Empowering Through Literacy
Our Mission
The Jena-Marie Literacy Project is committed to honoring Jena-Marie's life and legacy by fostering a love of reading and enhancing community literacy. Our mission is to advance literacy among children and adults through access to books, educational resources, and enrichment opportunities that inspire lifelong learning. We also provide compassionate support and resources to parents and siblings grieving the loss of a child or sibling, creating a community of understanding, resilience, and hope. Guided by Jena-Marie’s spirit, we strive to empower young minds and strengthen families through the transformative power of literacy and shared healing in our education project.
About Jena-Marie
Beautiful Jena-Marie
Jena-Marie was a beautiful 23-year-old with a bright and promising future. A true lover of books, Jena believed in the magic of stories—their power to heal, inspire, and connect. Living her life with purpose, kindness, and joy, she touched the hearts of everyone who knew her.
Jena's passion for reading was evident to all; she was rarely seen without a book in hand or nearby. As she pursued a master's degree in forensic psychology and finalized an internship with the Secret Service, her young life was cut short.
Deeply in love with her boyfriend, Justin, who was 24 years old, Jena and Justin had been together for three years, cherished by those around them. Their love for each other was apparent, filled with dreams of a future together.
Tragically, Jena and Justin became victims of a preventable vehicle collision, and their lives were taken far too soon.
Both Jena and Justin had been student-athletes since childhood, forming countless relationships along the way. The loss of these two vibrant young souls is profoundly felt by their communities and the many who loved them.
Jena's beautiful presence will be forever missed, and the love story of Jena and Justin will continue to resonate in our hearts. Although they are gone, their story lives on, and their legacy as donors who gave life to others endures. Their young lives may have been lost, but they have made a lasting impact on family, friends, and even strangers.
Now, Jena's affection for reading will inspire many who honor her memory, connecting through the power of words and the magic of stories. Jena will be forever missed, but never forgotten. The Jena-Marie Literacy Project aims to nurture her love for reading while promoting community literacy and education projects that inspire healing. Jena's gift will inspire others, one story at a time. This will be her enduring legacy.