Our Purpose
At Jess’s Helping Hands, we are more than a nonprofit—we are a community-driven initiative committed to improving health outcomes, strengthening families, and advancing health equity in underserved communities. Through education, community engagement, and evidence-informed wellness programming, we work to create sustainable, measurable impact for present and future generations.
We equip families with the knowledge and practical tools to make informed health decisions through nutrition education workshops, meal-planning support, and budgeting strategies that promote access to affordable, nutritious foods. Mothers and caregivers gain skills to interpret nutrition labels, make healthier purchasing decisions, and prepare balanced meals that support family well-being and chronic disease prevention.
We also promote physical activity as a preventive health strategy by organizing community fitness events, outdoor activities for children, and mother-child exercise classes that make movement accessible, inclusive, and culturally responsive. These programs strengthen family bonds, encourage healthy behaviors early in life, and support long-term lifestyle changes that contribute to improved population health.
By integrating nutrition, physical activity, and community-based support, Jess’s Helping Hands seeks to address social determinants of health, reduce disparities, and help build stronger, healthier, and more resilient communities.
Who we serve
We serve low-income individuals and families by expanding access to essential wellness resources and addressing barriers that contribute to health disparities. Guided by a community medicine framework, we support underserved populations through prevention-focused interventions that promote health equity, improve health literacy, and strengthen access to resources that support long-term well-being.
We prioritize giving caregivers key knowledge and practical tools to create healthier home environments for themselves and their children. Our initiatives also provide children and youth with safe, engaging opportunities for physical activity, wellness education, and personal development, fostering healthy behaviors early in life and supporting positive lifelong outcomes.
In addition, we create supportive community spaces for individuals seeking guidance to overcome generational patterns linked to poor health outcomes, limited resources, and reduced opportunity. Through community-based engagement and culturally responsive support, we help strengthen resilience and empower participants to make sustainable health-promoting choices.
Through a holistic and evidence-informed approach, we integrate fitness programs, nutrition education, and wellness initiatives to advance chronic disease prevention, support healthy behavior change, and empower individuals and families to take an active role in improving their health and building stronger, healthier communities.
About our CEO - Jessica Garrett, MSCM
Jess’s Helping Hands is deeply rooted in the lived experiences and expertise of its founder, Jessica, who has dedicated her life to empowering communities through health, wellness, and education. As a first-generation college graduate, entrepreneur, and the first in her family to earn a master’s degree, Jessica understands the challenges of breaking generational cycles. Jessica was primarily raised by her Army veteran Father. She holds a Master of Science in Community Medicine from Keck Graduate Institute, specializing in preventive and intervention-based medicine.
With over 24 years of service as a mentor, volunteer, and community advocate in Sacramento, Jessica has worked tirelessly to uplift those in need. She spent five years as a special education teacher, providing essential support to students with diverse learning needs. Her commitment to health and fitness extends beyond education—she is the owner of WERK WITH JESS LLC, a fitness coaching business dedicated to transforming lives through movement and motivation. Jessica’s journey to founding WWJ LLC was deeply personal. After a complicated pregnancy and multiple abdominal surgeries following the birth of her daughter in 2020, she struggled mentally and physically, no longer recognizing herself. Determined to regain her strength, she documented her fitness journey, inspiring other mothers along the way. What started as in-person coaching soon evolved into an online fitness platform, allowing her to reach and empower more women. Through Jess’s Helping Hands, she continues to use her experience, education, and passion to motivate others in goal-setting, time management, and personal growth—helping underserved individuals strive to be their very best.
Jessica’s passion for fitness and perseverance is also reflected in her athletic background. As a former NCAA Division I heptathlete at Alcorn State University, she competed at the highest levels in track and field. Her journey also includes varsity-level experience in basketball, cheerleading, cross country, and track and field, shaping her understanding of discipline, resilience, and teamwork.
Through Jess’s Helping Hands, Jessica channels her wealth of experience into providing underserved communities—especially women, children, and families—with the resources, education, and encouragement they need to take charge of their well-being. Her mission is clear: to break generational cycles, create opportunities for healthier futures, and build stronger, more empowered communities.
SWAC Outdoor Championships
Fitness Coach
MSCM Spring ‘24Keck Graduation
SWAC Indoor Championship