Throwing Lifelines of Hope to Those Seeking a Fresh Start

Meet Daily Point of Light Award honoree Babita Jagnanan. Read her story, and nominate an outstanding volunteer or family as a Daily Point of Light.

Babita Jagnanan is an excellent example of taking selflessness and determination to new levels in the nonprofit world. Dedicated to improving lives and uplifting communities, Babita founded Phoenix Family Resources, a nonprofit resource center providing meals, clothing and critical support to individuals looking for a fresh start – whether they’re moving out of homelessness, navigating recovery, detox and treatment programs or facing stigma in society.

With 85% of textiles going to landfill, Phoenix Family Resources is committed to putting gently used items to good use for underserved populations in particular. With her efforts, Babita not only addresses immediate needs through helping provide tangible resources, but also offers dignity and hope to those in crisis, ensuring they feel valued and supported on their journey to healing.

Phoenix Family Resources has become a sanctuary for thousands, creating a sense of belonging and community for those who often feel marginalized. Babita’s work extends beyond basic resources; it is rooted in compassion and respect for the individuals she serves. Her holistic approach goes beyond physical aid, touching hearts and fostering resilience in those she helps. Read on to hear more about her leadership and boundless energy toward meaningful change.

Tell us about your volunteer role.

As executive director of Phoenix Family Resources, I lead our mission to provide essential support to underserved communities across Delaware. Our organization serves individuals with substance use disorders, reentry populations, veterans, the unhoused, LGBTQ+ individuals and pregnant moms. I am proud to oversee programs that empower lives, from offering harm reduction and hygiene kits to workforce development, résumé-building and job training services.

Under my leadership, Phoenix Family Resources has expanded its reach, serving over 16,000 individuals monthly with essential items like clothing, food and household goods. Our free resource center ensures dignity by allowing individuals to select items based on their unique needs, fostering self-respect and hope.

Collaboration is central to our impact. I work closely with community partners, donors and volunteers to maximize resources, ensuring we address gaps in care effectively. I am passionate about breaking barriers, advocating for equity and creating opportunities for personal and professional growth.

In addition to overseeing operations, I spearhead initiatives to secure funding, build partnerships and enhance programming, ensuring long-term sustainability. I also mentor volunteers and participants, fostering a supportive environment where success stories like Joan, a program graduate thriving in her new job, are possible.

At Phoenix Family Resources, we are more than a resource center—we are a place of hope, empowerment and transformation. Every day, I am inspired by the resilience of those we serve and the dedication of our team to make a tangible difference in Delaware communities.

Why are these issues so important to you?

The mission of Phoenix Family Resources is deeply personal to me because I have witnessed the transformative power of compassion, support and second chances. Throughout my life and career, I have seen how systemic barriers, stigma and lack of resources can prevent individuals from reaching their potential. Whether it’s someone struggling with addiction, a returning citizen rebuilding their life or a family facing financial insecurity, I believe everyone deserves access to the tools and opportunities needed to thrive.

This work is important to me because it goes beyond providing basic necessities; it’s about restoring dignity and hope. Seeing someone walk into our free store and leave not just with clothing or food, but with a renewed sense of possibility, drives me to do more every day. I am especially passionate about serving those who are often overlooked—whether it’s the LGBTQ+ community, veterans or pregnant moms—because everyone deserves to feel valued and supported.

Leading Phoenix Family Resources allows me to create pathways for empowerment and equity. I’m honored to play a role in helping individuals transform their lives, knowing that even small acts of kindness can ripple into lasting change for families and entire communities.

What inspired you to get started with this initiative?

The inspiration for my involvement with Phoenix Family Resources stems from a lifelong commitment to helping others and a deep understanding of the barriers many face when trying to rebuild their lives. While studying criminal justice, I witnessed the challenges individuals in recovery and reentry, as well as underserved communities, face. These experiences ignited my passion for creating programs that offer tangible support and foster lasting change.

My work began with a desire to build something meaningful—a place where everyone, regardless of their background, could access the resources and support they need to succeed. I was inspired by the stories of resilience and courage from those who’ve overcome addiction, homelessness or systemic obstacles, and I wanted to ensure no one felt alone in their journey.

Phoenix Family Resources is rooted in the belief that dignity and respect are essential for recovery and personal growth. From providing basic necessities like clothing and hygiene kits, to offering job training and workforce development, we aim to empower individuals and help them reclaim their lives.

Seeing the transformative impact of our programs and the unwavering resilience of those we serve inspires me to continue this work and grow our efforts to uplift Delaware communities.

What are your long-term plans or goals for the organization?

My long-term vision for Phoenix Family Resources is to expand our impact, ensuring that every individual in Delaware has access to the resources and support needed to rebuild their lives with dignity. A key goal is to open additional resource centers across the state, particularly in underserved areas, to better serve vulnerable populations.

We aim to enhance our workforce development programs, partnering with local businesses to create more job opportunities and skill-building initiatives for individuals in recovery, reentry populations and others seeking a fresh start.

I also plan to strengthen community partnerships and secure sustainable funding to expand our offerings, including housing assistance, mental health resources and comprehensive support for families.

Ultimately, I want Phoenix Family Resources to be a model of holistic care, fostering resilience and empowerment while addressing systemic barriers. Our mission is to not just meet immediate needs but to create lasting, transformative change.

What’s been the most rewarding part of your work?

The most rewarding part of my work is witnessing the transformation in the lives of the individuals and families we serve. Seeing someone regain their confidence, secure employment or rebuild their life after facing significant challenges is incredibly fulfilling.

Hearing stories of resilience and success, like a program participant thriving in a new job or a family finding stability, reminds me why this work is so important. Moments where individuals express gratitude for feeling seen, supported and respected motivate me to continue making a difference.

I’m also inspired by the dedication of our staff, volunteers and community partners, who work tirelessly to create positive change. Knowing that our collective efforts provide hope and empowerment to thousands of Delawareans is truly the greatest reward.

Tell us about future partnerships, programs or events that you are excited about.

We are constantly seeking opportunities to grow and expand our impact through meaningful partnerships, programs and events. One of the initiatives we’re most excited about is collaborating with local businesses to strengthen our workforce development programs. By partnering with employers across Delaware, we aim to create hands-on job training opportunities for individuals in recovery, reentry populations and underserved communities, equipping them with the skills and confidence to thrive in the workforce.

We’re also working to expand our partnerships with healthcare providers and community organizations to integrate more comprehensive services. This includes offering mental health resources, harm reduction programs and workshops that address financial literacy, parenting and life skills. By taking a holistic approach, we hope to empower individuals to achieve lasting stability and independence.

In addition, we’re thrilled to host larger-scale community events, such as our upcoming Recovery Month celebration. These events not only raise awareness about recovery and mental health but also bring the community together to celebrate resilience and hope. We are also exploring opportunities to host resource fairs and clothing drives in rural areas, ensuring our services reach those who need them most.

Ultimately, we are excited about creating deeper connections with organizations and individuals who share our vision. These partnerships and events are critical to breaking down barriers, fostering inclusion and providing every Delawarean with the tools they need to succeed. The future is bright, and we’re committed to continuing this important work together.

Any advice for people who want to start volunteering?

For anyone considering volunteering, my advice is simple: start where your heart leads you. Find a cause that resonates with you—whether it’s supporting individuals in recovery, helping unhoused populations or mentoring youth—and connect with organizations making an impact in that area.

Volunteering doesn’t require special skills, just a willingness to show up and make a difference. Be open to learning and embrace opportunities to step outside your comfort zone. Every contribution, no matter how small, can have a meaningful impact on someone’s life.

Consistency is key, so commit to a schedule that works for you. Building relationships and trust with the community you serve is incredibly rewarding. Most importantly, approach your work with compassion, empathy and an open mind—you’ll grow just as much as the people you help.

What do you want people to learn from your story?

I want people to learn that no matter where you start in life, you have the power to make a difference in your community and the lives of others. My journey is proof that a genuine desire to help, combined with hard work and collaboration, can create meaningful change.

I want people to see that challenges are not insurmountable. The individuals we serve teach us that resilience and determination can lead to transformation. Their courage inspires me daily and reinforces the idea that everyone deserves a second chance and access to resources that help them rebuild their lives.

I also want to highlight the importance of compassion and community. None of this work would be possible without the support of dedicated volunteers, donors and community partners. It’s a reminder that change happens when people come together with a shared vision of creating a better future.

Most importantly, I want people to know that small actions can have a ripple effect. Whether you’re donating time or resources, or simply offering kindness, every effort matters. I hope my story inspires others to get involved, take initiative and believe in the power of community-driven change. Helping others isn’t just about providing for their immediate needs—it’s about restoring hope, dignity and empowerment. Together, we can create lasting change, one life at a time.

Do you want to make a difference in your community like Babita? Find local volunteer opportunities.