In high school, Jacob volunteered with Beyond Blindness. Now, as a college graduate, he brings passion, experience, and education to his role as the agency’s Family Support Coordinator.
“I am so excited to come full circle in my full-time role serving the community I grew up in,” says Jacob, who has worked for Beyond Blindness since 2021.
Originally from Tustin, he graduated from Cal State Long Beach with a Bachelor of Arts in Family Life Education and a minor in Child Development and Family Studies. After volunteering as a teenager and working part-time throughout college in the nonprofit sector, he knew he wanted a career working for an organization with a mission he could stand behind.
“Working in family support at Beyond Blindness, we recognize the importance of not only supporting the child, but supporting the whole family as well,” he says. “We want our families to feel comfortable and confident in relying on Beyond Blindness as a source of family support.”
At Beyond Blindness, Jacob loves having the opportunity to build a community among families. He’s inspired after every family enrichment event and is also reminded of his own family, whose support and encouragement motivated him to achieve his fullest potential. He learned even the smallest actions can make a difference in the eyes of a child. After becoming vegetarian at age 12, his grandma made the extra effort to prepare a separate menu for their Sunday morning breakfasts every week. (Mexican zucchini with cheese is one of his favorites!)
He brings the energy and compassion he experienced growing up to every family he supports at Beyond Blindness, whether he is planning a fun Kids Day In event or coordinating a meaningful Parent & Me Workshop. Jacob says: “I can truly say I am so thankful to be part of such an inspiring organization doing what I love — serving a beautiful community of diverse families.”