"Life leads you in directions you never expect." – CEO Jillian Crane
In the wake of 9/11, more than 800 children lost a first responder parent. From that unimaginable loss came a mission of hope – the First Responders Children’s Foundation. What began as executive Al Kahn’s simple idea—to give those first responder families a Thanksgiving together—has grown into a national movement of compassion, education, and unity.
In this episode, we sit down with Jillian Crane, CEO of the First Responders Children’s Foundation, to hear how she and others grew a grassroots response into a powerful network supporting the sons and daughters of America’s heroes. With nearly $1 million in scholarships, thousands of hours of free mental health counseling, and programs reaching families across the country, the Foundation is a lifeline for children who have lost first responder parents or faced financial hardship.
An actress and creative professional, Jillian never imagined leading a national nonprofit—but when opportunity called, she said yes, learned on the job, and built an organization that now partners with names like Louis Vuitton, Motorola, CSX, and JPMorgan Chase.
Jillian reminds us that life can lead us in directions we never expected—and that purpose often rises from tragedy. This conversation is about healing, legacy, and the power of showing up for those who show up for all of us. To donate, volunteer, or learn more, visit https://1strcf.org/.
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