LifePak
FOUNDERS
In 2019, four middle school students came together wanting to make a difference in their community. As they became aware and even alarmed by the number of people experiencing homelessness and heard what another student was doing on his own; they thought it would be cool to build on his idea of creating life packs. To make a greater impact, they created a charity called The LifePak Initiative.
As word got out, fellow students at various local public and private schools wanted to pitch in. They began their own LifePak drives for clothing, built LifePaks, and distributed food and clothing. From the original core group of five grew the Founders Leadership Team that is helping get the word out and grow LifePak in the Greater Dallas Area.
We’re on a mission to engage a wave of young people and build awareness of homelessness by giving them opportunities to take action and assist those experiencing homelessness in their community. By gathering and distributing LifePaks, clothing, and meals; we can witness firsthand the inherent value of compassion while sending a message of dignity and respect to those who need it most. Ultimately, we aim to create a wave of change in the hearts and minds of our peers, while making a difference in the lives of those we serve.
Will is in the Holy Trinity Seminary at the University of Dallas pursuing a degree in Philosophy and eventually a Masters in Theology. He says he’s discovered his people, his purpose, and direction in life.
This past summer, he worked for an organi-zation called Christ in the City, where he spent intentional time learning about his Faith and about the resources to serve the homeless.
In 2016, Will built the first life packs, a bag with food and water, for those experiencing homelessness. It’s because of him that LifePak came into being. He attended the same middle and high schools of those that would end up creating the LifePak Initiative with him.
Jaimi is a Senior at Plano West Senior High School. She’s been in Technical Theater for the past five years and enjoys being behind the scenes making things happen. She finds it exhilarating to work on a show for several months with fellow students pursuing a common goal, and bringing the show to life for the big performance.
In a similar but very different way, she’s experienced the evolution of LifePak from an idea she and her friends had that’s grown into sort of a movement. It warms her heart to hand out LifePaks or give out coats in chilly weather to those in need; for we all need to know someone cares.
Nick met his friends that created LifePak at Frankford Middle School in Plano. He’s a Senior at Jesuit and is on the Cycling Team. In his races, he’s gone from the behind the pack his Freshman Year to now keeping up with the main group. He feels the challenge and growth have been formative for him.
An essential part of his character has been helping others, being of service; be it in the classroom, for a client where he does tech services or in town, where he and his friends are growing LifePak. He’s found LifePak to be sort of contagious. The more he and his friends are helping those experiencing homelessness, the more people want to get involved.
Víctor Acosta is a Senior in Naaman Forest High School in Garland. His family emigrated here from Venezuela seeking asylum and safety from a dictatorship.
He has a passion for sports but especially martial arts. He’s a first-degree black belt in Taekwondo and has become an instructor, where he’s learned a lot about connecting with his young students and helping them achieve their goals.
He feels LifePak has been a blessing. In his young life, he’s come to know that it’s not an easy world. With all that his family has been given by our country, LifePak has given him the chance to give back to those who are suffering. As he does his part, he feels he can hopefully make a difference.
Julian is a Senior at Plano West. He loves Speech & Debate and started a club in Middle School. He’s been involved in theater for many years. He even got the lead in his school’s production of Mamma Mia. Being that he’s not a trained singer, he was surprised to get the part, but he rallied and thrilled audiences with his version of Sam Carmichael.
He’s always been a part of his school’s Student Council and has been a member of the National Honors Society. He not only does well academically but wants to work with his classmates to make his school a better place.
His Faith is integral to his identity. He believes that God gives everyone a purpose and his raison d'être is to serve others, his neighbors in need. He wants others to come along on the journey and make our world a better.
Ben is a Senior at Jesuit and enjoys playing sports from golf to basketball and bowling. He has a prodigal memory, does well at school, and loves learning.
He’s the oldest of three kids and has constant words of wisdom and encouragement for his siblings. He’s also deeply introspective; always asking the same question: “Why?”
He’s not comfortable with the status quo. He’s against things being the way they are for no apparent reason.
LifePak has given him the chance to pitch in and help others in his community. He’s found that people are homeless for a myriad of reasons. All he needs to do is step in, help out, and don’t judge. It’s not his place.
John is a Senior at Jesuit Dallas. His family came here from Hong Kong a few years ago to find a safe place for him to thrive. His first language is Mandarin. He’s a great athlete, loves lacrosse, and is a middie on his school’s team. Last year they won their fourth State Championship.
Being a part of LifePak has allowed him to create new relationships and has helped build self-confidence. He feels that with all of the bad things going on in our world, being a part of LifePak, serving meals, distributing clothing, and getting to know those experiencing homelessness has given him hope.
Elisa is currently a Sophomore at Ursuline Academy. Last year, she developed an interest in theater. The more she gets involved, the more passionate she has become about acting and being on the stage. Her theater troop performed Grease at Jesuit, where she played Frenchy. The name is kind of funny, for she’s fluent in French, Spanish, and English.
In working with LifePak, she has come to appreciate that living under a roof is a blessing that shouldn’t be taken for granted. Very deeply, she realizes that there’s a whole world out there that needs love and support.
LifePak has enabled her to put action behind her words, to do something that has an impact.
