Every organization has a beginning. Ours began with an extraordinary woman whose life was defined by courage, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to serving others.

Born in Laurel, Mississippi, in 1946, Flo Creed-Jacobson later made the Boston area her home, graduating from Hyde Park High School before embarking on a remarkable journey of public service. While her career was rooted in law enforcement, Flo believed that true leadership meant never stopping the pursuit of knowledge. She earned her Juris Doctor not to become a practicing attorney, but to become a better police officer, one who understood the law deeply and could serve her community with greater fairness, compassion, and integrity.

Her dedication and perseverance led her to become a trailblazer within the Boston Police Department. In 1994, she was promoted to Deputy Superintendent and, in 1998, achieved the rank of Superintendent, becoming the highest-ranking African American woman in the history of the department at the time. Throughout her distinguished career, Flo was admired not only for her leadership but for her warmth, humility, and ability to mentor others. To many, she was more than a police officer, she was a trusted guide, an advocate, and a source of encouragement.

Beyond her career, Flo's greatest passion was people. She was deeply devoted to her family, her community, and to helping others recognize the strength within themselves. Whether mentoring young officers, supporting neighbors in Mattapan, or simply offering a listening ear, she believed every person deserved the opportunity to grow, succeed, and thrive.

When Flo passed away in 2005, her legacy of service did not end—it became the foundation for something greater.

In 2007, her husband, Alan "Jake" Jacobson, established the Flo Creed-Jacobson Initiative (FCJI) to honor her life and continue the work she cared about most: empowering people to overcome life's challenges with confidence, resilience, and hope.

Today, FCJI is a nonprofit organization based in Stoughton, Massachusetts, serving communities throughout the Greater Boston area and beyond. Guided by Flo's example, we provide mindfulness education and wellness programs that equip children, adults, educators, organizations, and individuals in rehabilitation settings with practical tools for emotional wellbeing and lifelong resilience.