About
What we aim to do
Children in low-income communities are six times more likely to forgo participation in organized activites due to cost. The uniform is often the costliest expense. The aim of the foundation is to remove the barrier by providing uniforms to organizations, i.e. local parks & recreation and schools, to offset the direct cost to the participant and his or her family. The act of producing uniforms is estimated to lower the cost of participation by $60 to $100 per participant depending on the specific sport.
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Participation in sports promotes team building, builds confidence, increases self-esteem, promotes health and wellbeing, and exposes participants to positive role models. It also provides an environment for safe and healthy competition as well as an environment for constructive activity and growth, an alternative to the riskier sense of community that can be found in going inbolvement.
The benefits to participation in sports are numerous and the act of simply providing uniforms to low -income children can have a profound effect on their down stream lives.
Equip21 aims to outfit these youth in stylish, clean and non-tattered apparel while at the same time instilling these children with a sense of pride. Just because a child is an amateur does not mean that they cannot dress like a pro and feel like a champion on the field and hopefully beyond its boundaries.
Our Team
Saundra Jackson, MD
Director
Saundra Jackson was born and raised in South Florida. Her involvement in multiple sports from an early age provided a healthy outlet that solidified her self-discipline, love of team and drive for success. Saundra went on to earn her Undergraduate Degree from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill prior to completing her Doctorate in Medicine from the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University in Chicago, IL. She is now a practicing emergency medicine physician in Northeast Florida and serves on the board of the Florida College of Emergency Physicians, as well as Gateway Community Services, Inc in Jacksonville.
Outside of Work Saundra loves spending free time with her husband Wade, two kids, extended family and friends. She engages with her surrounding community through volunteerism most notably through her time involved with the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund, a local charity that serves to provide financial, emotional and practical support to families dealing with childhood cancer.
Jessica Caraccio
Executive Director
Jessica Caraccio was born and raised in South Florida. She went on to receive her Undergraduate degree in Psychology and her Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University. Her passion for working with children began at a young age and directed her career. She worked with at risk students in hospitals, schools, and in home settings throughout Broward and Palm Beach Counties, preferring to work with underserved children from birth through young adulthood.
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As the lead counselor at Delray Youth Vocational Charter School. She was able to secure a grant to fund her position. There Ms. Caraccio worked with young adults ages 16-21, whom had been in and out of the criminal justice system, underserved by the educational system, and plagued by the plight of poverty. Yet, the young adults were resilient. They wanted a better life and an education. To provide these students with an opportunity to gain job experience and empower them to enter the workforce, Ms. Caraccio founded "Karma Club". A student lead group that allowed students to serve their community: building houses for Habitat for Humanity, serving food at local food banks, and reading to young elementary age students. All to give these young people the resources they desperately needed that were previously outside of their grasps. Founded in the notion that respect for humanity must be at the basis of any endeavor, Ms. Caraccio now focuses her efforts on homeschooling her two elementary age daughters whom she hopes will one day do their parts to make the world a better place. Ms. Caraccio looks forward to working with Equip21 Foundation to serve the youth of our communities to empower them, to honor them, and to watch them soar.
Wade Andree
Board Member
Mr. Andree was born and raised in Central Florida. He attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University where h e earned a Bachelor's of Science in Aeronautical Science and his Commercial and Flight Instructor Certificates. Mr. Andree's passion for aviation began at an early age and has directed his career, he is now inn Air Traffic Control Specialist.
Mr. Andree enjoys teaching and passing his passion for aviation on to others, especially to his children. He looks forward to serving the community's youth through his work with Equip21 and the foundation's affiliate partners.
We believe all children can embrace who they are,
can define their future, and can change the world.
Our Mission
Outfitting youth with confidence and a sense of belonging
Our Vision
To provide attractive, high quality athletic apparel to low income athletic programs throughout the United States.