The Courage to Tell
What happens when one small voice
finds the courage to speak?
Rebecca loves animals and believes every creature deserves kindness. When a new neighbor named Addie moves in with her dog Lily, Rebecca quickly notices things others might miss: a chain tied too tight, an empty water bowl, and a friend carrying worries much too big for her heart.
As their friendship grows, Addie shares the struggles happening inside her home. With compassion and courage, Rebecca helps her find the strength to tell someone
who can help.
Soon, caring adults and community helpers step in, showing that speaking up can bring safety, healing, and hope — not only for Addie,
but for Lily too.
The Courage to Tell is a tender and powerful story about friendship, bravery, and the helpers who step forward when children
need them most.
Because sometimes the smallest voice can make the biggest difference.
And sometimes the bravest thing a child can do… is tell their story.
Double Play
“Double Play”
A Story of Meaning, Moments, and Earth Angels
Double Play, featured in
Chicken Soup for the Soul: Miracles, Angels, and Messages from Heaven is a deeply personal story about a moment that felt too
meaningful to be a coincidence.
It captures the kind of experience that makes you pause—when timing, connection, and circumstance come together in a way that feels guided. At its heart, the story reflects the idea of “earth angels”—those people or moments that appear in our lives at just the right time, offering comfort, clarity, or direction when we need it most.
Rooted in the values I was raised with, this story also honors the importance of paying attention to life’s quieter moments—the ones that may seem small, but carry profound meaning.
Double Play invites readers to reflect on their own lives and consider the moments that have shaped them, reminding us that we are often supported in ways we may not fully understand—but can deeply feel. This story is in honor of my grandmother.
Who am I?
I am a dedicated advocate for Connecticut’s children and families, committed to ensuring every child has the opportunity to grow up in a healthy, loving environment. I believe in reducing stigma around support, promoting permanency, and strengthening families whenever possible. I am a daughter, a wife, a mother, and a friend who loves deeply and genuinely, an animal advocate, and an educator. At my core, I am a philanthropist driven by compassion and purpose with a love for writing.
Biography
Jacqueline Ford resides in Connecticut with her husband, John, in a home filled with beloved pets. Raised by her mother and grandparents, she carries forward values of love, resilience, and care that shaped her life. She and John have two daughters: Alexandra, a Doctor of Nursing Practice and primary care provider whose career began in pediatric oncology, and Rebecca, a college student pursuing a law degree who is well known in her community for pet sitting.
With a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Quinnipiac University and a master’s degree in social work from Southern Connecticut State University, Jacqueline has devoted over three decades to the Department of Children and Families. Her work is grounded in dignity, prevention, and human connection. She also serves as an adjunct professor, mentoring future professionals in the human services field.
Most recently, Jacqueline was published in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Miracles, Angels, and Messages from Heaven and selected to share her story on their podcast. She is the recipient of multiple national awards, including the 2026 Ujima Award from the National Adoption Association, the 2024 Nexstar Remarkable Woman Award, and the Children’s Bureau Community Hero Award.
Through her writing, Jacqueline hopes to inspire children to find their voice, remind them they are never alone, and show that even the smallest act of courage can lead to safety, healing, and hope—for both children and animals.
This is a personal project of Jacqueline Ford. It is not affiliated with the
Department of Children and Families, State of CT.
Why My Family Matters.
Family is the foundation of everything I believe in. It is where love is practiced, resilience is built, and values are passed from one generation to the next. As a daughter, a wife, a mother, and a friend, my family grounds me and gives purpose to the work I do each day. They remind me why creating safe, healthy, and loving environments for children and families is not just a profession—it is a calling.
Motherhood and Raising Daughters.
Being a mother to my daughters is one of the greatest honors of my life. Raising strong, compassionate young women has deepened my understanding of love, responsibility, and the importance of guiding with both strength and gentleness. I want my girls to know their worth, to use their voices, and to lead with kindness. Motherhood has shaped who I am and continues to inspire the way I show up for others.
Honoring My Mother and Generations of Strength.
I am who I am because of the women who raised me. My mother and grandmother instilled in me the values of love, resilience, and compassion—lessons that continue to guide me today. As I raise my own daughters, I see the beauty of generations connected, each one building upon the strength of the last. Honoring where I come from reminds me of the responsibility and privilege of shaping what comes next.
