The Annie Cares Fund

When Annie Jo Spears passed away in 2023, at the age of 84, her daughter, Tressa Spears Jackson, knew she wanted her mother’s warm and generous spirit honored. Tressa wanted to accomplish this goal through philanthropy, a decision based on her experience as an active volunteer in her community and as a vice president at Community Health Network of Connecticut. Spears Jackson was also past advisory member of the Community Fund for Women & Girls and a founding member of the Vineyard Project in New Haven. 

In tribute of her mother, Tressa started the Annie Cares Fund, a Donor Advised Fund, at The Community Foundation.

Annie Jo Spears, originally from South Carolina, moved to New Haven in 1959. She worked most of her life at the Jewish Home for the Aged where she took great care and pride in her work and was affectionately known as “Ma.”  Tressa describes her mother as someone who was always looking out for others -- a disabled sister, members of her church, friends and relatives who needed a temporary place to live. She was known as “mother of the church” at New Freedom Missionary Baptist Church where she was an active member for over 30 years. 

When she moved to an apartment complex for seniors, Annie Jo continued to help others in her new community.  She arranged doctor appointments for friends and even recruiting Tressa to drive her and other residents to the polls every election day. 

“Visiting my mom, I could see firsthand the difficulty many of these seniors face making ends meet and meeting health care challenges,” said Tressa.  “I’d like the Annie Cares Fund to help provide resources for African American seniors trying to live independently.” 

While Tressa and her son, Isaiah, miss Annie Jo every day, her name and good works will live on through the Annie Cares Fund.