I AM A
I walk
, A LADY OF
I AM
proudTO BE ME!
I AM
AND I KNOW
standards I SET HIGH
I AM A lady ...
WIT MAG
DEC 2020
Table of Contents Latest Walk In It news, and updates.
IN THIS ISSUE 5
FOUNDER’S LETTER
6
HOW WALK IN IT PIVOTED
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GIVE LOCAL SETS A RECORD
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SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED
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WALK IN IT 10TH ANNUAL WOMEN’S CONFERENCE
Thank you for your continued support.
Walk In It is still stepping! On behalf of Walk In It Inc., we sincerely thank you for continued support! We want you to know that we are still working to positively impact the lives of many. Please review a few updates and highlights from the year, our response to the current climate, and how you can help.
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EMPOWERING BOOK
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2021 UPCOMING EVENTS
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KEEP IT MOVING
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WIT MAG
DEC 2020
A MESSAGE FROM
WINTER ISSUE
I AM BEYOND GRATEFUL! AS WE REFLECT WITH GRATITUDE, LET’S LOOK FORWARD WITH EXPECTANT HOPE.
OUR FOUNDER
2020 has been a unique year to put it lightly. "The Year of Change and Adjustments,” “The Year that Changed It All”, “ The Year of the Shift…" You may have your own title to summarize these unprecedented months. It is evident that this year has been marked with uncertainty and changes. We each had to learn to “move with the shift.” We had to reimagine school, work, birthdays, celebrations, and even the holidays. Many expressed “Zoom fatigue” and the desire to physically gather with others. Masks and hand sanitizer became staples in everyone’s wardrobe. It has been an interesting time that we all weathered. When things became really challenging, we reached out to friends and trusted confidants to share how we were feeling. Some days were easier than others, but we continued to press. Amid some tragedy, there were also triumphs. Several noted more family time, a reassessment of what is truly important in life, and giving of thanks that lasted well beyond a day in November. We learned much! While we don’t know when things will return to normal, may we maximize each current moment, focus on what really matters, show love, and help others. While what normal looks like may vary, may our drive and passion continue! I am also particularly thankful to each of our donors, volunteers, staff, Board of Directors, and participants who supported us during this year. Your consistency and commitment have demonstrated the power that allows Walk In It to survive and thrive. To each amazing Site Coordinator, who helped participants grab a hold to the new year, when you were adjusting yourselves, I am beyond grateful! As we reflect with gratitude, let’s look forward with expectant hope. Let us joyfully form new norms and hold to non-negotiable beliefs and practices. We are committed to walking in purpose, igniting passion in those we serve, and reminding all of the power we possess to positively impact our individual spheres of influence. Continue to be well and live in purpose!
WALKING IN PURPOSE,
Dr. Jennell Riddick WALK IN IT INC. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 04
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DID
Pivot?
FEBRUARY WAS A BUSY MONTH! Walk In It’s Raising Excellent Daughters Program hosted Mother/Daughter Paint Day, which was a huge success! Girls laughed, bonded, and got creative with parents and guardians. “I am so glad you all had this event that encouraged me to pause and spend some meaningful time with my daughter,” an elementary school parent noted with tears in her eyes.
GIVE LOCAL 757
GIVELIFLY PAYPAL.ME/WALKINITINC
Y O U ' R E L I V E S
H E L P I N G O F
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MAIL CHECKS TO:
PO Box 1447 Suffolk VA 23434
M O N T H L Y
THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT! Give Local 757 was a tremendous success this year! We set a new record! That's right this year we raised $15,475. This was possible through incredible new and returning donors, as well as generous matching gifts! Shut-downs did not shut down the hearts of our supporters, nor our commitment to those we serve! FROM OUR FOUNDER
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WAYS TO GIVE:
WALKINIT.COM WITLOD.ORG
D R . J E N N E L L
Walk In It participates in Give Local 757 each year. Over 200 nonprofits throughout Hampton Roads will take part in this day of raising funds. Various incentive prizes will be awarded during this event, donors give towards Walk In It receive additional prizes. Visit givelocal757.org to give. If you have seen the Give Local Commercial on Channel 13 News, you will see that Walk In It is highlighted front and center! IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT OUR TEAM AT ADMIN@WALKINIT.COM.
Scholarships
O
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ver the past several years Walk In It has awarded scholarships to deserving Ladies of Distinction, and this year was no different. Typically scholarships are awarded at the Annual Pink and Black Gala, however this event was not held due to the pandemic. We still wanted to applaud the academic successes of our participants.
THE LADIES OF DISTINCTION SCHOLARSHIP The Ladies of Distinction Scholarship is awarded to a Lady of Distinction who has been an active program participant for multiple years, and gone above and beyond to positively impact the community. Additional scholarships were awarded to Jordan Smith and Kiara Somerville (not pictured). Jordan is a graduate of Nansemond River High School and is attending James Madison University. Kiara is a graduate of Lakeland High and attending Virginia State University. Over $250,000 in scholarships were earned by graduating Ladies of Distinction. Keep walking in greatness ladies! 08
TO APPLY VISIT WALKINIT.COM CLICK ON "APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIP".
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THE SANDRA B. SMITH SCHOLARSHIP Sandra B. Smith was a committed supporter to Walk In It Inc. She supported events with her time, attendance, and resources. Her family continues to support the organization in her honor and we are incredibly grateful! The Sandra B. Smith Scholarship is awarded to an active Lady of Distinction who excels academically, and is a leader in their community.
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he Walk In It’s Women’s Conference was able to take place on a smaller scale right before the shutdown! The women who were able to attend had an unforgettable experience! Relationships were strengthened, purpose solidified, hope renewed, gifts uncovered, and much more! We celebrated a decade of empowering women! Awards were presented to outstanding women who have served their communities and the Walk In It Organization. With all the roles that women play, it essential to create time to refuel, be renewed, and connect with like-minded individuals. The 10th Annual Walk In It Women’s Conference was a timely event for those in attendance.
While none of us knew what the remainder of the year would hold, particularly as it related to the pandemic, the conference provided strength and hope that would be needed for the months ahead. Women from near and far came with hearts of anticipation. Participants from New York, to Richmond, and throughout the Tidewater, connected together sharing trials and triumphs. Generational participation was another unique component of the conference. Sisters, friends, colleagues, and mother/daughter/grandmother teams, were empowered together, demonstrating that we are never to young or old to grow and gain knowledge. Laughter filled the room at times, and “aha” moments lit up the conference center as well. Gratitude flowed and success strategies were offered.
WE ARE EAGERLY ANTICIPATING THE 2021 WOMEN'S CONFERENCE ON MARCH 20, 2021!
REGISTER AT WITWOMEN.COM
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DEC 2020
Exercising During COVID-19 Pandemic: You Have Options With gyms closed and more people than ever working from home due to the coronavirus pandemic, engaging in physical fitness activities can be challenging. But finding a way to adapt to these new conditions is vital to maintaining our health.
Why physical activity is important According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), getting enough physical activity could prevent 1 in 10 premature deaths, yet only half of adults get the physical activity they need to help reduce and prevent chronic diseases. Exercising could also prevent: 1 in 8 cases of breast cancer, 1 in 8 cases of colorectal cancer, 1 in 12 cases of diabetes, and 1 in 15 cases of heart disease.
How to maintain and improve fitness at home: Dedicate some time at least three days a week to focus on your physical fitness. Here are some ideas to help you stay active while sheltering in place.
YOGA Yoga can be done just about anywhere. All you need to get started is a mat, comfortable attire and a program to follow. Yoga mats and other equipment can be ordered for home delivery from multiple online outlets. You can find a wealth of tutorials on YouTube or in your app store, including: Beginner’s Guide to Home Yoga Practice from YogaInternational.com.
DEC 2020
Most of us don’t have an in-home gym, but you can still train at home using a few dumbbells or resistance bands purchased online. If you don’t want to spend the money, you can make your own weights using common household items. Get tips from the following: - The Best Home Dumbbell Workouts from Men’s Health Magazine - Strength Training at Home from Healthline.com - Cheap, Homemade Weights from Shape Magazine Body weight exercises.
Body Weight Exercises You don't need free weights or resistance bands to strength-train at home. You can use your own bodyweight to hit each muscle group for a full workout.
Walk/Jog Even while sheltering in place, you can get your cardio in by walking or jogging by yourself in your neighborhood.If you’re in a low-risk group for COVID-19 and not experiencing symptoms, walking or jogging outside follows the same guidelines as other types of social distancing. That means avoid crowds, keep at least six feet between you and anyone you encounter while outside, and don’t touch crosswalk buttons or posts with your hands. As always, consult your physician before starting any new exercise program. 15