Huami Magazine Detroit Jan./Feb. 2022

DETROIT

®

Jan./Feb. 2022 Volume 1 Issue 6

Th3 Block Development One Block At A Time Detroit - Jan./Feb. 2022

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My Expectations and The Truth A Letter From The Editor

There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It!

I would have to say that I grew up poor by world standards.

I never felt like it because my mother constantly poured unconditional into my other siblings and me. Her love A Letter fromlove the Editor wouldn’t allow me to focus on what I didn’t have or anything I could be missing. However, as life happened, I realized Whatcompared if tomorrow arrive?

All of your plans, hopes that when to didn’t others, my experiences were more and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on.

What complex. Even still, I had the opportunity to overcomeifthem. everything that you decided to put off until tomorrow never happened?

There would bethings no reason to save for my a rainy One of the most important I learned from day, and you could spare someone the trouble of making upbringing is that the truth will always override my promises. What if your last seemingly expired expectations.

The very first caropportunity that I owned, I purchased today?

What would you do? for myself. It wasn’t a new vehicle, but it was mine. It had a few dents, and the tires didn’t match either. The heat or air I’ve been told work, that I often seem like I do toowould much.shake conditioning didn’t and the exhaust pipe I feel like I am not doing enough and I’m a firm likeHonestly, a leaf when I started the car, probably because it was believer in knowing that God wouldn’t put anything on me being held in place by the wiring of a close hanger. With all of that I couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder how life would its imperfections, my car was a beauty in my sight, and I was be if I chose to sit idle and accept what it presented to me. I very appreciative to own it. have found that to be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity is a blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone. A challenge Though like IWhat droveisthat car forthat all eternity, it only to me is itanseemed adventure. the worst can happen? survived year Iwith me. ifI didn’t keep gas the fuel tank, If I do one nothing, fail, and I try I don’t, but in instead learn andsomething I never changed the oil either.

I drove ityour fast,pride and on new about myself.

Relinquish andcold in mornings I didn’t allow it to warm up.

Rarely did I bathe it or return acquire life. even provide it with routine or preventative maintenance, and before I knew it, my first only method of transportation The best advice ever and given to me happened when someone slowed down and shut off in the middle of the road. told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing so I have pressed my way through doors with a key that only See, expected my caralso to run forever, the truth is hopeI provided.

I have learned the but difference between I never anything that it would. whatdid God blesses to meensure with and what life canI expected burden me with myas carwell. to go when I needed it to but never considered I compare it to knowing when to be confidentmy and thoughtless and erratic treatment’s impact onquiet, it. I expected when to be because to someone getcars’ it confused ride forever, but the truth is I never investedmay in my future. with being arrogant.

I’m saying that we will only get out of lifeMake whatyou we tomorrow put into it. How happen today, most will we ever expect tobut know God importantly make it count. if we never spend time with Him? is but a whisper My goalLife in life is to win. Forand this we must put ourselves a to happen, I must be willing toindo position to hear what it is what is necessary to win and align us. is true, which is myself telling with what God’s expectations.

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Terry L. Watson Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder

www.huamimagazine.com Terry L. Watson

Publisher

www.huamimagazine.com Arielle Kilgore Editor In Chief Writer Terry L. Watson Writer Terry L. Watson Alana Allen - Deputy Editor Ellen Richardson Writer Dorjae’ McClammey Writer Writers

Tonya Dixon Todd Youngblood Terry L. Watson Photographer Still Shots Photography Alana Allen Photographer Tamara Smith Santana B Photography Jeuron Dove Photographer Photographers Perfect Lenz Photography Todd Youngblood Photography

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Who Shotya Photography huami.greenville@gmail.com (336)340-7844 Layout Howard Gaither Photography

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mykelmedia@yahoo.com (336) 340-7844 HUAMI MAGAZINE is published quarterly by the Mykel Media Company. Any reproduction of any portion of this publication is prohibited without written permission from the publisher prior to doing so. Mykel Media doesn’t accept responsibility for statements made by individuals featured or advertisers. Comments concerning this publication Greensboro, NCeditor by may be submitted to the 2022 All Rights Reserved E-mail at terrywatson@huamimagazine.com terry.editor@yahoo.com or to Mykel Media Company, LLC P.O. Box 20102 Greensboro, NC 27420 HUAMI MAGAZINE 2014 All Rights Reserved

On The Cover

Photo by Shaw Photography Group

CONTENTS

JAN./FEB. 2022

DETROIT

Her Life Has Purpose

Timika Thompson

On The Cover

Th3 Block Development Alonzo Stallworth

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Delectable Delights by Tarolyn

Tarolyn Street

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The Paperwork Guru

Dr. Marrissa R. Dick

Huami Magazine Cutest Baby

Railyn Kate

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Also Featured

Lakesha Spencer Learn more about her journey of becoming a healthier version of herself. Drink 2 Shrink with Coach Lakesha.

Atlanta, GA

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Attorney Justin Camper If you are in business, you will need a business lawyer. Learn more about his journey of becoming an attorney.

Indianapolis, IN

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Dr. Tiffany Gethers Her heart is to serve her commuity. Learn more about The 2Gethers Foundation.

Dallas, TX

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One Block At A Time

By Arielle Kilgore Photos Provided by Alonzo Stallworth In life, people often chase the one thing they want the most. That is purpose. For Detroit, MI, native Alonzo Stallworth realized his purpose from years of strife and struggle and ultimately found his way to better ground.

King Yadee is the name given to him by his community. Alonzo also describes himself as a builder, activist, creator, mentor, and child of God. Before he was anything, Alonzo was a lover and creator of music. Music moved and guided him and was a platform for expressing himself and his thoughts.

Whatever was happening around Alonzo, music appeared to enhance it. While his passion for music grew, he would begin to see that his musical talents were not part of the plan that God had for him over time. God’s plan was for him to be a father, mentor, and advocate in his community.

Today, Alonzo has found a way to give back to the District 2 Detroit community by way of Th3 Block Develop LLC. His company specializes in home improvement and renovation and educating new homeowners about the homebuying process. Their projects include commercial and residential properites, and mulit unit dwelling. To date, Th3 Block Development has renovated alot of homes, and obtain ownership of a few as well. They also educate anyone interested in learning about home construction and renovation. Some of the other services they offer are construction management, construction, training, and construction planning.

Alonzo shares his company strives to deliver excellent workmanship every day.

Their competitive fees and ability to provide outstanding results make their company stand out from others. “Since our founding, we’ve worked hard toward building and maintaining a stellar reputation,” he says.

“We provide clients with a wide range of services to cover all their needs. No matter what the project might be, our team of professionals is ready to bring it to life.”

Th3 Block Development is rooted in the heart of the Detroit community. Many of its projects have taken place in Alonzo’s old neighborhood, which is directly tied to Alonzo’s purpose. “When I was a child, it was hard to find a good influence. After losing my parents when I was only five years old, and on my birthday, I became an orphan. I was unintentionally handed to the streets of Detroit.

I witnessed homicides and suicides, and after losing my parents, it was hard for me to take the traditional in life. Fortunately, I learned that being in the streets doesn’t mean you have to adopt a life of the streets. I didn’t get involved with drugs, gangs, or any other criminal activity, but instead, I enveloped myself with good people who say my worth and pushed me to be great,” he shares.

He credits his uncle, who raised him since he was 12 years old with having a huge impact on his life.

His uncle was an entrpernuer and go getter, and made sure that everyone in his family was taken care of. His uncle was also the first person who introduced him to contracting.

Around the time of his birthday in 2018, Stallworth had been receiving signs and messages from God about what he should be doing. This was around the same time the city was taking a turn due to the events that took place in 2008, which caused a lot of families to lose their homes. “We were on a downward spiral. Some blocks became vacant. The deaths and all the killings were adding up. I wanted to do my part to help. I was able to with entrepreneurship and following God’s word.

I soon discovered I had the tools to save my city,” Enrolling in school to obtain his builder’s license was Alonzo’s next move.

“Fortunately, I learned that being in the streets doesn’t mean you have to adopt a life of the streets. I didn’t get involved with drugs, gangs, or any other criminal activity, but instead, I enveloped myself with good people who say my worth and pushed me to be great.”

Alonzo Stallworth Founder Th3 Block Development 8

After three months of an extraneous process, Alonzo was licensed and ready to work. He came back to his community and gathered some people to help rebuild homes. He targeted his family home first, which was torn down many years before.

After rebuilding that home, he opened a house for people to change their lives and learn construction in 2019. Th3 Block Development, which started with just wanting to help the community, was beginning to make a difference. “When we first arrived, it was three abandoned houses on the corner. Today, all three houses are fixed up with families living inside them. If I could grab one house and rebuild it, I think I can make a change,” he said. Well, change has happened as Alonzo’s company has fixed and repaired most of the houses on his block and placed families in them.

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Another part of his company is Th3 Stash House. This branch teaches troubled youth how to design clothes and produce music.

He has also found time to mentor the next generation of builders.

Alonzo says he loves seeing things completed. “Now the kids can come outside and play basketball on the corner. The corners are clean, and there is no more trash on them.

It inspires me to show people the light in a dark place. I work hard to provide a future for my kids and other kids in my community so that can the opportunity of a new beginning.

Alonzo also wants Th3 Block Development to be recognized as one that provides and cares for the wellbeing of its community. The opinions that others who may not live in Detroit varies Alonzo is aware that not all of them are good. He wants to change the narrative.

Detroit gave him the grit, and now he can change it for the better since. “I am a diamond in the rough and Th3 Block Development is a company for the community. I am a product of the streets that became a gift to the world. I am Detroit,” he said.

As life continues to happen for Alonzo and Th3 Block Development, he plans to continue to rebuild his community and plant seeds of hope into the lives of others. “I pray to God that I never do anything to stop the growth of this good energy and purpose, God-driven journey that I’m on,” he says.

To learn more or volunteer with Th3 Block Development LLC, please visit their website. h

www.th3blockdevelopment.com 11

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The 2Gethers Foundation “Ever since I was a little girl, I have always wanted to start a nonprofit organization....

While I didn’t really understand what that meant when I was younger, I just knew that I wanted to help those in need.”

By Ellen Richardson Photos by Micheal Duncan

While some people may dedicate their lives and careers to fame or riches, there are those who follow a path towards using their God-given talents and passions to help others succeed. This is the truest story of Dr. Tiffany Gethers. She is the president and co-founder of The 2Gethers Foundation. a dual state nonprofit organization serving the Dallas Fort Worth and Chicagoland areas, that is dedicated to empowering first-generation students in the attainment of a college degree and the achievement of academic and life excellence. She shares how she found her path towards helping others at an early age.

“Ever since I was a little girl, I have always wanted to start a nonprofit organization,” said Dr. Gethers. “While I didn’t really understand what that meant when I was younger, I just knew that I wanted to help those in need. As this passion grew, another interest also developed – a love for education. I often tell people that if there were something higher than a doctorate degree, my crazy self would have probably pursued it.”

As this lover of learning continued to pursue higher education, she would find out why God had given her such a fervent love for knowledge. “During my time as a doctoral student, I did a research study on the persistence and retention of firstyear, first-generation college students at Governors State University,” said Dr. Gethers. “As a first-generation college student, I was very interested in finding out what the retention rate was for college freshmen to continue to their sophomore or junior year.” After finding a considerable number of students were leaving college before obtaining a degree, Dr. Gethers decided to find a way to help improve these retention rates, particularly among at-risk student populations.

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“I wanted to help because I saw myself in these students,” said Dr. Gethers. “As someone who had overcome many of the same barriers as many of these students do, I could relate to the challenges they were facing as well. I realized the dream that I had as a little girl would involve assuring at-risk first-generation students would have access to higher education and the resources to stay the course to obtain a college degree. In my first year of college, I found out that I was pregnant.

I was 18 years old; in my first semester of college, I found out that I would be a mom.

While I wanted to have children someday, I was just sure that this would crush my dreams.

I always wanted to go to college, was finally here and now I have to decide if I am going to leave my dream behind.”

Although Dr. Gethers would walk away from a four-year university to become a young mother, this would not stop this lover of learning from pursuing higher education.

“While I was living at home and was preparing to become a first-time mother, I still felt like I should be doing something to keep my dream alive,” she said. After enrolling in a local community college, the next challenge would come. “A few months into the first semester, my doctor put me on bed rest for the remainder of my pregnancy, so I would once again have to drop out of school.”

Despite these hurdles, following the birth of her daughter, Dr. Gethers would find herself back on track. “I had an angel in the form of my mother who quit her job so that I could go back to school,” she said. Although it would take six years and a few additional hurdles, Dr. Gethers would go on to achieve her dream of obtaining a college degree. “I couldn’t have done this without my mother, who decided that allowing me to pursue my dreams was more important than her pursuing her own.”

Along with support from her mother and other family members, Dr. Gethers also had help from other college professors who ensured that she had the necessary resources to finish and obtain her degree. “It was so wonderful to have this support, which is exactly what other students need.”

Dr. Gethers had a desire to pay it forward.

She was well equipped with adequate education, including a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Roosevelt University and a Doctor of Education from Governors State University.

She set her sights on achieving the dream that began when she was a young girl, and founded The 2Gethers Foundation in 2018 along with her husband, David.

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David A. Gethers

Co-Founder and Vice President of Community Partnerships David Gethers develops strategic community partnerships and networks that increases the reach and impact of The 2Gethers Foundation’s mission to empower first-generation students to attain a college degree. Additionally, he is a sought after mentor of youth and future leaders. Driven by his authentic love for people and passion for service, he is dedicated to providing guidance on decision-making, life preparation, and sharing his personal story of life transformation to develop and inspire others. He is a veteran of the United States Marine Corp. and actively assists fellow veterans with overcoming specific barriers to ease their transition. This passion drives him to also direct The 2Gethers Foundation’s student veteran programs.

A native of Chicago, David earned a Bachelor’s of Arts from Governors State University in Interdisciplinary Studies and a Masters in Ministry Leadership from Olivet Nazarene University.

“Both my husband and I were first-generation college students. We both have a desire to see others like us pursue their dreams. Research shows that these students do not receive a lot of the support needed to go to college and ultimately stay there and obtain a degree. About 90 percent of low income first-generation college students do not graduate within the first six years of college, and many of these students do not even make it to the second year due to a lack of support and finances to finish. This is why we started this community rallying organization to surround these students with the support and to help develop our next generation of leaders,” Dr. Gethers states.

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The 2Gethers Foundation provides several programs and services to enhance first-generation students’ academic, social, and career development such as scholarships for high school seniors, who will be the first in their families to attend college. To date they have awarded a total of $37,000 in scholarships. There is a mentorship program, free workshops and seminars on various topics for students and parents, as well as a mobile food pantries on college campuses.

“We also go as far as sending care packages to several of our students as food insecurity on college campuses is a huge problem,” said Dr. Gethers. “Last year, we also launched a mentorship and leadership development program called Defy The Odds, where high school and college students were paired with leaders across various industries to help them set and achieve their immediate goals as well as navigate through any challenges they were faced with. This gave students a look at a successful future and the opportunity to see why it is so important to give back to their community.”

Because of Dr. Gethers desire to help and serve others, many students who may have never had the opportunity to attend college h will be able to. She is an excellent example of what hard work and determination look like.

Dr. Tiffany Gethers The 2Gethers Foundation 18

www.2gethersfoundation.org 708-966-9491

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Drink 2 Shrink with Coach LaKesha 20

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By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Lakesha Spencer Drink 2 Shrink sounds almost unheard, yet the concept is a reality for Coach Lekesha Spencer. The fitness enthusiast has transformed her life simply by addressing her health needs head-on.

The Detroit, MI native, says her company, Drink 2 Shrink with Coach LaKesha, was born in 2020 through her millionaire mentor, Stanecia Graham. LaKesha says Stanecia was the movement’s visionary, which allowed each partner to personalize and brand themselves in business. The concept is much like a franchise, minus the milliondollar startup cost.

“It all began when I went to the doctor for a routine physical. My doctor prescribed me four medications to go along with the six prescriptions I already had. As a nurse, I knew the effects of drugs and the side effects. I had to make a change, so I got my mind right and lost 45 lbs. The rest was history. To this day, all 10 of those prescribed medications have been discontinued,” LaKesha says.

For the most part, LaKesha shares her life is one of resilience. After several failed marriages, she learned how to bounce back and become the person she always knew she was. “After committing myself to better my health, I changed my mindset around food and unhealthy behaviors. As a result, I have released 45 pounds, and I look and feel amazing. I now walk with conviction about the products I offer. My ultimate goal is to help others who are serious about losing weight and becoming healthier,” she says.

LaKesha describes herself as a devout woman of God and a beacon of light to her family and friends. She was reared as an only child by her loving mother, whom she describes as her best friend. Growing up, LaKesha shares she was taught she needed to go to college to get a good education to become a teacher, doctor, lawyer, or nurse.

So that’s what she did. She studied hard, and I obtained her Bachelor of Science

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degree in Nursing. After three years of working as a nurse, she knew that it wasn’t for her. “I often questioned if it was even my calling at all,” she says. That doubt led her to dabble in entrepreneurship. “April 2020, I had an emergency surgery. During that time off work, I realized that my Drink 2 Shrink business was more than a hobby, it really pays. After 28 years of nursing, I relinquished my safety net and became a fulltime entrepreneur.”

LaKesha shares that entrepreneurship has afforded her the freedom and flexibility to do exactly what she wants. It also provides her with a chance to take care of her parents. “We have the opportunity to travel the world and enjoy one another,” she says.

She shares what she loves most about her business: the results her clients obtain when they follow the designed regime she provides. “I love knowing their results put them in a happier place where they feel so much better about themselves. There is nothing like a girl being able to fit into her favorite pair of skinny jeans again, or her going into the backside of her closet and grabbing her favorite dress that she refused to give up after many years.”

In addition to the positive results from her clients, LaKesha says their testimonies of overall improved health inspire her to keep pushing. “I am inspired because I am a product of the product, and I know firsthand the feelings I have from my transformation.

I know that I am transforming lives, not just selling a product,” she says.

As a coach, she offers this advice to anyone who wants to achieve their goal in life and in health. “Be very persistent and never give up on your goals and dreams. Be yourself and know that you can fulfill your heart’s desire if you don’t give up.”

Coach Lakesha Spencer www.healthylivingwithcoach.squarespace.com Coachblings@gmail.com 22

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Her plans for 2022 are to stay consistent and build upon the double digits of the year with the expectation of doubling the number of clients that she can help. She also plans to double her income which she says will allow for her to help her family and people in her community.

To learn more about Drink 2 Shrink with Coach LaKesha, please visit their website. h

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Justin Camper Law, LLC

By Terry L Watson Photos Provided by Justin Camper Attorney Justin Camper says his life’s mission is to be a “Champion of Purpose”. He believes God created everyone for a purpose to do something to make the world better.

Justin is known from his clients for being a genuine and passionate advocate, who goes above and beyond to provide the best results possible. He is a small business and trademark attorney located in Northwest Indiana. Justin completed his educational journer through Purdue University Northwest and obtained an undergraduate degree in Political Science. He received his law degree from Valparaiso University Law School.

Next, Justin began practicing law as a Lake County Prosecutor in Indiana. He worked in the Prosecutor Office for one and a half years before transtioning to several law firms ranging in the areas of business, criminal defense, civil litigation, and municipal law. He also briefly worked as an Administrative Law Judge for unemployment. Today, he works in his own practice, Justin Camper Law, LLC, which he started in August 2020. He also works with Stidham Legal, P.C. as a contract attorney assisting with criminal cases.

Within his practice, Justin says his main area of law is to provide small business legal services. These include, but are not limited to, LLC/nonprofit formation, contracts (drafting and reviewing), online legal protection, trademarks, copyrights, and business litigation.

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Justin shares he knows the process of hiring an attorney is often accompanied with many questions, and that is why he firm works to ensure every clients understands the services they are being provided with. “The first step is for us to work with our clients and come up with a plan to get the results they need.

Through our understanding of the law and your understanding of the circumstances, we will craft a path to success,” he says.

As an attorney, Justin shares he loves being able to help small business owners fulfill their dreams. “I am a small business owner, so I know what it is like to have a dream and vision of building a business. It gives me so much passion to help future entrepreneurs and current business owners protect and grow their business using legal strategies from my firm,” he says. “I’m inspired and motivated by small business owners who pursue an idea that helps change the lives of people. My vision is to live in a world where people can use their gifts and talents to create products and services that enable them to live in their God-given purpose.”

Justin shares he truly grateful for all that he has encountered as an attorney, including the many ups and dows. He also shares if he could change anything about his journey, he would have focused more on business law from law school and taken on opportunities that would have given him experience for the type of law he practices now.,” he says.

www.justincamperlaw.com 219-281-6166 Facebook: Attorney Justin Camper Instagram @justincamperlaw

To anyone who is thinking of pursuing a career as an attorney, specifically business attorney, Justin offers some helpful advice. He says, “Fearlessly pursue your goal. If you want to be a small business attorney, do your best in law school and make great relationships with your colleagues, professors, lawyers, and businesses in your area.”

In the future, Justin hopes to eventually expand his law firm and focus on different practice areas such as real estate and entertainment law. He also would like to advocate for small businesses and nonprofits continually through the government.

Additionally, he hopes to create and invest into his own small businesses and nonprofits that are designed to help transform people’s lives.

To learn more about Attorney Justin Camper, please contact him directly or visit his website. h

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Delectable

Delights By Tarolyn

By Terry L. Watson Photos by Christopher Fails Sr.

It’s one thing to have a sweet tooth, but to have it satisfied is where the real pleasure comes in. If you happen to be in the Pensacola community of Florida, there is one company that is sure to meet your delight. That company is Delectable Delights by Tarolyn Inc., a home-based cottage bakery.

Delectable Delights offers both traditional and custom cakes, as well as a wide variety of treats. Owned and founded by Tarolyn Street, they can create anything for such occasions as baby showers, birthday parties, weddings, and more.

Tarolyn is the true definition of a savvy businesswoman. She launched her company with a determination to succeed and set an example to her children of what hard work will do for them. She has been married for 12 years to her husband, David, who she describes as her business partner, prayer warrior, best friend, and counselor. Together they shepherd a blended family of six children and seven Godchildren.

Tarolyn says the truth is she did not want to launch her business. “I enrolled into culinary arts school right out of high school, but I had so much going on in my life, including being homeless, that I did not finish. I would make cakes for family and friends, but I wasn’t interested in making cakes and treats full-time. My focus changed, and I enrolled in school to become a licensed massage therapist. I was running from my calling. I was scared. Scared of failure and scared of not being accepted. I was also scared of not knowing what to do. I had these emotions even after winning third place in the state of Florida VICA Commercial Baking and Pastries Competition. However, things changed one day when I heard God say, “I gave you a talent, so what are you going to do with it?” I told God if He’s pushing me out here, I know I have no choice but to move with His plan, and so I did,” she says.

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On February 11, 2015, her company opened for business.

Tarolyn says she was referred by her classmate, Shirley Johnson, to a customer who needed her services. Shirley was already familiar with Tarolyn’s sweet creations, and things took off once the connection was made. “From that weekend until this very day, I have soared beyond what I could ever have thought,” she says.

Tarolyn says what she loves most about her business is being able to touch the lives of others with something as simple as a cake or treat. “To be able to build relationships and bonds with people and see the looks on their faces when they see what my hands have created. Their faces light up with excitement. This makes it all worth it.”

With all that she has endured in life, Tarolyn continues to credit God with being her source and strength. “God is my biggest inspiration. Without Him, I’m absolutely nothing,” she shares. Tarolyn credits her husband and kids for pushing and motivating her to be the best every day. “On days when I need that extra push, they give it to me. They provide the drive and the confidence I need to go further.”

Additionally, she acknowledges Derric and Valiencia, a couple in her community who she says exemplifies what genuine love for community looks like. “I have seen them effortlessly care for the children on the dance team as if the members were their own kids. I’ve witnessed them take money out of their pockets to make sure no one is left behind,” she says.

For those who may be considering starting a business like Tarolyn, she offers the following advice. “Be confident in yourself and know your worth from the beginning. Even in knowing your worth, remain humble and learn something from every avenue of your life.”

850-375-3417 delectablesbyt@yahoo.com Facebook @ Delectable Delights by Tarolyn

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As the future continues to look bright for her and Delectable Delights by Tarolyn, she hopes to become more involved in her community by giving back and serving. One way Tarolyn plans to accomplish this is to shine a light on more small businesses and help them grow and become more successful. That is what love looks like.

To learn more about Delectable Delights by Tarolyn, please visit them on Facebook, or contact them directly. h

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Dr. MarrissaR. Dick The Paperwork Guru 4 U, Inc.

“We Do The Writing For You, So You Don’t Have To!” Our Services Include Non-Profit 501 (c) (3) Applications Customized By-Laws Notary Republic Start-up Business Corporations for (Profit and Non-Profit) Employer Identification Number (EIN) Articles of Incorporation (Inc.)

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“Our goal is to provide you with quality services that meet your organizational needs.”

(336) 298-8119

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The Faces Behind a Purpose for You 34

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By Ellen Richardson Photos Provided by Timika Cousins Thompson

Domestic violence has been an ongoing problem in states throughout the United States for many years, including Virginia. In fact, the Virginia Department of Health has reported that over one-third of homicides occurring in the state in the last few years are related to domestic violence.

While many of these victims become just another faceless statistic, some are doing their part to help bring a face to the warriors who refuse to give up and give in. One such hero is Timika Cousins-Thompson, the founder of The Faces Behind A Purpose For You. A woman who overcame years of abuse is now turning this negative experience into a positive one by providing support and encouragement to others who have or are trying to escape domestic violence.

“Although I was a victim of domestic violence, I started this organization after losing a family member to this form of abuse,” said Timika. “This loss opened my eyes to what I was going through, and while that was hard enough, it also brought about something positive – it pushed me towards my purpose.”

Before the pandemic, we were invited into Richmond Public Schools to speak and educate youth on healthy relationships, no matter their gender or sexuality, and we got a great response. Working with our local school systems is something that we want to continue.”

Timika’s organization also raised enough funds to hold a toy and food drive for needy families in the Richmond area during the holiday season. “It is interesting because we were able to share information about what we do and were surprised to have a few women ask for help during this time. I have always enjoyed helping my community and now doing so with a real purpose in mind feels very rewarding,” she says.

Timika says that domestic violence isn’t acceptable for anyone. If you are involved in an unhealthy relationship, please let someone know and speak up. To learn more about The Faces Behind A Purpose For You organization and to find out more information about the upcoming plays written by Michelle Lee about Domestic Violence scheduled for April and May 2022, please visit their website. h

The purpose she speaks of involves giving birth to an advocacy organization that gives individuals who have experienced domestic violence. It also provides individuals with an opportunity to learn from their circumstances and understand they can continue to progress in positive ways and settings, despite past experiences.

Focusing on the motto “it is not about us, it is about the lives that we can save” Timika offers life skills, individual development, enrichment activities, family support strategies, and activism to improve family relations and safe environments.

“While I also had to overcome an emotionally abusive relationship, including the loss of one of my closest relatives to domestic violence, I make it a point to help others overcome. I strive to help others understand they are worth more and don’t have to endure emotional, verbal and/or physical abuse,” said Timika.

Timika and her partner, Washington D.C. native play writer, Michelle Lee have continued to follow their Godgiven purpose to do whatever is necessary to help those who are displaced by domestic violence. “While we don’t yet have a shelter, we offer support services such as court stewardship, legal assistance, life and job training, as well as any other services that are needed outside of housing,” said Timika. “We recently started a mentorship program for teenagers and work with schools to develop a dialogue about unhealthy relationships. Growing from pre-teen to a teen and teen to an adult has its challenges, so we decided to be that haven for them to turn to when they find themselves in an unfamiliar or dangerous situation.

www.TheFacesBehindAPurposeForYou.org

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