About Us

The Jenna Druck Center was founded in 1996 by Dr. Ken Druck with the support of his family, friends and the community after his 21 year old daughter, Jenna, was tragically killed in a bus crash while studying abroad. Inspired by Jenna’s extraordinary spirit, special qualities of love and leadership, and to honor his daughter’s life, Ken developed the Center’s two programs, Families Helping Families (FHF) and Spirit of Leadership (SOL). Over the past fourteen years and with the help of dedicated staff, Board members, and volunteers, the Jenna Druck Center has made a profound impact on the lives of thousands of people. The JDC team is dedicated to working together with the community turning grief into hope and strength into leadership.

Jenna Druck (1975-1996)

Jenna Druck not only loved life – she embraced it with every fiber of her being, she was filled with boundless energy and enthusiasm. Jenna’s accomplishments demonstrate that passion: she was selected as San Diego’s Young Woman Entrepreneur when she was only nine, she spoke publicly before adult audiences at the age of 14, co-founded a leadership camp for high school students, was selected as a Presidents Leadership Institute Scholar, and served as President of her sorority, Pi Beta Phi, at the University of Colorado. 

Beyond those achievements, Jenna was a true friend, a loving sister, and an adored daughter. Her dedication was fierce, her potential was unlimited, her sense of social justice has inspired many. She also carried a deep wisdom in her young life, with great passion she practiced and encouraged others to live with strength of heart in a way that honored the truth that lives in each person.  

At age 21, Jenna Druck was killed in a tragic bus accident in India while studying abroad on the Semester-at-Sea program. Like many others, her life ended senselessly and suddenly.

Jenna Druck believed in living life to its fullest and brought her special quality of love and compassion to every life she touched. The JDC programs allow for her spirit to live on inspiring young women to find their strengths and passions and by supporting families who have lost a loved one find hope on their journey through grief in a supportive heart centered community. Jenna is fondly referred to as the organization’s CAO, Chief Angelic Officer!