Community Highlights: Meet Jasmine Moore of Grateful Hands

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jasmine Moore.

Hi Jasmine, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
At the age of three, I was diagnosed with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, commonly known as Brittle Bones. Due to this condition, I use an electric wheelchair as my main source of mobility. My nonprofit organization, Grateful Hands, Inc. was founded through my personal life’s experiences. Although I have endured several disheartening and disappointing challenges in my life, I have overcome them. These very challenges have given me this platform to ensure that others do not experience those same challenges.

I always knew I wanted to help others through my life’s experiences and become that middle person to help those with a diverse ability (disability) navigate life’s transitions. Once I graduated college in 2018, I decided to pursue law school. I applied to law school three times, and I didn’t get accepted either time. I decided that the last time I didn’t get accepted; I would put law school on hold for the time being. I wanted so bad to attend law school and become a lawyer. I was confused and frustrated because things weren’t happening the way that I had planned.

I kept praying for clarity and for God to show what my next steps in life were if it wasn’t law school. A few weeks later, after receiving my last denial letter, I went to Shepherd Center to get my new electric wheelchair. There was a gentleman there getting an electric wheelchair for the very first time. He was so excited! It brought back memories of when I received my very first chair. While reminiscing, I was interrupted with the thought of how many unknown, new challenges that would come with this newfound freedom and adventure. Will there be accessible buttons on buildings, and will they work? Will there be an accessible bathroom stall big enough to close the door and safely and comfortably get off and on the toilet with the new chair? Will the sink and soap be low enough to reach to wash hands? Will there be parking spots available? I believe this was the sign I was seeking God for. I believe he didn’t allow law school to work out of me at the time because I needed to focus wholeheartedly on my nonprofit and its’ mission, to assist those with a diverse ability navigate life’s transitions, and to push forward change to make this community and this world inclusive and accessible for citizens with all abilities.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not always been a smooth road. Especially when I think about the different obstacles and challenges I’ve faced, but they all put me in the position I’m in now, to help others avoid those same challenges. My parents always say that a lot of the things that we face in life aren’t for us but for us to help others, and I truly believe that.

As you know, we’re big fans of Grateful Hands, Inc. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
The mission of my nonprofit organization is to bridge the gap between individuals with diverse abilities and the world through education, advocacy, and empowerment. Grateful Hands, Inc. was founded to educate others on the challenges individuals with diverse abilities face and how they can help. They also advocate for and teach others how to advocate for those with a diverse ability. Lastly, they empower individuals with diverse abilities to find their strength and power in their uniqueness! Through her organization, she vows to be a voice for the diverse ability community and push forward change to make this community and this world inclusive for all citizens.

We have only been an organization for nine months and in those nine months, we have done so much but I am mostly proud of the proclamation that was approved by our city’s Mayor and City Council. Last December, we submitted a proposed a proclamation to the Mayor and City Council to recognize December 3rd as International Day of Person’s of Disabilities. Our proclamation was approved and was enacted in the December 2nd’s Council meeting. The purpose of International Day of Persons with Disabilities is to help everyone become more compassionate and understanding of the challenges faced by people with disabilities, to make us, members of the diverse ability community, feel included, considered, heard, seen, and understood. This is not only a monumental moment for me but for all of the other numerous citizens of this community that have a diverse ability. That is one of the things that I am most proud of that my organization has accomplished thus far. I’m looking forward to more impactful things that we will accomplish!

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Resilience and Determination. It would have been easier for me to have given up when faced with the challenges and roadblocks but I always knew I wanted to make a difference using my life’s experiences. I had the support of my family to lift me up in those moments. I truly believe that God was with me and that gave me the comfort I needed to push forward in moments of uncertainty and disappointment. With the support of my family, God, and those two characteristics, I had no choice but to continue to look forward and push toward my intended end.

Contact Info:

• Email: gratefulhandsincorporated@gmail.com
• Website: www.gratefulhands.org
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/gratefulhandsinc?utm_medium=copy_link
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064509424999
• Other: https://gratefulhandsinc.blogspot.com/, https://anchor.fm/shesgotgawl/episodes/Lessons-Learned-from-Women-Who-Lead-Series-Featuring-Jasmine-Moore–CEO-and-Founder-of-Grateful-Hands–Inc-e1f2ie7