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A Journey of Transformation: Desiree Cook’s Mission of Hope

Tell us a little about yourself:
My name is Desiree Cook, Founder and CEO of a 501c nonprofit called I Am You 360. I started I Am You 360 in my living room 10 years ago due to my lived experiences, including my traumas of seeing my father die at the age of 17. I was an only child and had a great relationship with my father.

I came from a 2-parent home upper middle class on the East Coast and graduated high school in 3 years at the age of 16. Traveled the world. My life was on track to success. When my father passed, it immediately put me in low self-esteem, and poor decision-making, became a teen mom of 2 children by the age of 19. Started selling drugs, then doing drugs (heroin, crack cocaine) which led to 2 of my daughters being raised by my mother, and 4 of my children being placed in foster care. A mother of 6 and a mother to none. In and out of jail and from time to time unhoused as well. Survivor of domestic abuse. 

I moved to Arizona in 1999 to get back together with my mom. I did well for a while, then relapsed which led me to prison for 3 years. Upon my release, I got married and immediately started getting my children back. We now had a second chance and successfully raised my children right here in Tucson. Happy to share that this mother of 7 has created a healthy and healed relationship with them. I realized that my family is not the only family that suffered from trauma–that needed a boost, advocacy, awareness, and education around the daily experiences of children in foster care or being unhoused.

How did you first get involved with United Way of Tucson, and what drew you to partner with us?
I was drawn to United Way for the amazing work being done and respected the long reach they have in our community for direct and long-term impact for so many. I realized that like-mindedness was refreshing to change lives, and wanted I Am You 360 to be a part of creating a better community through volunteerism, educational programs, and services. I personally love what United Way stands for, and honored to collaborate whenever the opportunity arises.

What was your favorite part of this year’s Days of Caring?
My favorite part of Days of Caring is what it stands for–bringing the community united as one for the common good of our community. It’s so refreshing to witness the community coming together ready to roll up their sleeves with smiles, good energy, and willing hearts to come together for one common good a better community. We all win.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I Am You 360’s mission statement: Plant seeds of hope and watch our youth grow and become fruitful. How powerful through Days of Caring, we started our first community garden, planting seeds of hope. This allows us to fill the gap of food insecurities and provides a long-term impact. The Yelp team was amazing and was able to create working relationships for the betterment of Tucson. Everyone left feeling empowered and with a deep sense of satisfaction giving back to our community.