When Jade A. Davis arrived at Alabama State University as a freshman, she, like many first-year students, was filled with excitement. However, that excitement was quickly overshadowed by a harsh reality.
Davis shared, “Mold ruined my items, over $2,000 worth. Everything from my clothes to my shoes to my pillows and sheets were ruined and covered in mold.”
Coming from Ohio, Davis struggled to recover from the loss.
“It was really difficult for me to get that back,” she said. “And to be honest, although it was two years ago, I am still working and struggling to get those items back. Some of the things I could get back, they were invaluable.”
These hardships drove Davis to take action.
“The creation of the Fresh Face Fund was inspired by my own challenges here at Alabama State University, starting my freshman year when I moved into my first dorm,” Davis explained. “Although I was so excited, I was mad with uncleanliness. And it was unfortunate. It was kind of saddening to me, because, of course, when you’re coming as a freshman, you’re very excited and ready to get moving. And my parents and I had to spend money on things that should have already been done, such as cleaning up dirt, grime and dust.”
As Davis progressed through her college years, she knew that something had to be done.
“I knew that there had to be a change made because there was a lack of attention and care from a lot of those I came in contact with who were supposed to help me at the university,” she said. “So, as a student, it was a challenge, and it was frustrating, but it inspired me and pushed me to do more and assist students with not just housing challenges but all of the difficulties that they may face. Whether that be housing, their remaining balance or they can’t afford a book, anything of that nature. With this fund, we can assist students and help them thrive at ASU.”
Thus, the Fresh Face Fund was born, a resource designed to support students at the university through their financial, housing and personal challenges.
Davis emphasized that the fund promotes student well-being and aims to reduce stress.
“One of the biggest pillars that we have for students is our student emergency fund,” Davis said. “When I got to ASU, I never knew of a student emergency fund. Even if it did exist, it wasn’t well known to me. So our goal is to ensure that students can thrive at ASU.”
The Fresh Face Fund addresses a variety of issues, particularly those related to housing, which can be especially distressing for students.
“Whether they have an issue in their room, and it’s not being compensated by the school, it could be anything from a leak to mold to insect infestations,” she said. “A lot of these instances have not been compensated by the university, and that is something that we’re here to help with.”
The fund’s impact does not stop there.
“We also help with clearing balances so students can continue on to the next semester or to graduate,” Davis added. “In fact, in the spring of 2024, the Fresh Face Fund made a significant impact by clearing 25 student balances.” Davis proudly recounts that achievement, calling it ‘amazing.’”
In addition to financial aid, the Fresh Face Fund focuses on creating positive experiences for students.
“We do something called our Student Thrive Initiative,” she said. “That’s everything from Durham Hall makeovers to surprise giveaways. We actually had two young men win $500 each to makeover their dorm in the spring of 2024.”
The fund also assisted two young women by providing dorm room essentials such as cleaning supplies and school materials.
“It was a surprise to them, which was really an honor for us to do,” Davis reflected.
The Fresh Face Fund is also committed to fostering personal and academic growth. Davis recalled an event from the previous year.
“We had the honor last year of throwing a ‘Girls Just Want to Have Funds’ conference slash panel,” she said. “That event was for freshman women to have a safe space at ASU and secure their personal currency. By personal currency, we mean not only physical money and funds but things that mentally they can carry with them and knowledge.”
The conference included a panel of women student leaders from various backgrounds who shared their experiences with the attendees. Every young woman who attended received a grant simply for participating. Davis saw this as a cornerstone of the fund’s mission.
“Just ensuring that they can have a good time, have a safe space and not only get money, which is great, but secure the bag mentally and with their knowledge as well,” Davis said.
To date, the Fresh Face Fund has provided over $17,000 in assistance to more than 200 students at the university over the past two years. Davis finds it rewarding to see the fund’s impact on the student body. Davis shared a particularly touching success story.
“A young lady who attended the ‘Girls Just Want to Have Funds’ conference last September of 2023 reached out after the event and said that the panel changed her entire outlook on the university,” she said. “She was from Ohio like me, and she was ready to pack up her things and leave, but the young ladies on the panel who were able to share their stories meant so much to her.” Davis also noted that, “She was able to use that money that she received to continue her journey at ASU. So, I would say that really just impacted me personally.”
For students seeking assistance, the process is simple. Davis encouraged them to reach out via email, Instagram or through the fund’s website.
“To inquire about the emergency fund, either reach out to our email, [email protected], they can go on our Instagram page, which is @freshface.ASU or they can go to our website bit.ly/freshfacefund,” Davis explained. She also highlighted the volunteer opportunities, scholarships and grants available through the fund.
As a graduating senior set to complete her degree in December 2024, Davis wants everyone to know that the Fresh Face Fund will continue long after she leaves the university.
Looking ahead, Davis shared the fund’s future plans.
“We’re going to give out some more money, that’s first off, and not just give out money, but knowledge,” she said. “And we’re going to provide students with fun, interactive events that they can attend. They can feel like it’s a safe space, and they can get something from it and not just items. I know we love tangible items, but I want to provide a true experience that they can carry with them while they’re at ASU and beyond.”
The Fresh Face Fund, with its wide array of opportunities and resources, is driven by Davis’s passion for creating a safe and thriving environment for students.
“We provide so many opportunities to students, whether it’s volunteering or giving them a safe space,” Davis said. “Which is so important to me because students need a safe space where they can thrive, where they feel like they can talk to somebody and relate to them.”
Despite facing challenges of her own, Davis remains dedicated to the students of the university.
“I like to stress that I’m a student too! I can relate to you,” she expressed. “A lot of admin or staff can be helpful, but they might not directly understand what you’re going through. And as someone who has faced her own challenges at ASU, I’ve had so many other things happen to me at ASU as well.”
For those interested in supporting the Fresh Face Fund, Davis outlines several ways to contribute.
“If you would like to donate, you can on our website,” she said. “There are so many different ways you can donate and it walks you through it on our website. You can come to Alabama State University, you can send in a check, or send in cash. We appreciate anything someone has to contribute, even if it’s not financial. If you can donate your time, any extra products that you have, we’re always looking for things.”
With her graduation looming, Davis is determined to ensure the fund’s lasting impact.
“We’re working really hard on our volunteer program. So please, if you’re a student and you are interested in volunteering, or a non-student interested, please check out our website and our Instagram page, because we have opportunities on there where you can sign up easily.”
As she prepares to leave the university, Jade A. Davis plans to leave behind a powerful legacy in the form of the Fresh Face Fund.