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.
👥 Our Board of Directors
Winter Giovanni
Director of Creative & Marketing Officer (CCMO)
Winter Giovanni brings healing through literature—turning pain into power, stories into solutions, and voices into vehicles for change.
Read Full BioSheldon Green
Chief Development & Housing Officer (CDHO)
A lifelong Plainfield resident bringing extensive experience in civic service, public safety, and housing-related leadership.
Read Full BioKeith Terry
Director of Financial Empowerment & Treasurer
Extensive experience in business ownership, trades, and financial empowerment with deep commitment to uplifting underserved populations.
Read Full BioRev. Jean Marie Word
Director of Trauma Healing, Faith-Based Outreach & Family Advocacy
Ordained Evangelist and founder of Word Outreach Ministry for Battered and Abused Women and Children with 20+ years of ministry experience.
Read Full BioJamillah Monay Benjamin
Director of Women's Wellness & Family Resilience
Over a decade of leadership in medical office management, bringing personal experience as a daughter of an incarcerated parent to guide others.
Read Full BioWeldon 'King Don' Hullett
Board Member & Liaison
Detroit-born visionary creative, filmmaker, educator, and advocate whose life journey reflects resilience, innovation, and purpose.
Read Full BioKwame Teague 'Dutch'
Assistant Director of Literary Empowerment
Pioneer of Urban Lit and best-selling author with over 20 books published, focusing on transforming personal stories into profitable books.
Read Full Bio🌻 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.