My commitment to explore innovative new opportunities for new beginnings, resulting in self-sufficiency through economic development, education, multimedia and case management motivates me daily.My life began to paradigm shift by 1998--it seemed like my entire world began a downward spiral into a sea of unhealthy relationships, homelessness, poor choices and life changing consequences. My life experiences adorned me with sincere empathy, courage and love for humanity. These are my credentials. I am a student from the school of hard-knocks and continue to obtain knowledge as a motivator and instructor of "Life Management". I accept full responsibility for my poor choices and maintain a positive attitude regarding all the penalties I had to endure because of them. Not only do I encourage those I meet to do the same, I practice daily, what I preach--and YES! some days I fall short but I always keep moving forward.
How Can You Help?
To say "LIFE is Easy" is a fallacy. To "GIVE UP!" is EASY; and most people when faced with extreme oppositions and LACK a strategic plan of action and a strong circle of support --unfortunately become discouraged and stop trying.
Exploring Life to its fullest, handed me a melting pot of outcomes; some seemingly setbacks, yet, all contributing to my daily transformation and divine purpose. My exposure to social diversity, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy through the guidance of my parents and life experiences, witnessed how interdependency along with spirituality, creativity, compassion and vision, can transform so many lives. My days are often challenging. I remain humble to have taken on such a huge responsibility as an advocate for self-sufficiency. But "FAITH" is the fuel which ignites the "YES I CAN!" in me and although finances, time and physical ability try to justify shutting down--I refuse--because "GIVING UP!" --it is NOT an option. Each time I am blessed to prevail against opposition, to help one family with basic necessities, or provide safety to a woman and her children who is experiencing domestic violence. ""GIVING UP!" --it is NOT an option. Each time, I witness a woman or man-finally walk across that stage--graduating, with a college degree-having attempted year after year. "GIVING UP!" --it is NOT an option. Each time children are excited to go back to school because they now have the supplies needed to achieve academically and not be ashamed. And I witness families transition from a homeless shelter into a place they can now call "home" , or a head of a household who could not find a job or care for his or her or their family --transforming from a deprived statistic into a self-employed solution--adding to the economic stability of our community. "GIVING UP!" --it is NOT an option. And each time, a simple "Act of Kindness" provides joy and add one more day of hope to a senior who may feel alone and need some help but afraid to ask. "GIVING UP!" --it is NOT an option.
I cringe with the though of "what if" I had given up and never tried...
Today, I continue to give back through THE EIGHT, a 501(c) (3) Public Charity. Located in La, Quinta, CA. Ironically, my personal profile falls through the "crack" of most traditional assistance programs including education, rehabilitation, food and housing programs. THE EIGHT does not discriminate against my profile or other profiles because "we are all at risk" and is founded on the holistic approach to obtaining and retaining self-sufficiency.
I am a firm believer of harnessing resources and being accountable for each other and our community. Creating an alliance with other non-profits to form THE EIGHT Purposed Inspired Network (8PIN) offers a guiding coalition to assist with women in need. Additionally I developed F.E.N.D. S.T.R.8 and Families On the Frontline (FOTF) programs to assist in creating the "cement" to not only mend the "cracks", but to build on solid foundations in support of at-risk youth, individuals and families, who dare to make a difference in their lives and in the community in support of self-sufficiency. To date, we have helped thousands of individuals without funding but with pure love and humanity.
How I cope with the offerings of each day will continue to dictate my future and bring hope to women and at-risk individuals and empower them as we grow. Rooted with the philosophy "if you can SEE IT, IT can be done--just look in your hands..." an adage adopted from my father as a child, I am gifted to ignite a vision from just a whisper--my dossier is vast and yet, there are blank pages eager to be penned, a plethora of knowledge to attain and interdependent relationships to cultivate.
