Putalamus White, Founder and CEO of the Jackson Resource Center, is a dynamic force whose life’s work blends creativity, leadership, faith, and an unwavering commitment to community service. A native of Jackson, Mississippi, Putalamus is a gifted graphic artist, seasoned business developer, and passionate advocate for the homeless—roles she has embodied with excellence for decades.
A 1992 graduate of Provine High School, Putalamus demonstrated leadership early on. While still a student, she founded Reality: 1 on 1, a peer-to-peer mentoring program designed to empower and guide youth. Her drive extended beyond the classroom as she attended the Career Development Center during her sophomore and junior years, earning a Certificate of Completion equivalent at the time to an Associate Degree in Business Administration and Accounting.
At just sixteen years old, Putalamus began working part-time at Sonic Drive-In. Her work ethic and leadership skills quickly set her apart, leading to a promotion to Assistant Manager before her first year ended—while she was still in high school maintaining a B+ average. Her responsibilities included payroll, scheduling, inventory management, employee training, and assisting with new store openings, laying a strong foundation for her future in business leadership.
After graduation, Putalamus relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, where she continued her career with Sonic as a trainer before returning to Mississippi in 1993. In January 1994, she welcomed her first daughter, Destini. Shortly thereafter, she re-entered the workforce, securing a position with Blue Cross Blue Shield: Advance Health Systems. As a Department Assistant, she managed accounts payable and receivable, invoicing, supply procurement, and client support for computer equipment and upgrades. Health challenges eventually led her to step away, but not before gaining invaluable corporate experience.
In February 1998, Putalamus accepted the role of Office Manager for the Mississippi Department of Transportation’s State Aid Road Construction Division. There, she transformed a disorganized file system into a highly efficient operation, saving the state thousands of dollars. Her duties expanded to departmental accounting, bookkeeping, equipment maintenance, mail operations, and overseeing file clerks—further cementing her reputation as a problem-solver and organizational leader.
Her heart, however, was always rooted in service. The Reality: 1 on 1 program evolved into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2000, where Putalamus served as Drug and Violence-Free Youth Director. While still employed by the state, she successfully led fundraising efforts, secured grants, developed youth programs, and fostered collaborations between schools and businesses. Following the birth of her second daughter, Faith, Putalamus made the life-changing decision to leave state employment and fully pursue her calling.
Transforming a creative hobby into entrepreneurship, she launched Hiz Creativeness—later rebranded as Vizionz Unlimited. The company grew into a full-service creative agency offering graphic and web design, marketing, advertising, promotional products, audio and video production, and podcasting services. Her expertise has supported ministries, entrepreneurs, artists, and organizations seeking to bring their visions to life.
Equally powerful is her spiritual leadership. Putalamus is the founder and pastor of The Healing Place, a true “church without walls” that served the community for eight years in Poindexter Park. Through partnerships with local churches and organizations, she helped raise awareness and resources for Jackson’s homeless population. During the COVID-19 pandemic, this mission evolved into the Jackson Resource Center (JRC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has since made history.
Recognized by the City of Jackson with a Resolution for Exemplary Work with the Homeless Population in 2017, and honored in 2019 by Families First for Mississippi for Outstanding Community Service, Putalamus continues to lead transformative change. In February 2022, JRC opened Jackson’s first Permanent Supportive Housing Campus, providing dorm-style housing for 30 chronically homeless individuals. The organization also launched Mississippi’s first Maternity Home—a seven-bedroom residence supporting pregnant mothers ages 16 to 22. Currently, Putalamus is spearheading the development of an 18-acre, all-inclusive campus offering housing, medical care, and comprehensive support services.
Beyond her professional and ministry work, Putalamus finds joy in mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners. She is a proud mother of two daughters, Destini and Faith, and a loving grandmother to her grandsons, Jordan DeVon and DeMari MaKai.
Putalamus White’s story is one of resilience, vision, and faith in action—a living testament to what is possible when purpose meets perseverance.
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