From Tragedy to Triumph

Scoop Readers, allow me to introduce you to a woman, a mother, and now a community leader, who has a story to share. Her name is Karen Jackson, and she is the founder of The George L. Cannon House of Hope. This is a nonprofit organization created out of a tragedy.

- Thera Martin [e-mail]

Karen Jackson stated, “Our mission is to improve the quality of life for youth in the inner city of Philadelphia and surrounding counties, emphasizing education and social skills. We strive to help other people excel.”

The reality is, Karen Jackson is one of those mothers who, unfortunately, had to bury one of her children. Karen tells some of her personal journey. “I do what I do because of my son, George L. Cannon. My son was killed back in 2007 due to a drug-related incident on the streets in Philadelphia. Because of the things that happened in my life and because of what happened to my son, I decided to start this nonprofit (The George L. Cannon House of Hope) to give back and help the youth and their families, as well. There was once a time in my life when I used drugs, and I sold drugs. I exposed my children to many things that children should never have seen or known about. I believe deep down in my soul that my actions caused a reaction within my son. Because of what he witnessed in my behavior, he started selling drugs, and unfortunately, he was killed out on the streets.”

This is where Karen Jackson turned a Tragedy into a Triumph.