About Us

Our Mission

Our mission is to uplift and empower the Chicago community and surrounding areas through compassionate and steadfast initiatives in partnership with other organizations in order to provide food distribution, employment information, self-development courses, and crime intervention strategies.

My Story: The Birth of Dee's Resource Center

In 2020, my life was a whirlwind of turmoil and loss. I was navigating a devastating divorce while witnessing the world crumble around me as COVID-19 claimed lives minute by minute. The weight of it all kept me locked in my bedroom night after night. However, one night was different. I fell asleep with a white comforter over my head, only to be awakened by a touch and a command: “Write.” I distinctly heard, “Start Dee’s Resource Center.” It was a divine message; several people had previously told me I would have an encounter with God. Despite my education and professional background, I was at rock bottom, struggling to gather the mental strength to draft a plan or assemble a team. I was in dire need of resources myself. Thankfully, my employer directed me to resources for counseling and support, which my family and I desperately needed. A year later, I wrote the plan for Dee’s Resource Center, and it was approved instantly. Even then, I was still healing and realized that being a believer with a good job doesn’t shield one from needing help at times.
I hesitated to act on the plan, as I was still rebuilding my life and wanted to fund the vision myself. Yet, I couldn’t ignore the calling. Over time, I found myself helping people one by one, just as I had always done since becoming a special education teacher in 1998. From an early age, I knew that guiding others to resources was my calling and my joy. I initially thought I needed a physical location to fulfill God’s plan. But then I heard the voice of the Lord again: “Start now, do not wait!” Thus, Dee’s Resource Center was born, aiming to make it simple for people to access the resources they need for their spirit, soul, and body. Here we are, fulfilling the vision and empowering our community.

Our Board

Our board and team members are made up of individuals who have a deep love and compassion for people. The team includes a school assistant principal, teachers, a district representative for CPS, entrepreneurs in real estate and other business ventures, a college administrator, a college student, and several retirees who bring their seasoned knowledge to the table.

Dee Haywood

Founder and Executive Director

Jawanda Hairston

President

Latanya Roberterson

Treasurer

Gwen Spence

Secretary

Our Planning Committee

Kimberly Johnson

Director of Strategic Planning

Lavergne Bluford

Director of Events

Rachel Townsend

Director of Education

Michael Haywood

Social Media Coordinator