About Us
We are dedicated to empowering individuals to transform their past adversities into entrepreneurial strengths.
Meet Our Founder
J.M. Benjamin
Founder, Grow It Foundation
Best-selling author. Award-winning filmmaker. Replanted seed turned gardener of change.
J.M. Benjamin is more than a writer and creative force—he is a living testament to transformation. Born and raised in Plainfield, New Jersey, J.M. was once a seed planted in the wrong soil.
A Seed in the Wrong Soil
From childhood through adulthood, he struggled to grow in an environment that lacked nourishment: no father figure, no strong male mentors, no real support from the school system or community. Like too many young boys in underserved neighborhoods, he was left to find his way through concrete instead of cultivated soil.
Stuck between survival and self-destruction, J.M. spent years caught in a cycle of poor decisions and incarceration. But even in that darkness, he began to rediscover his purpose.
Replanting in Better Soil
What changed his life wasn't just freedom—it was replanting the seed of who he was, this time in better soil: literacy, creativity, healing, and self-education.
Through journaling, he found therapy. Through storytelling, he found identity. Through entrepreneurship, he found independence.
He turned his life into a legacy.
Out of That Legacy Came the Grow It Foundation
Grow It is J.M. Benjamin's response to the systems that once failed him—and so many others. It is a community-rooted, grassroass nonprofit created to plant and grow entrepreneurs, leaders, and bosses—especially in underserved, urban neighborhoods.
Grow It provides youth, ex-offenders, and struggling individuals with what J.M. never had: better soil, better tools, and better support.
From Pain to Power,
Hustle to Legacy
Through a hands-on curriculum built around self-healing, financial literacy, bilingual communication, publishing, and the business of film and storytelling, Grow It prepares participants to transform their pain into power, and their hustle into legacy.
It's not just about getting a job—it's about building a business, a brand, and a better quality of life for self, family, and community.
For J.M., Grow It isn't just a program. It's a purpose. A seed he once was. A harvest he now offers to the world.
🌱 Vision Statement
We envision a world where individuals, regardless of past adversities—be it poverty, incarceration, or systemic challenges—can unearth and cultivate their innate talents. By transforming negative experiences into entrepreneurial strengths, we aim to foster thriving communities enriched by empowered individuals who choose constructive paths over destructive ones.
Our vision is to create a sustainable ecosystem where every person has the opportunity to grow, flourish, and contribute positively to society. We believe that with the right support and resources, anyone can turn their life around and become a beacon of hope and inspiration for others.
🌿 Mission Statement
Our mission is to empower adults and youth exposed to adverse environments by:
- Providing tools and guidance to transform negative experiences into positive entrepreneurial ventures.
- Offering education and mentorship to help individuals recognize and develop their unique skills.
- Creating alternatives to crime and gang involvement by presenting appealing and constructive opportunities.
- Supporting ex-offenders in leveraging their independent skill sets to achieve sustainable employment and reintegration into their communities and families.
We believe in nurturing every individual, helping them to "grow something" meaningful, thereby contributing to the betterment of our communities, one seed at a time.
🌻 Core Values
Redemptive Growth
Transforming past challenges into foundations for future success.
Empowerment
Equipping individuals with the knowledge and tools to excel.
Community
Fostering supportive networks that encourage collective growth.
Integrity
Promoting honesty, accountability, and ethical practices in all endeavors.
Inclusivity
Embracing diversity and ensuring that everyone has access to opportunities.
Sustainability
Building long-term solutions that benefit individuals, families, and communities.
Join Us in Making a Difference
Whether you're interested in volunteering, donating, or partnering with us, there are many ways to support our mission and help transform lives.