The Courage to Tell is Jacqueline Ford’s personal mission—dedicated to empowering children to find their voice, protecting animals from harm, and educating communities about the critical link between animal cruelty and human violence.

Through gentle, age-appropriate storytelling, Jacqueline’s work helps children understand that they are not alone and that it is safe to tell when something isn’t right. At the same time, she brings awareness to the well-documented connection between harm to animals and harm to people—an often overlooked warning sign in families experiencing stress, trauma, or crisis.

By creating a shared language for children, parents, educators, social workers, and animal advocates, Jacqueline equips communities to recognize concerns and respond with compassion rather than judgment. Her mission is grounded in the belief that early, supportive intervention can change outcomes for both children and animals.

At its core, Jacqueline’s work seeks to reduce stigma around asking for help, encourage early intervention, highlight the role of trusted community helpers, protect vulnerable children and animals, and support families in healing and rebuilding together—whenever it is safe and possible.

By bridging the worlds of child welfare and animal welfare, Jacqueline’s mission promotes a holistic and compassionate approach—one where voices are heard, suffering is recognized early, and families are supported on a path toward safety, stability, and hope.

This is a personal project of

Jacqueline Ford. It is not affiliated with the

Department of Children and Families, State of CT.

A Commitment to Craft and Community