Honoring a Son’s Legacy: The Story Behind The Jahmil Harris Foundation

In this powerful episode of the Opening Doors Podcast, host Rachel Dalinka connects with Tammy Harris, founder of the Jahmil Harris Foundation. Tammy shares her deeply personal story of loss and the journey that led her to create the foundation in memory of her son, Jahmil. Through this organization, she provides support to communities affected by gun violence and helps young people with opportunities for education and employment. Tammy’s story is one of resilience, as she turns unimaginable grief into a mission to uplift others. Her work demonstrates the healing power of community and faith, and her message is an inspiring call to action for all of us to become part of the solution to the issues plaguing our communities.

Episode Takeaways:

• The Jahmil Harris Foundation was founded after the tragic loss of Tammy’s son, Jahmil, to gun violence.

• The foundation supports communities affected by violence, providing resources like job opportunities and mental health support.

• The foundation organizes basketball clinics for young people to honor Jahmill's passion for the sport.

• Tammy’s journey showcases the importance of turning pain into purpose, with a strong emphasis on the role of faith and community in healing.

• The foundation's events, such as feeding the homeless and mental health support programs, have made a positive impact on many lives.

• Tammy’s story encourages others to find strength through grief and to support their communities in meaningful ways.

Key Resources and Links Mentioned:

• Jahmil Harris Foundation Website: https://www.jahmilharrisfoundation.com/ 

• National mental health hotline: Dial 988 for crisis support.

Books:

• What Happened To You: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience and Healing  – Oprah and Dr. Bruce Perry

• The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind and Body in the Healing of Trauma – Dr. Bessel van der Kolk

Support Groups-Resources:

• Grief Support Resources for Parents Who Have Lost Children to Gun Violence: https://judishouse.org/childhood-bereavement/gun-violence/ 

• The Compassionate Friends non-profit organization exists to provide friendship, understanding, and hope to those going through the natural grieving process: https://www.compassionatefriends.org/ 

• Adult Children of Alcoholics & Dysfunctional Families: https://adultchildren.org/meeting-search/ 

• Co-Dependents Anonymous (CODA): https://coda.org/

• Children of Incarcerated Parents: CAP4Kids -Philadelphia: https://cap4kids.org/philadelphia/parent-handouts/parenting-foster-care-adoption/incarceration-resources/

• Rainbows for All Children: https://rainbows.org/

Support for Children dealing with Grief from many traumas, including incarcerated parents:

• We Got Us Now: https://www.wegotusnow.org

• National Resource Center on Children & Families of the Incarcerated – Rutgers Camden: https://nrccfi.camden.rutgers.edu/resources/directory/national-programs/

• Youth.Gov: Children of Incarcerated Parents: https://youth.gov/youth-topics/children-of-incarcerated-parents/tools-guides-resources

• Sesame workshop: https://sesameworkshop.org/topics/incarceration/

 

If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe to the Opening Doors Podcast and share it with others who might benefit from these stories. Please visit https://openingdoorspodcast.com/ for resources and to subscribe to the newsletter. Remember, healing is a journey, and you don’t have to walk it alone. Let’s open those doors together!

Opening Door Podcast Music by John Abella