Why I Started Compassion by Design
A Calling Born from Pain and Purpose
The idea for Compassion by Design didn’t begin in a boardroom or on a whiteboard. It was born through prayer, tears, and the raw, real moments of walking beside my father during the most difficult time of his life. Over a year ago, my father underwent spinal surgery. Not long after, he contracted fungal meningitis. What followed was a painful journey through hospitals, nursing homes, and rehab centers. I was there every step of the way—advocating, comforting, and witnessing the challenges of a healthcare system that often overlooks the most vulnerable.
A Personal Journey, A Greater Purpose
As caregivers, my family felt the weight of it all—the sleepless nights, the confusion, the sense of desperately holding on to faith. And yet, in the midst of that darkness, I felt God calling me to do something more. It was during long nights filled with tears, prayer and quiet reflection that the vision for Compassion by Design came into focus.
“And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.” – Habakkuk 2:2
Honoring My Father, Bishop Lewis A. Jennings
Caring for my father during his illness deepened my understanding of who he truly was. Bishop Lewis A. Jennings wasn’t just my father—he was my teacher, my hero, and one of the greatest inspirations of my life. Let me tell you a little about him.
Bishop Jennings lived a life of extraordinary faith, courage, and impact. Born in Washington, D.C., the second son of Overseer Lewis Jennings Sr. and Claudia Jennings, he showed a remarkable spirit from a young age. A gifted athlete, he became a High School Prep All-American and earned scholarships to over 39 colleges, choosing the University of California at Fullerton to pursue his education and athletic dreams. Yet even while excelling on the field, his heart remained firmly anchored in his faith.
At the age of 14, he was baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, and by 18, he had received the Holy Ghost. His call to ministry became undeniable during his college years, and he never looked back. He answered God's call with full commitment, attending the United Pentecostal Bible School in Stockton, California, and later faithfully serving under Bishop Douglas E. Williams for 17 years. His leadership, wisdom, and heart for people would lead him to found The Christ Foundation Church of Faith and Deliverance, and later to be consecrated Bishop of the United Fellowship of Churches in Christ.
But what I saw up close during those tender caregiving moments wasn’t just the resume of a great man — it was his character that left the deepest mark on my heart.
I witnessed how he lived boldly and intentionally, never shrinking back from the goals God placed before him. Even in the middle of pain, his mind constantly returned to what would honor God and care for his family. I noticed the way he continued to encourage others, to lead, and to protect those he loved — even when he had every reason to focus inward. He lived his faith every moment, not just in the pulpit, but in the quiet sacrifices and fierce love he gave his family.
Through his illness, I learned lessons that no biography could ever teach me — lessons of strength, humility, resilience, and deep abiding faith. He lived huge, not just in what he achieved, but in how he inspired others to believe that with faith, all things are possible.
Bishop Jennings was a retired U.S. Army veteran with 25 years of service, a champion on the athletic field, a spiritual leader who touched churches across states, and a builder of people wherever he went. He had the courage of an apostle, the faith of a prophet, the spirit of an evangelist, the care of a pastor, and the patience and wisdom of a great teacher. He often said, “If you have the faith, God has the power.” And he lived those words until his very last breath.
Through Compassion by Design, I am carrying forward the torch he lit—a legacy rooted in compassion, faith, excellence, and an unwavering commitment to service. Every step I take in this mission is inspired by the life he lived and the love he showed.
His story is not over. It continues, through every life touched by this work.
What We’re Building
Though we’re still in the process of securing our 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, the work has already begun. Compassion by Design is more than an organization—it’s a mission grounded in faith, compassion, and action.
Here’s what we’re doing:
✅ Creating Interactive Toolkits
For family caregivers and professionals who need guidance, resources, and encouragement.
✅ Launching the Golden Years Summit
A gathering place for caregivers, elder care professionals, and advocates to learn, share, and support one another.
✅ Offering Empathy-Driven Training
Workshops and programs designed for nursing homes, hospitals, and care teams—focused not just on skills, but on humanity.
Why It Matters
This isn’t just professional—it’s deeply personal. Every initiative we take is a response to a calling. We believe:
Every elder deserves to be treated with dignity.
Every caregiver deserves to be supported.
Every healthcare worker deserves tools and training infused with compassion.
Our mission is to restore humanity to elder care and to create a community where no one walks the caregiving journey alone.
Join Us
If you’ve ever:
Been a caregiver for a loved one,
Worked in a hospital, nursing home, or rehab center,
Or simply felt called to help others—
We invite you to be a part of this mission.
Sign up for updates
Attend our upcoming events
Pray with us, partner with us, or share your story
Caring for others is more than a task—it’s a calling. Through Compassion by Design, I’m answering that call, just as my father did, with faith, courage, and compassion. I invite you to walk with me.
Together, we can build a world where compassion drives every step, ensuring no one—whether a caregiver, senior, or healthcare professional—ever walks this journey alone.