A Note From the Director Regarding Our Start
I was raised in a Christian home by parents who taught my five siblings and me to love and care for others. My parents instilled in us the value of living our Christian faith and not just going through the Sunday motions of being at church. The Bible passage in 1 John 3: 17-18 reads, “If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue, but with actions and in truth.”
Following the death of my father in 1999 and my mother in 2015, I inherited a small amount of money. It was money that I had not earned and knew my parents had worked very hard to acquire. Raising six children on the salary of a textile worker’s salary was no easy feat. It had required my parents to farm on the side in order to feed us, and they “scrimped and saved” so we could all attend college. “What should I do with the money?” I asked myself. Was there a way I could honor my parents and follow God’s directions to help others with the money they had left? God had been good to me, and I am blessed to have a supportive husband, who also believes in helping others. I prayed about a way I could take a little money, apply some work and effort, and with God’s blessing then multiple my parent’s money to help others.
With encouragement from friends, family, and a supportive board of directors, we were able to launch Jenny Appleseed Organization with the funds I inherited from my parents. Many people are familiar with the Johnny Appleseed song in which he sings about God being good to him. Johnny Appleseed felt himself to be blessed, and in turn planted and grew apple trees to bless others. We embraced the concept found in the story of Johnny Appleseed. Instead of trees, we plant programs which help others. It is our hope our programs will flourish and grow with support of others.
We decided to focus on two vulnerable groups of people -our elderly and our children. Many children are growing up without their needs met in many areas and cannot advocate for themselves. Likewise, many elderly individuals also cannot advocate for themselves as they struggle with mental and physical demands placed on them from aging and disease.
I invite you to read about our first program and other programs we have planned. Become familiar with our Board. Join our organization as we strive to make a difference in the lives of others. With God's blessing and your support, we can make a difference together!
Jennifer Orsak
Executive Director
Jennifer Orsak is a graduate of UNC-CH with a BS degree in Nursing. Most of her work experience has centered around the care of the elderly. She has worked in direct care as well as in oversight of care with the NC Department of Health and Human Services and SC Department of Health and Environmental Control. She has also volunteered for many years with children within her church. Jennifer and her family reside in Holly Springs, NC.
Board President
Reverend Clarence Hardison is an alumnus of East Carolina University with a degree in Business Administration. While a student at East Carolina, he also greatly enjoyed playing baseball for his college team. Later he was called by God to the ministry, and received a Master of Theology Degree from Dallas Seminary School. He currently pastors Rawls Baptist Church in Fuquay-Varina, NC. Reverend Hardison passionately cares for those he serves. He and his wife reside in Fuquay-Varina, NC.
Board Treasurer
Anita Pace is a graduate of NC State University with a BA degree in Accounting. Anita is employed as Treasurer of Holly Springs Baptist Church in Broadway, NC, and volunteers as Treasurer of Rawls Baptist Church in Fuquay-Varina, NC. Anita and her husband reside in Lillington, NC.
Board Secretary
Susan Schmidt graduated from Slippery Rock State College in Pennsylvania with a BS degree in Elementary Education and Special Education. For 15 years she taught emotionally-disturbed, mentally-challenged, and learning-disabled children in public schools. Sue has taught TEFL classes in many countries., trained other teachers to conduct TEFL classes, and helped write two curricula. Susan also works with a group of professionals, who test and write educational plans for expats living overseas. Susan and her husband Larry, currently live in Fuquay-Varina, NC.