About

Jeanette considers herself a Jersey girl with Virginia flavor.  She was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey and grew up partly in the beautiful state of Virginia. Jeanette earned her College Preparatory High School diploma from New Brunswick High School, New Brunswick, NJ. She was ranked 19th of a

class of 169.

        Jeanette has over 3 decades of experience working with and for non-profit organizations. She earned her Master of Human Services degree in 2010 from Lincoln University in

Pennsylvania. Her master's research includes community organizing, substance abuse, addiction, and recovery solutions.

            Ms. Grimes has experience as a full time Manager of Community Initiatives for the American Diabetes Association, concentrating in African American programs. Jeanette has consulted as a Parent Educator for The Partnership for a Drug Free New Jersey where she informed parents, teachers and communities about the dangers of drugs and other substances.

She is a trained State Advocacy Leader for the National Councilon Alcoholism and Drug Dependence New Jersey (is now National Center for Advocacy and Recovery). Jeanette has now

extended her advocacy efforts here in Virginia. She has worked for a Family Violence Sexual Assault Unit which included forensic interview with clients. Jeanette has consulted to the

National Head Start Literacy Center based in California where she provided Training & Technical Assistance to more than 25 nationwide programs. She volunteered as president of a Head

Start program in New Jersey. One of her most rewarding work experiences came from working for the National Council of Drug Dependence New Jersey (NCADD-NJ) where she enjoyed statewide organizing and national trainings for Friends of Addiction Recovery-New Jersey. She was a member of Optimist

 

International and Unstoppable CEO Toastmasters. She is ecstatic about her 2016 relocation to Virginia where she reconnected with and enjoyed working for Southside Virginia Community

College. Jeanette has worked as a supervisor of a Parents as Teachers program in Southside Virginia for a community action program. She enjoys her position of Community Health Worker.

          She was an active member of Abundant Life Family Worship Church in New Brunswick, New Jersey from 2002 until 2016. She happily led the Greeters Ministry for 4 years.

           She is presently an active member of Tabernacle of Zion Church located in Lawrenceville, Virginia. She kept contact with Tabernacle until her 2016 relocation back to Virginia. She is

grateful for the long-standing connection to her honorable leaders: Bishop Ronald K. Thornhill and Pastor Patrice M. Thornhill.  Jeanette is co-founder of Youth Community Day 2019, Lawrenceville, VA. In 2021 Jeanette was lead to create COVID Care Packages to distribute to persons recovering from

COVID at home. Jeanette was trained as a Forensic Interviewer while working with a Domestic Violence Unit. Jeanette was an inaugural member of Toastmasters International (Unstoppable

CEOs group).

            Jeanette places highest priority on her God-relationship, family and working with families holistically. She has five biological children, many non-biological “bonus” children, and an abundance of grandchildren. Jeanette believes children are our present joy, future leaders and considers it an honor to help guide children and families towards healthy success. She places

high priority on volunteering to give back to the overall community.

 

Jeanette is grateful for each opportunity to help communities and families and expresses her gratitude to be a part of positive community-building. She is happy to have published written

works:

 A journal, Decide Declare Do

 GOOD NEWS Newsletter

 A collaborative anthology, UNSTOPPABLE Black Woman

 Coming SOON, MORE on the horizon

Jeanette would like to thank God, her family, friends, and co-workers for supporting her in her Kingdom endeavors.

 

  Jeanette likes to leave audiences with the words, “I wish you well and I

wish you wealth in every area of your life.”

 

Smiles,

Jeanette