Fight for Life Foundation founder and CEO, Marlin Jackson, has been awarded the Indiana Department of Child Services Prevention Provider of the Year award for 2024.
“Children are our future and as a community we have a responsibility to help each child reach their full potential — when there is a need for intervention, but also before trauma occurs,” Peggy Surbey, Indiana Department of Child Services Regional Manager, said in a press release.
The award recognizes exceptional effort by an individual in making a difference in the lives of children. Founded in 2007, Jackson’s nonprofit works to understand youth development and creates a system to give school administrators the data they need through their Building Dreams platform.
The data can be utilized to aid teachers with classroom management and understand student behavioral issues. The app also engages students with programs to meet their needs and reward positive decision-making.
“I often say this work takes a village because it’s true. I am honored to be the Indiana Department of Child Services Prevention Provider of the Year 2024,” Jackson said in a press release.
More than 6,000 Indiana youth are currently utilizing the platform, which can be implemented and changed by schools to meet the needs of the students. The software modules can be used to monitor absenteeism, anonymously report school safety issues and help teachers create a better learning environment for their students.
A former Indianapolis Colts cornerback, Jackson founded the Fight for Life Foundation with a vision of helping underserved youth and helping kids develop the emotional and social tools for success.
“I am also honored to work alongside committed organizations such as DCS, and countless others, including schools and community organizations, to help youth fight for life,” Jackson said.
Jackson’s personal experiences within a challenging and structured upbringing have helped him develop a skill set tailored to helping others succeed. The foundation aims to target these social and emotional skills. The qualities the foundation aids include self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills and responsible decision making. Since its formation in 2007, the organization has delivered services to more than 18,000 youth.
“Marlin is an exceptional leader, and his prevention work through the Fight for Life Foundation is undoubtedly helping to save lives,” Surbey said. “He consistently goes above and beyond, truly standing out for his dedication and compassion to work with the community and help underserved youth have a high quality of life.”
For more information about the Fight for Life Foundation, visit fightforlifefoundation.org.
Contact Staff Writer Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.
Hanna Rauworth is the Health & Environmental Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, where she covers topics at the intersection of public health, environmental issues, and community impact. With a commitment to storytelling that informs and empowers, she strives to highlight the challenges and solutions shaping the well-being of Indianapolis residents.
