With profound sadness, the Uplift Our Youth Foundation announces the passing of our board colleague and friend, Jason Blanks. We extend our deepest sympathy to his wife, children, family, and to all those who knew and loved him. Jason’s loss is deeply felt across our Foundation and throughout the Lansing community he served so faithfully.
Jason joined the Uplift Our Youth Foundation as a member of our Executive Committee, where he brought not only his leadership and experience, but a genuine belief in the potential of every young person. He was a consistent voice for equity, compassion, and opportunity. His service to the Foundation reflected who he was—steady, thoughtful, and deeply committed to helping others rise.
Jason’s dedication to community was also evident throughout his professional work. As Executive Director of the Capital Area Health Alliance, he provided strategic direction that strengthened partnerships across healthcare systems, government, education, and nonprofit organizations. His work centered on improving health outcomes and addressing the social factors—housing, access to care, safety, and community support—that shape the futures of children and families. Jason believed that when we care for the whole person, we strengthen the entire community.
On his professional profile, Jason described himself as someone who connects organizations to the resources they need to function and thrive. In practice, this meant he was a bridge-builder—someone who could bring leaders together, align them around a shared purpose, and ensure that meaningful change followed. At UOYF, he applied that same collaborative approach to helping us expand our reach and deepen our impact across Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties.
But beyond titles and roles, Jason was profoundly human. He was the person who asked how you were—and waited for the real answer. He led with warmth. He listened without ego. He encouraged others quietly and consistently. He believed in excellence, but also in grace.
To his family:
Please know that Jason’s work here will continue. His influence is woven into the spirit of our Foundation, into our mission, and into the thousands of young lives touched through our programs, grants, and partnerships. His love for community, his integrity, and his vision will remain guiding lights for us.
As we grieve, we also give thanks—for Jason’s leadership, his friendship, and the example he set of what it means to serve with purpose.
We honor him not only with our words, but with our ongoing commitment to the youth he cared so deeply about.
Rest well, Jason. Thank you for the lives you uplifted. Your legacy will continue through each young person whose hope and future you helped strengthen.
With gratitude and respect,
The Uplift Our Youth Foundation Board and Staff
