A Community Resilience Hub

JARRAD D. BLADE FOUNDATION

Helping families grow food, heal, earn, and connect — on land rooted in legacy.

Support Our Work

Our roots

WHO ARE WE

The Jarrad D. Blade Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2021 to honor the life and continue the legacy of Jarrad Denard Blade — a beloved brother, athlete, and community leader who believed in lifting others up.

We operate a land-based Community Resilience Hub on a 9-acre ranch setting in Ellenwood, Georgia, where families across metro Atlanta come together to grow food, heal from stress, build skills and income, and connect.

What we do

FOUR KINDS OF SUPPORT, ONE PLACE

Our Community Resilience Hub brings food, healing, opportunity, and connection together in one nature-rich place.

Food Access

Through our Farm-to-Families program, youth and caregivers grow fresh food together — strengthening relationships and improving access to healthy produce.

Wellness & Healing

Trauma-informed wellness workshops give families practical tools to manage stress and build resilience, from mindfulness to healing-centered gatherings.

Youth Development

Young people lead our gardens and programs, build confidence and teamwork, and explore the land, animals, and nature through hands-on learning.

Economic Opportunity

Families and youth sell produce and handmade goods at our no-cost vendor marketplace — building income, skills, and confidence as entrepreneurs.

All year long

BRINGING THE COMMUNITY TOGETHER

1,000+

People Served

575 in 2024 · 431 in 2025

19

Community Events

across 2024 & 2025

5

Areas of Impact

scholarship · food · healing

· youth · opportunity ·

In 2024 and 2025, the Jarrad D. Blade Foundation served more than 1,000 people — every step toward stronger, healthier, more connected families in our community.

Everything we build is in his honor.

THE LEGACY BEHIND THE WORK

The Life | May 15 1984-August 6 2016

Jarrad Denard Blade, was born May 15, 1984 and lived in Decatur, Georgia. Throughout high school, he exemplified his leadership skills as Quarterback for four consecutive years wearing the #2 jersey. Upon graduation Jarrad attended Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, Alabama. He was a proud Gamecock football athlete playing cornerback and special teams. At JSU Jarrad received two Championship Rings and completed three years of education studying physical education & sociology.

As an entrepreneur, Jarrad was the co-founder and Vice President of BLADE Academy of the Arts founded in 2009 and the Owner of Universal Services established in 2014. Jarrad was also a dedicated Union Member of IATSE Local 479 as a Craft Service Assistant. He worked on several major films and television series to include: Felt, Powers, McGuyver and many many more.

A giant of a man; Jarrad was not a stranger to hard work, perseverance, dedication, and community service. Anyone who met Jarrad, left his presence refreshed, renewed, and ready to conquer their goals. Jarrad shared his passion and poured lots of wisdom into everyone that he encountered.

The Tragedy | His Legacy Lives On

On August 6, 2016, Jarrad Blade was headed to South Carolina with his girlfriend, for their first couples vacation, Jarrad Denard Blade’s life was tragically and unexpectedly taken.

Jarrad had just turned 32 years old a few months prior yet his life, his goals, his dreams were all cut short due to the recklessness of a drunk driver traveling in the wrong direction with no headlights on. His girlfriend was seriously injured and remained in ICU for months, changing her young life forever.

Jarrad was a selfless 32 year old man filled with faith, love, joy, energy, loyalty, trustworthiness and great work ethics. Along with his infectious smile and love for football, he was a peacemaker and always shared encouragement, inspiration, and a listening ear.

This King of a man left a legacy and path now referred to as the “The Blacklight” because HE illuminated others. Jarrad challenged us ALL to Do and Be Better. Jarrad left a lasting impression on all he encountered. He will be truly missed and continually remembered by many.

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