From Recipient to Ambassador: Tiffany Jacobsen's Journey Comes Full Circle
We are thrilled to announce that Tiffany Jacobsen has officially become an ambassador for The Greenaway Foundation. This appointment marks an extraordinary full-circle moment in the foundation’s history, as Tiffany was the very first recipient of a Greenaway Foundation Christmas delivery.
Her journey from a vulnerable 15-year-old facing an uncertain future to a successful advocate for children with trauma is a testament to the transformative power of compassion and community support. Tiffany’s story isn’t just one of personal triumph, it is living proof of the foundation’s mission and the ripple effect that one act of kindness can create.
Where It All Began
Fourteen years ago, on a cold Christmas Eve, teenager Tiffany Jacobsen opened her door to find Darren Greenaway standing there with a large box containing everything needed to prepare a lavish two-course Christmas dinner, along with a bottle of Davidoff Cool Water perfume. For Tiffany, it was life-changing.
Life at home had been far from easy, her mother struggled with addiction and abusive relationships, leaving Tiffany and her brother to fend for themselves. Living below the poverty line meant that basic necessities were often scarce, and a full Christmas dinner seemed like an impossible luxury.
When her school counsellor mentioned her situation to Darren in a chance conversation, he knew he had to do something. Tiffany became the catalyst for what would grow into The Greenaway Foundation.
Initially surprised and even sceptical about the offer, having been let down by services throughout her childhood, Tiffany found it difficult to trust generosity from a stranger. But when Darren arrived that Christmas Eve, she was overwhelmed with emotion and gratitude. More than the physical gifts, this experience represented something far more valuable: hope, validation, and the feeling of being truly seen.
That single delivery became a turning point. Although Tiffany still had many challenges ahead, she felt hopeful about the future in a way she never had before, a moment that changed the trajectory of her life forever.
A Journey Of Transformation
Today, at 29 years old, Tiffany stands as a shining example of resilience and determination. She now works for a charity herself, dedicating her career to supporting children with severe and complex early life trauma. It is a role that draws directly from her own experiences, she understands the challenges these children face because she’s lived them.
Tiffany has pursued extensive education in her field, completing a practitioners diploma in child and adolescent psychotherapy, with plans to pursue a master’s degree. But her mission goes beyond professional credentials. Her ultimate goal is profoundly personal: to support and guide young people in knowing that they are more than the hand of cards dealt to them, to help them see their worth and capability, and to motivate them to achieve something better for themselves.
In essence, Tiffany is offering the same support, guidance, and hope that The Greenaway Foundation gave her all those years ago.
The Ambassador Role
Tiffany’s appointment as an ambassador represents more than just a title, it’s a homecoming and a powerful statement about the foundation’s lasting impact. As someone who experienced firsthand the difference the foundation can make, Tiffany brings an authenticity and passion to the role that few others could match.
As an ambassador, Tiffany will play a crucial role in raising awareness about the foundation’s work throughout East & West Sussex, Surrey & Kent. Her story serves as powerful testament to why this work matters, she is living proof that the foundation’s support doesn’t just provide a meal or a gift, but can genuinely change the trajectory of a young person’s life.
Her unique perspective allows her to connect with families currently in situations similar to where she once was. She understands the shame, the pride, the scepticism, and the overwhelming gratitude that comes with receiving help when you need it most. Her role will involve sharing her story at events, inspiring donors and volunteers, and ensuring the foundation continues to reach families who might otherwise fall through the cracks of formal aid systems.
The Foundation Today
Since that first delivery to Tiffany, The Greenaway Foundation has grown exponentially. The foundation has provided Christmas dinners to over 7,000 families and delivered festive gifts to more than 12,000 children. Last year alone, they supported over 1,000 families and fulfilled 2,200 Christmas wishes.
Founded by Darren Greenaway, the foundation’s mission extends far beyond the Christmas season, providing year-round support to financially challenged families with assistance for food, clothing, school supplies, and transportation. Working closely with local schools, social services, and other charities, they identify families who miss out on formal aid.
Coming Full Circle
Tiffany’s journey from vulnerable teenager to accomplished ambassador represents everything The Greenaway Foundation stands for. Her story is a powerful reminder that one act of kindness, offered at the right moment, can create ripples that extend far beyond what we can imagine.
Today, as an ambassador, Tiffany closes the circle. She stands as living testament to the foundation’s impact and its belief that every person, regardless of their circumstances, deserves hope, dignity, and support. Her presence reminds us that the families the foundation helps today could be tomorrow’s ambassadors, teachers, therapists, and community leaders.
As Tiffany Jacobsen herself said: “I am eternally grateful to you, for your dedication and commitment to the hundreds you help each year and I look forward to continuing to support your efforts in years to come.”
Welcome, Ambassador Tiffany Jacobsen. Your journey is just beginning.
About The Greenaway Foundation
The Greenaway Foundation is a UK registered charity and is the charitable side of Greenaway Residential Estate Agents which donates over 10% of all profits to the charity.
