Developed 2 Overcome empowers individuals facing life’s challenges through motivational programs, confidence-building resources, and partnerships with local organizations. By supporting the homeless, ex-offenders, and those seeking emotional healing, we help transform lives and foster resilience. Your generous donation enables us to continue this vital work, offering hope and a path to a brighter future for many in our community.

BOARD MEMBERS

Irkston Robert Jackson III

President

Irkston Robert Jackson III holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Berkeley College and has extensive skills and experience in the Leadership, Mentoring, Managing, and Human Resources realms, obtained while working in Corporate America. Robert is passionate about providing individuals with skill sets to enhance their social status and lead them to more significant opportunities, receiving various United States Presidential awards for volunteering while in Corporate America, Robert developed a passion for giving back to the community and working with individuals at educational and income levels. After many years of conducting skillset presentations at Clara White Missions of Jacksonville, Florida, and substituting at various elementary schools throughout Jacksonville, Robert created Developed 2 Overcome, Inc., a 501 (C) (3) non-profit company, with the objective of providing skill sets to individuals of all ages. Robert is currently the Mentor Chairperson of the Southern Association of Basketball Official Association, and mentors three individuals in the Florida Youth ChalleNGe Academy.

Jimmy Smith Jr.

Vice President

Jimmy Smith, Jr. holds two Bachelor of Science degrees in Computer & Electrical Engineering from Florida State University with minors in math, computer science, and business. He also holds an Associate in Arts degree from North Florida Community College in which he was the President of the Student Government Association.

In his spare time, he enjoys mentoring his mentee through Big Brother Big Sisters and working on websites for other small businesses, non-profits, and other organizations, He also loves conducting notarial duties such as officiating weddings as a wedding officiant. In addition, he loves giving back to the community in which he grew up; he gives out a scholarship every year since 2015, to a deserving senior at Madison County High School in his hometown of Madison, FL.

He is also a member of the Sigma Pi Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc where he currently serves as the Budget & Finance chair.

Wanda A. Jackson

Secretary

Wanda A. Jackson grew up in Brooklyn, New York, a native New Yorker, calling New Jersey home for the past 23 years. She is a product of the New York public school system, graduating from John Dewey High School. She earned a Business Management Degree at Berkeley College where she graduated Magna Cum Laude. In 2005, she was listed among the Who’s Who of the Berkeley College Alumni Association. Wanda maintains strong family ties while juggling a demanding, fast-paced career in the financial industry for over 30 years. She found time to lend support to the community through activities such as the Princeton Committee of UNCF, which she had been a member for 10 years and chaired for 5 years. She was recognized by the Concerned Women of Brooklyn, Inc. in 2007 for her Humanitarian work. She is currently a volunteer at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center and Bank of America Community Outreach.

Yvonne Childress

Treasurer

Yvonne Childress is a native of New Jersey. She is an exercise enthusiast and a graduate of Thomas Edison State College, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. She earned her Master’s in Business Administration at Monmouth University and is a licensed Certified Public Accountant. She is currently employed by the County of Somerset as the director of fiscal operations.

Kevin Ferguson Sr.

Parliamentary

Kevin Ferguson, Sr. brings over 25 years of experience from the financial services and wealth management realm by way of Merrill Lynch and Bank of America. During his time in corporate management, Kevin was responsible for ensuring that all corporate audits in his various branch offices exceeded standards.

Kevin was also responsible for preparing and developing policies and procedures, meeting with arbitrators, and managing upward of 1500 employees during this time in Corporate America. Kevin received various awards and accommodations as an Operational Manager, Client Relationship Manager, and for providing exceptional client service.

Kevin prides himself on working with diverse workgroups, ensuring that all individuals are treated fairly, working with human resources, and training individuals to succeed at a high level. Kevin attended Coppin State College where he studied Business Management, he also completed the Dale Carnegie - Effective Communication, Human Relations, and Public Speaking courses.f Basketball Official Association, and mentors three individuals in the Florida Youth ChalleNGe Academy.

In Collaboration With:

Testimonials

  • Carrie has been a resident at the R.E.S.T.O.R.E House since February 2021 and we are more than excited to share her successes with you. We are pleased to share that Carrie is currently employed at the Beaches Recovery and Detox as a behavioral health technician. She is excited and very motivated to help people who struggle with substance abuse issues. She is currently a resident at the R.E.S.T.O.R.E House and is participating in our services and doing well. For example, Carrie has identified clear financial goals after meeting with a financial advisor from VyStar Credit Union. Her main focus right now is to pay off her court fees and fines. She hopes to accomplish this within the next year. From there, she will be able to get her driver’s license and purchase a vehicle for her daily work commute. We have full confidence that Carrie will be able to achieve her goals, and we are grateful for her constant hard work and determination. Congratulations, Carrie!

  • We would like to thank Developed 2 Overcome, Inc. for sponsoring a table in support of our annual fundraiser-A Night of Soulful Sounds with R.E.S.T.O.R.E. Your generous donation of $800 will help build our second R.E.S.T.O.R.E. home for women transitioning from prison to mainstream society. You're not only helping us reach our fundraising goal, but you're making a real difference for the women of R.E.S.T.O.R.E.

    This is such a worthy cause and I'm proud that we're on the same team.

    I'll keep you posted on our progress. In the meantime, I recommend that you visit www.restoreduval.com. We're doing great work.

    Thanks again for your donation!

  • “Mr. Jackson kindly volunteered his time to speak to our 3rd and 4th Graders at Coperni 3 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. His presentation was more inspirational than I could have ever imagined. Even though Zoom, Mr. Jackson engaged our students and had them pinpointing what they're passionate about. Even a day later, I had students approaching me with their passions and dreams. The biggest takeaway the students had was preparing for their future now and how much control they have setting themselves up for success. We are so grateful for Mr. Jackson and Developed 2 Overcome!”

    Educator, Kim Verrill. Denver, Colorado

  • “I am so fortunate to be privileged to go to the training class Conflict Management. I was going through some things at the time with my work. I was able to get great advice on what to do with the problem. I learned different coping techniques and how to solve the problem. Thanks to the R.E.S.T.O.R.E. House for letting me participate.”

    - Kristyn, Current Resident

  • “The Arlington Football Association would like to thank Developed 2 Overcome, Inc. for providing team members with back-to-school backpacks. Knowing that Jacksonville have non-profit organizations that support the local community speaks volume towards that organization. Please know that each team member and their parents are greatly appreciative of your thoughtfulness.” Sincerely, Shaneka J., AFA Even a day later, I had students approaching me with their passions and dreams. The biggest takeaway the students had was preparing for their future now and how much control they have setting themselves up for success. We are so grateful for Mr. Jackson and Developed 2 Overcome!”

  • “D2O continues to play an important role in the lives of individuals that have resided at RESTORE Duval. The skill sets presented such as communication and mock interviews have led to better internal relationships and the hiring of jobs. Keep up the great work D2O and Mr. Jackson.”

    Wanda W, RESTORE Resident Supervisor

  • “Developed 2 Overcome played a significant role with updating my resume; Their follow up and attention to detail was extraordinary. With their input, my resume accurately captured all my qualifications, and accomplishments. I recommend reaching out to D2O, as they can assist not only with resume writing but interviewing techniques as well. Thank you D2O,

    Lisa M.

  • "D2O was instrumental in my development in communication and provided great information as it relates to responding to questions during interviews. Members of D2O are professional, easy to work with and make learning pleasurable. I recommend D2O to anyone interested in developing their skill sets”.

    Elena, Former R.E.S.T.O.R.E. Resident

  • “The PEACH Pit Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation that works to help you help yourself. Our mission is to tap into the naturally reflective nature of horses to help you overcome obstacles to a happy and healthy life.

    Since 2015, The PEACH Pit has partnered with Robert Jackson for volunteer opportunities, which have included brushing horses, cleaning pastures and the arena, feeding horses and performing general landscaping/yard work. We were honored again this summer to partner with Robert, now president of Developed 2 Overcome, to complete about 30 volunteer hours and several projects at The PEACH Pit, including unloading and stacking 200 bales of hay.

    Every hour volunteers work at The PEACH Pit helps keep our services affordable for our clients. We look forward to a continued partnership with Developed 2 Overcome and its volunteers for future projects.”

    Gwendolyn C., MSW, Licensed Clinical Social Worker

  • "Professionalism at its finest! They provided assistance with updating and editing my resume and the results were superb. I definitely recommend anyone in North Florida to utilize their service. You won't be disappointed."

    Aullonzo T.

  • “Rebuilding Ex-offenders Successfully Through Opportunities Rehabilitation & Education (R.E.S.T.O.R.E.) looks forward to a long and growing working relationship. The courses that you and your team provide will provide our clients/guests with the knowledge and understanding to excel as they take on new challenges. I hope that Developed 2 Overcome will grow and become a household name in the community. Blessings!"

    Founder - Executive Director R.E.S.T.O.R.E.