Manifesto
A Message from Our Founder
By J.M. Benjamin
Founder, Grow It Foundation
A powerful reflection on transformation, growth, and the unwavering belief that every seed has the potential to bloom—no matter where it's planted.
Have you ever grew something?
Like really, really grew it…
From the ground.
From the soil.
To the bud.
To the bloom.
And watched it stretch… reach…
Grow to its full potential?
That's what I represent.
That's what the Grow It Foundation represents.
Everything starts with a seed.
Just like a mother when she's conceiving—
That fetus begins to grow inside her.
And what does she do?
💖 She nourishes it.
🤗 She loves it.
🛡️ She protects it.
💰 She invests in it.
🌿 She pours into it all the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients it needs.
That's what our soil must be.
Soil for Growth, Nurturing Potential and Purpose
Soil for Healing, Mending Wounds and Building Resilience
Soil that makes something strong, durable, and sustainable
I wasn't born into the best soil.
I wasn't surrounded by gardeners—just weeds, thorns, and broken systems.
- ❌ No father figure.
- ❌ No community support.
- ❌ No school system that saw me.
From childhood, to young adulthood…
I was a seed planted wrong.
But I refused to stay buried in bad dirt.
I went back, and replanted myself.
I added better soil.
I used the same tools—plus improved ones.
I learned. I healed. I broke cycles.
And eventually, I grew.
That's what the Grow It Foundation is about.
🎯 Self-Mission
✨ Self-Redemption
🩺 Therapy
🌍 Community
Rooted in pain, passion, and purpose.
And now, I've come back home—to Plainfield.
To the garden that once nearly choked me out.
Because this time, I'm here to help other seeds grow.
I'm reaching out not as a celebrity...
Not as a celebrity or public figure
Not as a best-selling author
Not as an award-winning filmmaker
I'm writing this as:
🤝 A brother
🏠 A son of this city
🌱 A former weed who finally learned what kind of plant he was meant to be
I'm calling on every gardener in this village:
City Officials
Educators
Community Leaders
Nonprofits
Faith-based Partners
Mentors
And most of all—the people of Plainfield.
Let's build better soil together.
Let's nourish the seeds still buried under trauma, poverty, and lost hope.
Let's give them the tools, light, and room to grow.
Not just into workers or residents—
But into:
- 💼 Bosses
- 👑 Leaders
- 🚀 Entrepreneurs
- 💚 Healers
- 🔮 Visionaries
Because the truth is:
It's never too late to replant.
This is my journey.
This is my mission.
This is our city's moment.
Let's grow it—together.
With heartfelt love and unwavering purpose,
J.M. Benjamin
Founder, Grow It Foundation
Plainfield, New Jersey
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.