Natorsha Hammonds - A New Testimony

By Terry L. Watson

Photos Provided by Natorsha Hammonds

Her life is a living testimony.

Natorsha Hammonds, also known as Danielle by many, enjoys being a mother. She has six children, with one being deceased, and is also the founder of a non-profit organization, A New Testimony, which focuses on building teens by offering mentorship and love and pushing them to be great. “We are an organization that believes in second chances for teens,” she says.

Dealing with the challenges of today requires problem-solvers who bring different perspectives and are willing to take risks. A New Testimony Organization LLC emerged out of a pursuit to inspire and support the community and a desire for actions to speak louder than words. Some programs and services offered by A New Testimony are Adult Programs, Majorette Dance Team, Cheerleading, Praise Dance, Mime Dance, Budgeting Classes, Job Placement and Training, Housing, Rehabilitation, and Speaking.

A former high school graduate, Natorsha now attends college and is pursuing a Bachelors Degree in Psychology. She shares that in 2017, God gave her a vision to launch her organization soon after her daughter was killed by her dad. “The vision was clear, and so was my calling. It was to help the youth and keep them on the right track,” she says. “My passion is dancing, mentoring, and helping kids grow into wonderful humans, and seeing the growth that takes place in them is what I love most about what I do.”

Natorsha shares a bible message that she lives by daily. It is Psalm 103. “Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion” (Psalm 103:2-4). She adds a note to her younger self that says, “I use that verse every day to get through my past, my present, and my future. I know that people aren’t perfect, and that’s why I fall short all the time. I always feel like if I had just found my faith and walked in my journey with God when I was young instead of trying to live up to my parents, expectations and living in the streets, the process would’ve been easier as far

as healing. I’m so sorry and I hope that when you read this, you will forgive me and put in your heart to push past our circumstances. I love you, younger self. It got worse, of course. As I got older, my mom beat me, not believing me , and becoming jealous of me. Never congratulating me. Needless to say, I still don’t have a mother figure. Part of my older self still tries to find out where I messed up, how I messed up, and why I messed up. I taught myself how to love, and sometimes I still fail at it. I’m not gone lie; this world is lonely, and being the black sheep is very uncomfortable. If I could go back, I would do everything differently. Writing this is very hard because I never knew how bad my unforgiveness was. As of today I will go deep in my prayers and take this time to transition into the woman that God wants me to be and still grow from that little girl.”

Looking ahead, in addition to helping other individuals who may be affected by domestic violence, Natorsha shares she plans to open a community center and help youth learn their passion. For more about her organization, please visit their website.

www.anewtestimony.com