She Inspires Online Community Magazine #1

She Inspires "An Online Community Magazine"

Say it loud!

I'm black and I'm proud!

Savvy Sister-Scholar Building Black!

Women on the Move!

Fashion & Beauty BaRR

Social Issues: Mental Health and Money She Dope.

Lose 5 lbs. in 5 days Is Yonisteaming right for you?

CONTENTS 05

SHE BOLD! CELEBRATING WOMEN EVERYWHERE

07

BUILDING BLACK? CELEBRATE BLACK WEALTH

09 WOMEN'S HEALTH -MY V-STEAMING EXPERIENCE

11 HEALTH & WELLNESS, IT'S A VIBE!

SHE DOPE. MEET NECHOLE

FREE & FEARLESS; DEFINING INTIMATE

CELEBRATING WOMEN IN ROCHESTER, NEW YORK

13

PARTNER VIOLENCE

15

16

PG. 5

GAMING PG. 22 BLACK HISTORY & PERSONAL CARE

TRIBAL KNIGHTS

SAVVY SISTER-SCHOLAR

LIVESTREAMING

18

Tribal Knights, more than

RADIANT BODY & BEAUTY BAR

gaming! It's a brotherhood.

LIVING A ROYAL LIFE YOUR WAY!

19 D'ARTS - EMMANUEL NWANKWO,

21

22

24

ARTIST

TRIBAL KNIGHTS INC. "GAMING"

MENTAL HEALTH AND MONEY

THE PASSION PROJECT; RESTORATION

27

30

ROCHESTER

MEET ARTIST OF THE

KINKY KUSTOMZ HAIR &

MONTH

BEAUTY LOFT

BUSINESS SERVICE ADS

HTTPS://MSTINACUMMINGS.WIXSITE.COM/SHEINSPIRES

Editorial Letter.

Hello Soulshines!

Thank you for reading the "NEW" She Inspires Online Community Magazine dedicated to empowering girls, teens, and women. Our vision is to celebrate us one page at a time by bringing a spotlight to our talents, emerging businesses, community events\activities, social issues, health awareness, and sharing words of inspiration and support. As the owner, creator, and editor I am constantly networking with passionate, professional individuals who are eager to join SIOCM. Our content will focus on various topics that promote and\or affect African Americans. And will also provide opportunities for individuals to highlight, explore, and advertise the best of black; i.e business, brand, history, culture, fashion, beauty, art, building black and bettering communities. My mission is to show our society that we are a movement, by collaborating and closing the gap of outdated stereotypes.

Join the She Inspires family!

I am glad you’re here.

Tina Cummings Owner. Creator. Editor Email @ sheinspiresmagazine@gmail.com https://mstinacummings.wixsite.com/sheinspires

365.24.7.

Black is Beautiful.

SHE BOLD CELEBRATING WOMEN EVERYWHERE

SHE BOLD.

FEB /APRIL 2021

Kinky Kustomz Hair & Beauty Loft Nechole shares her "SHE BOLD" MOMENT

I founded Kinky Kustomz Hair & Beauty Loft in 2016, a hair salon specializing in locs and natural hair care. It was simple but not easy to step out on faith but that's what I did and so can you!

I remember watching a video of Steve Harvey saying "How would you know if you will fail unless you tried". As a single mother, I really needed a job and began working at

Sutherland Global

Services a telecommunications business located in Rochester New York. My "SHE BOLD" moment came one day when I was crying and upset at work devastated because I missed my son's sports game. Eventually, I quit because I was unable to attend his events, and being his number one supporter I hated missing those special moments. So, I made the life-changing decision to leave the normal 9-5 behind and do what was necessary; I put my hair license to use and opened my salon ( formerly known as Flotress Hair Studio). I wanted to be completely available to him not when someone gave me permission. My goal was to work my own schedule, I wanted to be free.

I started with only two clients and it has grown from there.

Despite the ups and downs, I wouldn't change anything. I believe that timing and perfecting your craft is everything! I have had the opportunity and blessing to build my clientele and craft.

If

you want to step out on faith and turn your talents into earnable income, take that chance! You never know where your consistency will take you. Kinky Kustomz Hair & Beauty Loft is a woman-owned and woman-created business located in Rochester New York.

We can be found on IG

at @kinkykustomz, @kinkyk_hairloft.

Visit our website! https://kinkykustomz.com/

Meet Nechole

https://mstinacummings.wixsite.com/sheinspires

THE BEAUTY BARR FEATURES KINKY KUSTOMZ LOC'D ESSENTIALS & KINKY K KOSMETICS

BUILDING BLACK. African-American businesses, also known as Blackowned businesses or Black businesses, originated in the days of slavery before 1865. . AA has owned and operated almost every kind of business. Insurance companies, banks, recording labels, funeral parlors, barbershops, beauty salons, restaurants, record and book stores, etc. ~Wikipedia

Building black is not a new concept and it's time to learn more about black communities, finances, wealth, and entrepreneurship.

Are you building black?

What does building black mean to you?

Are you a small business owner?

Would you like to advertise your business in She Inspires? Or share an article about BUILDING BLACK?

Contact: Tina Cummings Email @ sheinspiresmagazine@gmail.com

The successes of black communities' wealth-building are often anecdotal and isolated, little understood, and even less documented […].”– Dr. Jessica Gordon-Nembhard, Collective Courage A History of African American Cooperative Economic Thought and Practice

Words Tina L. Cummings Photography Svenler Styling Madi Ross

S H E I N S P I R E S

https://mstinacummings.wixsite.com/sheinspires

My Vaginal Steaming Experience; Yoni-Steaming Changed my Life!

Written by: Summer H.

Whether you call it a

Chai-Yok, V-Steam, Bajo, or Yonisteaming,

other women were feeling with v-steaming. Earlier this year, I

as a woman I wanted to experience this “ difference”

treated myself to a mini spa day, a much anticipated

“facial for my vagina”. This natural herb steaming is used as a remedy for cleansing the vagina,

uterus, and entire

reproductive tract. I waited for the perfect moment, no work, no kids, no interruptions. I wanted the full experience of a spa vaginal detoxification. The water-infused herbs contained rosemary, chamomile, mugwort, wormwood, and basil. It is said to regulate periods, increase fertility, cleanse the womb, and reduce fibroids, etc.

I grabbed my sterilized pot,

bottled water and brought it to a boil, added 1 or ½ cup of herbs, simmered for 10 minutes, minutes. The actual experience of the steaming was great!

and allowed it to cool for five

I was ready for a tighter, sweeter, cleaner wetter yoni!

Yoni steaming changed my life and I will never steam again!

A week after my “vaginal facial” I began to experience symptoms of a yeast infection. I automatically knew it was from the V-steaming and my overly- sensitive lady parts. It started with an irritating- tingle; the feeling only a woman who has experienced yeast infections knows. I immediately called my doctor, explained the symptoms, received the oral medication and I was back to normal within two weeks. It took approximately three to five days after no symptoms to experience them again, only more severe. The prescriptions now consisted of oral and vaginal inserts for two weeks. It is now repetitive. I changed my eating habits, water intake, and went completely overboard with my shower and personal care routine. I had been visiting my OB\GYN for seven months now.

I was more comfortable in my bed with nothing on,

below the waist due to the constant itching, swelling, redness, irritation, and burning to the point of placing an ice pack” down there”.

I was miserable and crying from the frustration. The chronicles of “vagina on fire” continued despite the

continuous OB\GYN visits. I was over being spread eagle, taking countless tests, and going through invasive and uncomfortable questions about my sex life. Finally a diagnosis. According to my OB/GYN and VeryWell Health, it was Lichen Simplex Chronicus,

an area of thickened, discolored, leathery-looking skin that develops after the skin has been

scratched over a long period of time. It's not a skin disease itself, but rather a result of other skin conditions that are itchy and, therefore, lead to repeated scratching (e.g., eczema and psoriasis). Even rubbing the skin can lead to lichen simplex chronicus. Lichen simplex chronicus is more common in adults and is fairly uncommon in children. It occurs more frequently in women than in men and is often seen between the ages of 30 and 50. I had never been in so much pain and discomfort in my life but, I was thankful for the long-awaited diagnosis and medication. After six weeks of oral medication and suppositories, there was permanent relief! Oh, the joy! of having a regular vagina again. I would have never thought that my v-steaming would have turned into such regret. II

wrote this article to bring awareness,

“everything does not work for every woman. For those who steamed and had a great experience, wonderful! But, please remember to take care of your bodies from head to toe. And if you’re experiencing issues do not hesitate to talk to your doctor.

Let’s have happy, healthy vaginas!

According to the Mayo Health Clinic System, there are many things that can upset your PH balance so let’s remember to use condoms to protect yourself from STD’s or STI diseases. Don’t miss your OB/GYN appointments. Wear cotton panties ( or go bare). Please don’t douche. Remember to wipe from front to back ( even after sex/ or shower promptly if possible.No scented soaps, the vagina cleanses itself. Do your kegel exercises, it’s not just for mommies.Eat right and exercise.

Take control of your health.

Health & Wellness, It's a Vibe!

Independent Business Owner, Total Life Changes

5 LBS. IN 5 DAYS? GET YOUR FREE SAMPLE ( Click to order)

Check out my website @ https://mstinacummings.wixsite.com/healthandwellnesstlc

I AM STRONG AS HELL NOW AND NO ONE WILL EVER, EVER HURT ME AGAIN. WOMAN SURVIVOR, TINA CUMMINGS JOIN OUR FACEBOOK SUPPORT GROUP@ FOR FREE AND FEARLESS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS & SUPPORT.

HELP STOP DOMESTI C VI OLENCE

DEFINING INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE Written by: Sarah Jones, MSW, Resolve_ROC

What is Intimate Partner Violence? IPV is a pattern of purposeful and coercive behaviors used by one

The National Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH) individual to maintain power and control over a person reports more than 12 million individuals in the United they are engaging in an intimate or dating relationship States are affected by intimate partner violence with. Behaviors include various forms of abusive, (IPV), at times seen interchangeably with domestic violent, or controlling threats, tactics, or actions that violence (DV) every year. Data showed 1 in 3 women result in psychological, emotional, physical, sexual, or and 1 in 4 men will experience some form of IPV in economic harm to the partner being targeted. A their lifetime (NDVH, 2020). While research compiled person experiencing IPV is commonly encountering

by Williams Institute (2015), found 31% to 50% of multiple forms of abuse and tactics at the same time. transgender individuals will be impacted by IPV at A cycle of abuse can develop within the relationship, some point during their life. IPV can impact and patterns of abusive behavior and incidents may individuals from all backgrounds regardless of their alternate with periods of reconciliation and calm race, age, class status, spirituality, sexual orientation (Rakovec-Felser, 2014). The severity and frequency of or gender identity. Components of a survivor’s abusive incidents and violence can also increase. identity, lived experiences, and cultural setting all Escalation of abuse may occur after a couple reaches play a crucial role in how abuse manifests and is points of commitment in their relationship, such experienced. As a result, IPV is prevalent worldwide milestones like moving in together, engagement, and must be prioritized as a global health concern. marriage or becoming parents. New forms of abuse may be introduced as time progresses in the relationship to keep the survivor engaged or as a means to create obstacles aimed at preventing them from leaving. The NDVH reports it may take someone experiencing IPV on average seven attempts to successfully exit an abusive relationship and not return to their partner.Intimate Partner Violence is a Form of Complex TraumaTrauma is an event outside the normal human experience that can overwhelm an individual's capacity to cope (Dunlavey & Loblaw, 2019). Complex Trauma is invasive and interpersonal in nature; a survivor of IPV is exposed to ongoing abusive tactics, behaviors and multiple traumatic events by a person they love and care for (Dunlavey & Loblaw, 2019). Due to this IPV is connected to a range of trauma-related short-term and long-term physical and mental health effects. Evidence emphasizes that access to safety, services, and social support significantly enhances a survivor’s resilience and overall well-being while mitigating the trauma-related effects of IPV (NCDVTMH, 2014).

Resources for Survivors of IPV in the Greater Rochester Area

If any of the information shared in this article is reflective of the experiences you’re having with an intimate partner, you could be experiencing IPV. Regardless of the circumstances, no one deserves to experience abuse and you’re never responsible for a partner’s abusive behavior.

Support is available when you are ready to connect. Provided below is a list of providers offering support to survivors of IPV in different capacities in the Greater Rochester Area.

RESOLVE of Greater Rochester 585-425-1580

Willow Domestic Violence Center 585-222-7233 —24/7 Hotline585-348-7233 —24/7 Text Line

Healing through Advocacy, Education & Law (HEAL) Program at URMC585-275-HEALYWCA

Rochester Emergency Housing 585-368-2292 YWCA Domestic Violence Crisis Services (Genesee County) 585-343-7513 — 24/7 Hotline

Chances & Changes (Livingston County) 1 -888-252-9360 – 24/7 Hotline

Black History & Personal Care

" The Hoosier Sanitary Belt"

Mary Beatrice Davidson Kenner changed the world of feminine care with the invention of the sanitary belt. Racial discrimination prevented its adoption for

Image via American Champions 365.com

thirty years. And she never received formal recognition or awards for her work.

(1912-2006)

Image via American Champions 365.comt

Savvy

SISTERSCHOLAR!

Written by: Tina Cummings

Creating a Space for Beautiful Black Minds.

She Inspires Online Community

Magazine,

created to empower, inspire and celebrate us one page at a time.

"Did you know, a lot of high-achieving black women are often overlooked and underrepresented when achieving a higher education"? ~ A. Musa Davis

The Savvy Sister-Scholar section is dedicated to those who have a love of higher education and learning. I believe it's important for youth to see women who look like them representing positive and smart black women in media.

Not only are we

strong, smart, brave, resilient, and capable; our minds are beautiful and we should be celebrated not underrepresented. If you are or know of an outstanding individual who would like to share a personal story of completing school, balancing life, and overcoming barriers please email @ sheinspiresmagazine@gmail.com

I would love to connect w/ you.

Tina Cummings

.

Women on the Move!

RADIANT BODY& BEAUTY BAR Written Body

By:

and

Bahiyah

Beauty

Graham

Founder

of

Radiant

Bar

I am the girl that was always taught to take care of myself for as long as I remember. “Take care of my hair, take care of your skin, take care of your health” ’s what resonates in my head as I write this. Growing up with a mother who was always into holistic health and remedies, I learned more and more about my body is my temple and self-care is the best care, it’s only natural I went into the field of beauty and wellness.

My journey began in 2008 with me choosing cosmetology and from there having a passion & desire to work in the care of the skin and body. Going through life as a beauty professional I have grown into the importance of body care

and

seeing and

bodywork.

the

feel

faces

better

of

It

brings

people

about

a

smile

especially

themselves

to

my

face

women

with

who

daily look

experiencing

a

touch of my hands. I’m able to supply women as well as men with the treatments needed to correct and maintain any body issues or concerns. Offering non-invasive, nonsurgical treatments for the entire body and face. Butt & Breast Sauna

LiftsLaser-LipoCellulite/ BlanketYoni

offering

Weight

SteamsAnd

Loss,

Detox,

Skin

TighteningThermal

much,

and

much

Wellness

more.

Also

Program

to

continue the body sculpting process. Helping you get rid of

that

stubborn

fat

while

creating

the

body

you

have

always wanted. It is my motto “Helping each and everyone look and feel beautiful from the inside out” and I look forward to doing the same with each of you.

Radiant Body Beauty Bar Tighten... Tone... Define One Body and Face at a Time

Life Coach!

Improving day to day lives and full-time college courses. While working around the bus schedule and

Rochester New York's weather to make sure I was

on time for everything

I needed to get done.

monthly bus pass, a double stroller,

All of this with a

two babies under the age

of two, and working multiple jobs. I made a life-changing decision to become a life coach three years ago. I was at a low point in my life in a situation that wasn’t good for me and was close to eviction more than once. I had an abortion that I didn’t want to have but I needed to have. A month later, my vehicle was repossessed, on the same day, I had to go to work. I was catching losses in every direction. I was spiritually, emotionally, and mentally drained. Three months later, I became pregnant again and miscarried at 12 weeks. The night my vehicle was

Written by: Princess Swank

repossessed, a man approached me about applying for a job at my workplace. We talked. He told me without me asking, that his true passion was to be a painter. He had jobs painting, but

Hi, my name is Princess Swank. I am a single

wanted to do more with his passion.

After, the conversation we

mother of two. As a young adult, I have

had and the advice I gave him. He said, “Wow, I really feel

experienced parental death, living in a homeless

inspired, motivated, and spiritually lifted, he asked me if

shelter, being on welfare, toxic relationships, co-

a preacher?"

I was

"I said, no".

and battling with self-care/self -love. I became a

POSTMODERN PAINTING. Stella But, with everything going on in my life, I was able to motivate alternately paints in oil and watercolor and help someone notice their purpose and move in their faith.

mother at the age of 21 years old.

I had the strength to put it aside to help a stranger.

parenting, raising a child with special needs, mental abuse, depression, stress, pregnancy loss,

The vision of

how I wanted to be a parent did not pan out the way I intended.

I had multiple people telling me

what to do, how to do it, and what I was doing

"What was used to break me, had now been used to mold me into the person

I am today."

wrong. Although their intentions may have meant well, they were dimming my light and vision. I was parenting in ways that I did not want to. trust people

care of my child(ren). father.

I had to

I did not see fit in my eyes to take And that included their

I told myself that I wanted to be able to

go back to school, work, and be with my baby.

Living A Royal Life Your Way: Peace, Happiness, and Stability is about helping you go after your purpose, organize your life, and find the balance that you need to navigate in your day-to-day.

The majority of us want to live a life filled with Peace, Happiness, and Stability but, on our own terms; living royal your way. We all should possess the ability to decide and reign power over how we want to live our own lives. By taking a leap of faith

With God’s grace, I was able to do that. I had

my mission is to get you there, using life experiences, my goal

joined a program for first-time mothers;

is to " Help teach first-time parents and young women that we

Nurturing Communities. When I joined the

have the ability to take a leap faith and trust in ourselves".

program, I had my own intentions. I was able to manage time between completing all my workstudy hours' with the (WEP)

for the

attending

Work Experience Program

Department of Social Services,

my children's doctor appointments

Let’s Chat and find out if Living A Royal Life Your Way: Peace, Happiness, and Stability Life Coaching is a good fit for you, either way you will leave with clarity on how to move forward, with renewed motivation, and just plain fun.

Schedule a free brainstorming with me.

Email: princess.m.swank@gmail.com Phone: (585) 284-4912

NWANKWO

D' Arts

Artist of the Month

MY NAME IS EMMANUEL NWANKWO.

I'm a professional pencil artist from Nigeria. My art is a means of expressing myself to the world and it's a genre of art know as Hyperrealism which appears more like high-resolution photography that requires patience, persistence, and practice to achieve a good result.

My social media handle :Instagram: emmanuel_nwankwo_arts Whatsapp contact: +2349061687875

TRIBAL KNIGHTS INC. IT'S MORE THAN GAMING, IT'S A BROTHERHOOD

A group of young gamers using games to show our skill and cunning along with a lot of playful banter. We play a variety of games and have been friends for years check us out!

LIVE STREAMING! STREAMING! LIVE

Facebook Tribal Knights Inc.

YouTube Tribal Knights Inc.

DONATE DIAPERS & WIPES TO SUPPORT MOTHERS. Southern Charm Charities

"We Got You Sis"

" A single mom support group dedicated to helping mothers".

"We Got You Sis", is an online community support group via Facebook

to

help

encouragement,

single

mothers

with

resources,

tips,

inspiration, and other related opinions and

advice about parenting. As a single mother of three children, I can

P

arents today are not only experiencing covid fears, job loss, eviction, transportation issues, and other financial struggles they are also struggling to afford diapers. According to the National Diaper Bank

relate

household,

to

the

struggle

working,

of

attending

balancing college,

a

and

single-parent providing

the

necessities for my family.

Southern creation

Charm in

the

Charities

hope

to

ease

established some

stress

this for

community families

by

offering diapers and wipes during these difficult pandemic times.

Network, a newborn needs 8 to 12 diapers per day and up to 50 changes per week. That's a lot! My mission is to reach out to the community for donations of diapers and wipes.

Are you interested in donating unopened items? Please email @ sheinspiresmagazine@gmail.com

18

MENTAL HEALTH AND MONEY|

Money and Mental Health Written by: Kristen Troupe- Rogers, CEO of Monetarily Savvy

Research shows that there is a distinct correlation between money and an individual’s mental health. In fact, money issues and mental issues are so intertwined that they tend to be cyclically linked and each can serve as the catalyst to the other.

For instance, money issues, primarily being in debt may increase the likelihood of an onset of mental health issues.

On the other hand, pre-existing mental health issues may increase the likelihood of falling into deep, crushing debt.

Individuals with insurmountable debt may lose the motivation to manage their money and address the problems they are facing. Thus, as debt continues to compound and money becomes increasingly strained, mental health issues tend to exacerbate. Mental health issues can also make it difficult for individuals to manage their spending. A study completed by The Money and Mental Health Policy Institute showed that 93% of people with self-identified mental health issues stated that they spend more money when they are unwell, and 88% stated that when unwell they were unable to maintain their bills.

Many who find themselves caught in the mental health-debt cycle feel worried, anxious, and depressed because they feel there is no way out. As depression and stress set in the instances of suicide increase.

Research shows that people who commit suicide are eight times more likely to be in debt. Although debt is a solvable problem, having mental health issues may diminish an individual’s ability to do so. At the same time, if you’re overwhelmed in debt, finding money to pay for mental health treatment may seem both impossible and counterintuitive. Regardless of which issue came first, money or mental health, the best solution is to SEEK HELP. The idea of talking to someone may feel cumbersome and embarrassing, but it doesn’t have to be because there is no shame in asking for help when it comes to your finances and/or mental health. You can share your concerns with a trusted family member or friend. If that is not an option, then you can contact a professional such as a mental health counselor or personal finance coach. In addition, there are some other steps you can take to help you cope and feel more in control like getting financially organized and being transparent with yourself about what aspects of dealing with money take the biggest toll on your mental health.

Being aware of your money and mental health is an

essential part of taking care of your overall well-being. When you’re in good mental health it’s easier to improve your finances and vice versa, when your finances are in order, it’s easier to improve your mental health.

DO YOU NEED SUPPORT? Do you offer FREE financial education courses?

Mental Health Association of Rochester

Let's connect @ sheinspiresmagazine@gmail.com

Contact Main:585-325-3145 Website: www.mharochester.org 320 N Goodman StreetRochester NY 14607

Call - 211

Facebook- Monetarily Savvy Transforming monetary mindsets & habits thru financial literacy & supports that empower clients to improve their long-term financial wellbeing.

WWW0

Black Men Are Magic Too. Brothas, How Y'all Doin?

Y'all alright?

She Inspires Online Community Magazine would like to celebrate you!

Let's acknowledge, explore and celebrate your challenges, dreams, hopes, and successes to inspire young black males in the community by showing positive black males doing amazing things.

Are you a source of inspiration?

How do you step up?

Would you like to share your journey/story by submitting an article?

Please email Tina Cummings @ sheinspiresmagazine@gmail.com

THE PASSION PROJECT! Our passion should be the foundation for our giving.

Has your passion become a positive project within your community?

The Passion Project is dedicated to those who have created non-profits, community agencies, charities, and organizations, etc. that work to raise awareness and offer assistance to low-income families and individuals with housing, food, clothing, and/or financial assistance. And to acquire useful skills, knowledge, and gain access to new opportunities and achieve self-sufficiency. The Passion Project is focused on helping spread the word!

If you would like to contribute an article about your organization, community agency, or charity please contact me: Tina Cummings Email @ sheinspiresmagazine@gmail.com Subject: The Passion Project

Restoration Rochester, Inc. Restoration Rochester is more than just a non-profit organization, it is a movement to eliminate poverty and other social injustices in the city of Rochester. In 2010 Restoration Rochester was born out of my personal experience with homelessness, poverty, and the brokenness of our current system. I was homeless, pregnant, and escaping a domestic violence situation.

When I look back on that time period in my life, it was simply miraculous that I made it through it. Since 2010 a lot has happened! In 2010 God dropped the name Restoration Rochester into my spirit. I did not know it then but the name of this vision that He gave me was bigger than I ever could have imagined. I started by just helping people navigate through the sea of resources that we have available in our city. For many years it was just me working on the vision. We would have small collaborative type meetings now and then with other small ministries to discuss the vision and talk about how we could work together. In 2017 my Aunt Michelle passed away in Atlanta, GA. It was at that time that the Lord really began to show me that He wanted to help restore our city in miraculous ways.

When I was in Atlanta my family stayed with Alveda King (Martin Luther King Jr.’s Niece). We got to see the church that he preached in, his childhood home, and his memorial. This was a pivotal point in the development of Restoration Rochester. When I left for Atlanta I was in a deep depression. I was not sure if Restoration Rochester would ever really take off and was questioning my calling to the city. Through the stories and testimonies that I heard in Atlanta about the community work my aunt was doing there, and the many sites that we visited of where Martin Luther King Jr. walked, something woke up inside of me. I had a passion for the city of Rochester already, but the flame was fanned, and I was sure that God had bigger plans for Restoration Rochester’s involvement here at home. When I was in Atlanta, I felt a strong calling to reach out to the Director of Mission Share here in Greece NY. I had talked to him briefly a few weeks before but had now been prompted to talk to him about collaborating.

When I got home, I reached out to the director and we set up a meeting. When I was at Mission Share, I opened up to Paul and Marilyn who was running their Crossroads Pregnancy Care center at the time. This was a moment that can not be explained in words but will always be a moment remembered as the rebirth of Restoration Rochester. Mission Share agreed to partner with Restoration Rochester and vice versa. I would serve at Mission Share in their Food Cupboard and Clothing Closet and I would also help their participants navigate resources that existed in our community. Paul and Marilyn saw the vision that God was unveiling and believed in it. The whole team at Mission Share has been such a blessing and support for the last three and a half years that we have been serving our city together. Since 2017 we have continued to grow in amazing ways. From 2018-2020 I had a small office at Bethel Christian Fellowship in the heart of the city, and it was there that Restoration Rochester began to transform from a small ministry to something much more. The Lord began to bring people to me who wanted to assist with growing the ministry. Annette and Kathleen came on board in 2018 and have been passionate about serving on the Restoration Rochester team ever since. In 2018 Martha from Asbury and I began talking about the fragmentation of our services here in Rochester. Martha, Gail from Third Presbyterian, and I met to discuss how we could share resource information better as a community. It was then that the Community Collaborative was born.

Written by : Leah Kazmierski

Now, the Community Collaborative is made up of over 160 individuals from over 100 organizations. We are currently working on serving our city through an active discussion about community development and steps that we can take toward the ultimate goal of eliminating poverty in Rochester. Currently, our Headquarters office is downtown at the administrative building for Open Door Mission. It has been an incredible second partnership as we have maintained our office at Mission Share as well. As an organization, we currently have 21 volunteers and are serving over 200 families in the Rochester area through our Compassion Care Management Program. We help people from all walks of life regardless of their background or the challenges they are facing. Some basic examples of service referrals we provide are food, clothing, shelter, needed furniture, needs for at-risk youth and so much more. Basically, if someone is in need of anything, we do our best to refer them to a resource that already exists in the community. If there are no resources available to meet their need, we do our best to meet them. We provide coordination of services to serve the whole person mind, body, and soul. Here are some of the things we are working on in 2021: Training new volunteer Compassion Care ManagersContinuing our work with the Eviction Prevention Pilot InitiativeInitiating a door-to-door outreach in the spring in city neighborhood collaborating with the City of Rochester, the County, and many Community-Based Initiatives and Organizations to address issues of poverty, diversity & inclusion, mental health, substance abuse and so much more through both systemic change and change in how programs are accessed. We have some surprises coming down the pipe as well so stay tuned! I am extremely excited about all the wonderful things that God is doing in our city. It is no accident that I had to experience our broken system firsthand.

If you identify with any part of this story and are interested in how you can join the movement to RESTORE the City of Rochester, please reach out to us.

Phone: 585-340-7225Address: PO Box 31988 Website: www.restorationrochester.or

Rochester NY 14603

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References & Contributing Writers

Yoni-Steaming Changed my Life by Summer H.- An Overview of Lichen Simplex Chronicus and Eczema https://www.verywellhealth.com/

Defining Intimate Partner Violence_Sarah Jones, MSW - Brown, T. N., & Herman, J. L. (2015, November). Intimate Partner Violence and Sexual Abuse Among LGBT People a Review of Existing Research. Retrieved from https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/IPV-Sexual-Abuse-Among-LGBT-Nov-2015.pdfDunlavey LCSW, Kate. & Loblaw ATR-BC-LCAT, Amy. (2019). Intimate Partner Violence as Trauma [PowerPoint slides].

Rochester, NY. RESOLVE of Greater RochesterNational Domestic Violence Hotline. (n.d.). 50 Obstacles to Leaving.

Retrieved from https://www.thehotline.org/resources/50-obstacles-to-leaving/National Domestic Violence Hotline.

(2020, September 28). Domestic Violence Statistics. Retrieved from https://www.thehotline.org/stakeholders/domestic-violence-statistics/Rakovec-Felser, Z. (2014, October 22).

Domestic Violence and Abuse in Intimate Relationship from Public Health Perspective. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4768593/The National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma & Mental Health (NCDVTMH). (2014). Current Evidence: Intimate Partner Violence, Trauma-Related Mental Health Conditions & Chronic Illness. Retrieved from http://www.nationalcenterdvtraumamh.org/wpcontent/uploads/2014/10/FactSheet_IPVTraumaMHChronicIllness_2014_Final.pdfWorld Health Organization. (2012).

Intimate Partner Violence. Retrieved from https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/77432/WHO_RHR_12.36_eng.pdfAdd a little bit of body text

Mental Health and Money by Kristen Troupe -Rogers, CEO of Monetarily Savvy

She Dope; Kinky Kustomz Hair and Beauty Loft by Owner Nechole Rapley

Restoration Rochester, Inc. Founder Leah Kazmierski

Sister-Scholar by Tina Cummings

Radiant Body and Beauty Bar by Bahiyah Graham

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Owner,Creator, Editor