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Compassion, Community,
& Care After Loss

How We Started

Helping Families Grieve Gracefully

Adam’s Purpose started from a place of profound loss.

After experiencing the unimaginable grief of losing a child, compounded by the passing of other family members, we struggled to find the culturally sensitive and welcoming care we needed to heal.

Our journey inspired us to start Adam’s Purpose, dedicated to grief support for families of Color that builds emotional strength, wellness, and true healing after loss.

“I don’t feel alone anymore and what I am going through is accepted and respected.
It is helping me to learn more about why I feel the way I feel and making it clearer that grief is not linear. This group has helped me to realize it’s okay to acknowledge my baby girl died and it’s not my fault. It’s not my fault. It’s not my fault. And that I will be okay.”
- AP Mom -
“The support given has surpassed anything that I have ever been a part of.
The scope of info shared and growth I experienced is so valuable to my life and moving forward. Understanding that grief is messy, scary, but absolutely a part of my life.”
- AP Mom -
“I’m really grateful for healing circles, our whole family can be here.
I’m really grateful Adam’s Purpose exists. because without this space, I am not sure if we would have the space to grieve gracefully.”
- AP Mom -

Expanded Mission

We envision a world where every person of Color has access to grief care that breaks cycles of trauma and empowers families to find hope and healing.

Adam’s Purpose is committed to providing culturally responsive grief and mental health support for families of Color experiencing loss. Through peer-led support groups, healing circles, and partnerships with therapists of color, we are creating compassionate spaces for healing, connection, and resilience while addressing the mental health disparities for competent care in communities of Color.

As a leader in mental health support, Adam’s Purpose strives to ensure no one grieves alone.

Our Story

Adam’s Purpose was founded by Shay and Langston Jacobs after experiencing an unimaginable loss that forever changed their lives. In 2018, they lost their son, Adam, along with two other beloved family members. In the depths of their grief, they searched for support but found few resources that reflected their culture, experiences, & needs as Black parents navigating child loss.

Their pain was compounded by the lack of accessible, culturally responsive grief care. They felt isolated, struggling within a system that often overlooked the unique challenges faced by Black families in mourning. Recognizing that so many others in their community were also grieving without adequate support, they turned their personal loss into a purpose.

Adam’s Purpose was created to fill this gap—offering culturally affirming grief and mental health support specifically for Black families and BIPOC communities. The organization provides a safe, compassionate space for those grieving a child, whether through miscarriage, stillbirth, or loss at any age.

Rooted in their lived experiences, Shay & Langston built Adam’s Purpose to uplift and support grieving families through peer-led support groups, healing circles, and community partnerships. Their mission is simple yet profound: to ensure no one grieves alone. Through connection, healing, and culturally grounded care, Adam’s Purpose continues to be a beacon of hope for
families of Color on their grief journey.

Founders,
Shay & Langston Jacobs

Staff & Leadership

Shay Jacobs

Executive Director and Founder

Shay Jacobs is a passionate and compassionate leader dedicated to transforming grief support and mental health care for Black families.

As the founder and Executive Director of Adam’s Purpose, she has established a trailblazing organization that offers culturally responsive grief care, focusing on those affected by child loss.

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Langston Jacobs

Director of Programs, Therapist

Langston Jacobs serves as the Director of Programs and Therapist at Adam’s Purpose, where his leadership and lived experience as a bereaved father deeply inform his work.

Langston oversees the strategic execution, management, and evaluation of all programs, ensuring they align with the organization’s mission to provide culturally responsive grief and mental health support to Black families and BIPOC communities.

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Brandee Williams

Program Manager

Brandee Williams serves as the Program Manager for Adam’s Purpose, supporting the organization’s mission to provide culturally responsive grief and mental health care.

With a background in community engagement, program administration, and visual storytelling, she oversees program implementation, peer support coordination, and logistical operations to ensure healing programs run smoothly.

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Aaron Clark

Case Manager, LSW

Aaron Clark is the case manager at Adam’s Purpose. He holds a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Truman State University and a Master’s In Social Work at University of Denver. He has supported Adam’s Purpose as a volunteer since 2023 and been part of the staff team since April 2025. Before coming to Adam’s Purpose, he served professionally in various support roles for mental health, substance use, housing, and food bank support.

He believes in the power of community to create healing spaces and is always glad to use his skills to connect and empower people.

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In Loving Memory of Carol Reagan-Heru

Carol Reagan-Heru served as the Board Chair of Adam’s Purpose from 2023 until her passing on May 10, 2025. Carol was a guiding light whose grace, wisdom, and compassion shaped the heart and vision of our organization. Her leadership inspired growth and healing, leaving a legacy of love and purpose that will forever guide our work. Though she is deeply missed, her impact lives on in every family we serve and every act of hope we bring to our community.

Board Members

Kim Ray

Board Treasurer

Kimberly Fowler-White

Board Secretary

Michele Mickens Duvall

Board Member

Charlyn Moss

Board Member

Shay’s journey is deeply personal, driven by her own experiences of loss, which inspire her commitment to supporting BIPOC families through their most challenging times.

Under Shay’s leadership, Adam’s Purpose has become a beacon of hope and healing, providing a range of programs that include peer support groups, community grief education, and youth-focused initiatives. Her innovative approach integrates creative arts therapy, expressive arts, and enrichment activities, creating a holistic support system for grieving individuals.

Shay’s work is rooted in authentic community engagement and an unwavering commitment to addressing systemic injustices. She employs the Assets Based Community Development model, emphasizing the strengths and potential of the communities she serves. By prioritizing the voices and needs of BIPOC individuals, Shay has fostered an inclusive environment that empowers families and promotes resilience.

In addition to her role at Adam’s Purpose, Shay is known for her collaborative spirit, working closely with schools, mental health workers, clinics, organizations, and churches to expand the reach and impact of her programs. Her dedication to professional and personal development is evident in her efforts to train bereaved moms as peer advocates, helping them to lead support groups and pursue new ventures in honor of their loved ones.

Shay’s leadership is marked by warmth, empathy, and a deep sense of purpose. She continues to inspire and guide others with her creative solutions to complex problems and her unwavering commitment to community-driven change. Through her work at Adam’s Purpose, Shay Jacobs is making a lasting impact on the lives of countless families, fostering hope, healing, and a brighter future for all.

Under his guidance, programs such as Peer Support Groups, Family Healing Circles, and special events are tailored to meet the unique needs of grieving families with compassion and cultural competence.

As a licensed therapist, Langston provides direct therapeutic services to individuals and families navigating grief and loss. His therapeutic approach emphasizes healing through culturally responsive care, addressing the emotional, mental, and spiritual dimensions of grief. He facilitates group therapy sessions and mentors Peer Advocates, equipping them with the skills to provide impactful, empathetic support. Langston also plays a critical role in training staff and volunteers, fostering professional development and ensuring evidence-based practices are seamlessly integrated into program delivery.

Langston’s responsibilities extend to supervising the Program Manager and Peer Advocates, building their capacity to deliver high-quality services. He collaborates with the Executive Director on strategic planning, program innovation, and funding initiatives, while also managing intake processes to create a compassionate and efficient participant experience.

With a Master’s degree in Counseling and extensive experience in mental health services, Langston’s expertise in grief, trauma, and cultural responsiveness is a cornerstone of Adam’s Purpose’s impact. His visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to advancing equity and justice ensure that families receive the care they deserve. As a bereaved father, Langston’s personal journey fuels his dedication to creating safe spaces where others can find healing, connection, and hope.

Brandee Williams serves as the Program Manager for Adam’s Purpose, supporting the organization’s mission to provide culturally responsive grief and mental health care. With a background in community engagement, program administration, and visual storytelling, she oversees program implementation, peer support coordination, and logistical operations to ensure healing programs run smoothly. As a bereaved mother and widow, Brandee’s lived experience with grief fuels her passion for advocacy, allowing her to connect deeply with the families Adam’s Purpose serves. She is committed to uplifting the organization’s core values of compassion, collaboration, and community healing.

Beyond program management, Brandee plays a vital role in branding, marketing, and visual design for Adam’s Purpose. She develops creative content, strengthens digital presence, and crafts compelling messaging that amplifies the organization’s mission, ensuring accessibility and engagement for those seeking support.

In addition to her nonprofit work, Brandee is also known as Bree DuVal—an independent artist whose music serves as a bridge between healing and self-expression. Through her artistry, she transforms pain into power, using her voice to uplift and inspire. Her music blends soul, faith, and personal growth, offering listeners a form of music therapy that aligns deeply with her mission at Adam’s Purpose.

Brandee’s ability to merge creative storytelling with community work makes her an integral force in both spaces. Whether through storytelling, strategic branding or soulful music, her mission remains the same—to cultivate healing, resilience, and meaningful connection.

Aaron Clark is the case manager at Adam’s Purpose. He holds a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Truman State University and a Master’s In Social Work at University of Denver. He has supported Adam’s Purpose as a volunteer since 2023 and been part of the staff team since April 2025. Before coming to Adam’s Purpose, he served professionally in various support roles for mental health, substance use, housing, and food bank support. He believes in the power of community to create healing spaces and is always glad to use his skills to connect and empower people.

Aaron has several years of experience as an in-home case manager and has a diverse skill set that allows him to connect with people no matter where they come from. His training in mental health, substance use, securing basic needs, and navigating agencies allows him to support others with confidence and care. Offering more than just help, he believes in check-ins, storytelling, and understanding the full spectrum of what someone needs to heal through trauma.

In addition to his case management work, Aaron helps coordinate AP volunteers and builds curriculum for children’s programming at the monthly healing circles. He brings play, crafts, and conversation into the space to create a dynamic healing environment for children to process and express themselves. Aaron brings joy, humor, sincerity, and fun everywhere he goes, and believes everyone has something valuable to share.

Kim Ray

Board Treasurer

Dr. Kimberly T. Fowler, a native of Jacksonville, FL, has been working to support
indigenous communities for over a decade. Dr. Fowler has been employed at NCUIH since
2011 and as the current VP of the Technical Assistance and Research Center (TARC), has led the development of various projects focused on Urban Indian Organization capacity-building and sustainability to support operational and programmatic growth, as well as supporting research centered on the urban Indian health sector. She received her Ph.D. from Yale University and B.S. from Tennessee State University. Prior to joining NCUIH, Dr. Fowler supported several initiatives through the coordination and delivery of technical assistance in health systems and clinical operations for communities of color, including managing a women’s health behavior intervention program to reduce health disparities risk. Dr. Fowler also completed
her postdoctoral fellowship from the University of Colorado-Denver where she also received a
Certificate in Public Health.” Over the years, she has supported on several national, regional, and local non-profit boards, including the Tennessee State University National Alumni Association, holding various positions, from President/ Chair to Secretary. She currently serves as Secretary on the Adam’s Purpose board.

Kimberly Fowler-White

Board Secretary

Dr. Kimberly T. Fowler, a native of Jacksonville, FL, has been working to support
indigenous communities for over a decade. Dr. Fowler has been employed at NCUIH since
2011 and as the current VP of the Technical Assistance and Research Center (TARC), has led the development of various projects focused on Urban Indian Organization capacity-building and sustainability to support operational and programmatic growth, as well as supporting research centered on the urban Indian health sector. She received her Ph.D. from Yale University and B.S. from Tennessee State University. Prior to joining NCUIH, Dr. Fowler supported several initiatives through the coordination and delivery of technical assistance in health systems and clinical operations for communities of color, including managing a women’s health behavior intervention program to reduce health disparities risk. Dr. Fowler also completed
her postdoctoral fellowship from the University of Colorado-Denver where she also received a
Certificate in Public Health.” Over the years, she has supported on several national, regional, and local non-profit boards, including the Tennessee State University National Alumni Association, holding various positions, from President/ Chair to Secretary. She currently serves as Secretary on the Adam’s Purpose board.

Michele Mickens Duvall

Board Member

Michele has a passion for serving the community. Before joining the staff at CAAH she served on the Healthcare committee with Metro Organizations for People (MOP) currently, Together Colorado, a non-partisan interfaith organization and member of the PICO National Network. She was instrumental in the development of the Clergy Caucus and addressing issues such as Tuition Equity, Concurrent Enrollment, Health care for all kids by 2010, The Colorado Health Care Affordability Act, Payday Lending Reform and in concert with the PICO National Network, she also supported the DREAM Act, Economic Recovery, and the Renewal and Robust funding for SCHIP. She served as a facilitator of the “Project Power” diabetes program and has volunteered for numerous events at the Center for African American Health.

She is a founding member of Restoration Christian Fellowship where she served as the Health Ministry Liaison with her husband Gordon E. Duvall RN., PNP. Their vision was to have a clinic that would serve as the medical home for the many medically underserved in the community.

Michele has more than 15 years’ experience in the financial industry but after the market crash work was hard to come by, so she decided to return to school and make a career change. She attended the Community College of Denver, The Women’s College at DU, MSU Denver and California Baptist University pursuing her BS in Exercise Science with an emphasis in Special Populations and Adult Fitness and a minor in nutrition.

Michele enjoys reading, motorcycling, listening to jazz, dancing and fitness. She was born in Los Angeles, California but was raised here in Colorado. She has four children Dominic, Koree, Zachary (deceased), and Marchele’ and nine grandchildren Natalie, Gabriella, Mathias, James, Bry Anna, Joseph, Zara, Kasana and Little Zachary.

Carol Reagan

Board President

Carol has worked as an Accessibility professional for over seven years. Carol is an ADA Administrator in the Culture and Strategy Division at Denver International Airport. Carol works with airport employees, construction teams, airline partners, and community stakeholders to ensure an accessible and inclusive experience for all travelers.
Before her role at Denver International Airport, Carol worked in Regulatory with UCHealth at the University of Colorado Hospital. At UCHealth, she developed and managed projects to improve healthcare access for people with disabilities and limited English proficiency. Carol has more than 20
years of experience working in healthcare in various roles and organizations.
Carol also serves on the City and County of Denver Commission for People with Disabilities and mentors high school students in the College Track Pre-Health Club. Carol holds a Master of Science in Health services Administration and a Certification in Accessibility Core Competencies from the International Association for Accessibility Professionals. Carol is a native of Denver and is married to Mika El Heru, and they have a son, Amari.