Our Story
In 2020, as the world confronted a global pandemic and widespread calls for justice, Orlando’s streets became a place of protest and hope. At the center of this movement stood Jennifer Hilaire, whose leadership on the frontlines embodied resilience and a deep commitment to community.
Amid the turmoil, a lasting symbol of this spirit was born: the Unity Mural at 814 W. Church Street, featuring Jennifer Desir Hilaire herself. Painted during a time of challenge and change, the mural represents unity, strength, and the unwavering dedication to uplift those around us.
Jennifer’s journey from leading protests to founding The Desire Foundation Inc. reflects this ethos: empowering communities, one step at a time.
From this powerful beginning, Jennifer’s vision grew into a movement rooted in compassion and action.
The Desire Foundation officially took root with the inaugural “Thanksgiving with a Friend” event in Parramore—an underserved neighborhood deeply affected by economic and social challenges. Hosted on Interstruct’s lot, this event fed over 300 neighbors and became the first of many initiatives aimed at creating hope and opportunity.
Our Mission in Parramore
The work began in Parramore, one of Orlando’s oldest and most historically Black neighborhoods. For decades, systemic disinvestment, gentrification, and lack of access to services have shaped daily life here.
Parramore is classified as a food desert—a community where residents struggle to find affordable, healthy food within a reasonable distance. Many families lack access to full-service grocery stores, relying instead on fast food or corner stores with limited options. This lack of nutrition access is linked to higher rates of chronic illness, stress, and economic instability.
But the story of Parramore isn’t just about challenges—it’s about resilience. It's a neighborhood rich in history, culture, and people who care deeply for their community.
And it’s here, in the heart of this overlooked neighborhood, that The Desire Foundation took root.
WHERE IT ALL STARTED
‘The Legacy Behind “Desire”
Desir is my middle name — a name gifted to me by my mother, and one that holds tremendous personal and ancestral meaning. While most of the men in my family carry Desir as their last name, I am the only one with it as a middle name. I’ve always felt like it was placed on me with intention — as both a birthright and a responsibility.
The name connects me to my grandmother, a remarkable woman who lived in Lascahobas, Haiti, where she worked the land as a farmer and used her harvest to feed not just her family, but thousands in her community. In a place where resources were few, she gave abundantly. She didn’t wait for recognition or reward — she simply showed up, with her hands, her heart, and her faith.
Her story was never written in history books, but it lives on in me. Her love for her people, her resilience in the face of hardship, and her quiet leadership inspire everything I do.
Carrying the name Desir keeps her memory alive — not just in word, but in action. Every pantry we stock, every neighbor we serve, every initiative we build through The Desire Foundation is a continuation of her legacy.
She taught me that true impact starts at home, and that it’s not about how much we have — it’s about how much we’re willing to give. Through this work, I honor her strength, her service, and the roots of my family. And I hope that, in turn, this legacy empowers generations to come.