General Mills created Feeding Dreams to celebrate everyday people who positively impact their communities. But considering what she’s accomplished, Kerri Pruitt, is a far cry from everyday.

After Pruitt’s brother-in-law, Dannon, was killed by a newly released prisoner, she was compelled to create a re-entry program for convicted criminals. The Dannon Project helps these ex-offenders assimilate into their communities. It’s because of Kerri Pruitt’s belief in second chances and her drive to make a difference that she was voted last year’s Feeding Dreams’ Community Champion for Birmingham.

According to Pruitt, she says she always knew the Dannon Project would make a difference but she had no idea how big it would become and she credits General Mills with the fact that the program is expanding. “Feeding Dreams literally opened doors for me across the nation,” she explains. “I’ve been contacted by cities that want to replicate the program.” And it’s even opened doors closer to home. “Before, our city wasn’t recognizing the work we were doing. Now they’re talking about expanding the program into the Birmingham jail. I’m so hopeful that program will make an impact.”

When you hear her describe her work, it’s hard not to be inspired. “We had a participant who was very discouraging. He was very negative and not very pleasant to work with. Before he went to prison, he had never used a computer, he didn’t know what a cell phone was. He had spent 28 years in prison before he came to our program. We gave him computer training and helped him find a job. Now he’s 50 years old and holds a supervisory position and he’s hiring some of our program participants. It’s seeing someone not just accomplish their dreams, but exceed them.”

In a time when most of what we see on the news is negative, she has nothing but the highest praise for Feeding Dreams and what the program celebrates. “What I really like about Feeding Dreams is that it exposes the good in communities. It’s so rare when you hear about something good that’s happening.” She adds, “I applaud General Mills and Feeding Dreams for what they’re doing. It takes courage and a very dedicated staff.”

While most of us may not have the same kind of drive that Kerri Pruitt does, she has some advice for those who might think they’re too busy to make a difference. “If you are serious about a cause, you will find the time. No one wants to look at what they did with their life and say, ‘I wish I could’ve done this. I wish I would’ve helped more.’”

To get more of Kerri Pruitt’s inspiring story, visit the Birmingham Community Champion Hall of Fame at feedingdreams.com. To learn more about the Dannon Project, visit www.dannonproject.org.