This past Monday, I visited a transitional Foster Home in Los Angeles and spoke with a few young girls as well as delivered Christmas Gifts. Back in November, when we first reached out to an organization called ‘LIFT Angels program’ to see how we could help with mentoring and giving back to the youth, the program director actually told us he wasn’t interested and hung up. A day or two later after he called back, I met with him and he told me that it was rare to see someone reach out to see how they could help so when we had called up there, he thought we were trying to sell him something. Imagine that. lol
My friends Lauren and Fallon baked refreshments for the girls and accompanied me to the home, all the while I was thinking my lucky stars for great friends. Although the coordinator at the house warned us that the girls (age 18-20) may not be receptive to us, I really felt like we bonded and connected with them.
I shared my story with them. How I started my website. Losing my parents. Moving from state to state trying to find an opportunity. Creating my own after being tired of being told ‘no’. My struggle with family. The feeling of being alone, especially around Christmas but how very important it is to find a support system made up of people who truly believe in you. Thankfully enough, my support system was there with me. I expressed the importance of a vision board and how visualizing the things you want for yourself helps keep you focused on your ultimate goals but I believe my most important message was that you should never be embarrassed of your story and to share your story because you never know how that may help someone else.
Afterward, some of the girls kept embracing us with hugs and continuously thanked us for coming by and inspiring them. One of the girls had a whole entire wall of magazine clippings of things she wanted for herself. Her bedroom wall was her vision board. I was so impressed and she exuded so much strength considering everything she had been through in life. When we left, my friends and I decided that this wasn’t going to be a one time thing. We were going to keep coming back every month to check up on and mentor them and make sure they continued to head down the right path. The next time we meet, we are going to have a vision board party and help them construct their vision books. I’m pretty excited.
When we first came in the house, we broke the ice by having everyone share their best memory from Christmas. Ironically, I really couldn’t think of one because I haven’t really celebrated Christmas in a long time. My best memory was my first Christmas I could remember (I was probably 3), when I hadn’t grasped the concept of what the holiday was about but I came down stairs and their were toys Everywhere, and my mom had somehow convinced me that Santa had come down that small chimney..and I believed her. Although most of the Christmas holidays after that was a blur, I can say that my visit to the foster home and giving back made this Christmas holiday the most fulfilling holiday ever and having my friends there with me to share the moment, made it even more memorable.
Hi, I'm Necole!
Just AWESOME.
Necole, you continue to flood the world with your kindness. It is the very reason you are blessed and will continue to be blessed. I am so moved and touched by your story. Each and every day, your are one of the woman I think of when Im building, and exuding my brand, image, work and HEART. I’m not sure if you ever have time to read these comments, but if you do, just know that somewhere in the world (Chicago) there is a young, african american woman, who was too broken, and YOU helped me see the light at the end of the tunnel. I always knew that great woman lived, I just didnt know they came in the form of bloggers. Thank you for opening that door and I pray that you never lose that spirit that you have inside of yourself. It is what makes you different, and REAL. I am forever a fan, even when I start my own blog, I will still come to hellonecole.com and necolebitchie.com because I want to see you win.
Forever a fan,
Jai
PS. I met you in Chicago last week and I started to tell you, but I didnt have the strength. Now I do. 🙂
Good job on giving back Necole 🙂
Aaaaww Necole this is great moment. Some many people forget about these women and they become hurt and damaged because they are feeling alone. I can relate to your story so I know these young ladies can relate to your story. Glad you’re telling them they can amount to anything and to create the life they wanted to live. I really wish someone open my eyes to the type of abundant life focused on love and positivity when I was there age. My friend Jae is adopted and she is speaking more to young women in foster and adoption care to let them know life is better that what you see. Glad both of you are reaching back to help others.
I’m so glad I found this story you shared. This inspires me to volunteer my time.
“I believe my most important message was that you should never be embarrassed of your story and to share your story because you never know how that may help someone else.” This will stick with me. Very powerful message.
Thank you!
Always a BLESSING to be a BLESSING!
When you’ve been blessed pass it on