nurture and nourish those who have broken families and possess the desire to remain sober and rebuild their lives.

Although her business has not yet yielded income, she is dedicated to making this her mission and remains prayerful that God will continue to meet her needs.

How does this person work to make others' lives better?

Jakki and her husband John give selflessly. They started their mission almost three years ago and are nowhere near giving up. They find great joy in facilitating workshops and classes, which in turn breeds knowledge and optimism for those they serve. They spend money out of their own pockets to expose their consumers to the Arts and offer other enriching opportunities.