Education + Children + Non-Profit =SimplyJuneCares

Okay, I met my dear friend Madia at a Posh for Purpose Breast Cancer Walk about 2 years ago and we happen to both be vendors and we were set up next to each other. And thats when a friendship started. We exchanged information and the rest is history. She  has a bright spirit and she loves my Red velvet Cookies! lol She has a story to tell and I got her to step out the box and spread her Dopeness with everyone. Check out what she had to tell us…...

1. How did you get started? And Why?

My late younger brother Andy had special needs and as a child it made me feel out of sorts, as i got older I realized we never talked about his difference we just loved him and spoiled him.  This made me want to help all the children in the world that was special and in need of interventions to help them live and achieve their fullest potential while reducing the stigma on mental illness.  Becoming an advocate became second nature as both children and parents are in need of support.

2. Why did you decide to start the non-profit?

One in five children suffer from a mental illness (NIMH, 2015) which impacts their development, relationships with others as well as their learning and behavior.

I wanted to help serve children by reducing stigma, ending the barriers to care and supporting them before they are lost in a classroom or society As a scholar at Walden University one of the most emphasized aspect of our educational goal is positive social change as a practitioner.  In 2014!After loads of contemplating  instead of writing my dissertation I withdrew from my studies and started my nonprofit as a scholar practitioner while caring for my mom who had been diagnosed with cancer a year earlier.  As a School Psychologist my training and research on mental health has lead me to serve and advocate for students who are in need of social emotional development to improve their academic achievement, emotional intelligence and end the stigma on mental illness, review IEP’s and educate parents

3. Share a time that your story helped someone else.

My story has helped others in countless ways, however one of my most memorable is serving a single parent with an autistic child.  He was severely depressed and experienced suicidal ideations, and was very unhappy at school. Together with mom I was able to provide him with coping skills, a different outlook and a path to emotional wellness.

4. Tell us about your annual event.

The annual event is a birthday celebration in December.  Last year we did a Paintacular party we raised $600 of our $1000 goal. The funds are used by the nonprofit to host a vision board party for all the clients and purchase supplies.  We teach goal setting through vision and prioritizing with a glimpse into their future.

There is an ongoing fundraiser to maintain a safe and secure meeting location, supplies and snacks for the clients.  

We are also currently working on an annual summer program to serve children with developmental delays in a camp setting in collaboration with a Speech Pathologist and Occupational Therapist. 

5. Where are you from….by way of?

I was born on the island of Jamaica and raised in New York, however after graduate school I relocated to Atlanta, GA..from apples to peaches.

6. If you could sing one song on American Idol, what would it be?

This must be the hardest question in my life because as much as I love music and appreciate the art of dance I don’t sing.  

7. If you were on an island and could only bring three things, what would you bring? 

a) cell phone- it connects me to the world wide web and people.

b) comfort shoes-a nice pair of running shoes so i can be comfortable, run, walk, skip, or hike comfortably.

c) - this could serve as a dress, skirt, coverup, sarong, blanket, throw, picnic cloth, head scarf/turban, a shoulder bag and a baby wrap/sling.

8. If you were a box of cereal, what would you be and why?

Kelloggs Corn Flakes, yup the plain dry old cereal because it has less sugar and i like it with warm condensed milk and blueberries.

9. You are a new addition to the crayon box, what color would you be and why?

I would be Faith, an iridescent crayon that consistently changes and has no limitations on its color or shade.

10. If there was a movie produced about your life, who would play you and why?

Sanaa Lathan , because i am an ambivert.... i am laid back, slow to warm up and often serious but when the opportunity presents my sense of humor shines through and my smile captivates others. I think she would be great at playing the role of an ambivert yet comfortable and fashionable enough to be a butterfly in social settings.

11. What was the last gift you gave someone?

Oh my gosh, I am such a giver it’s ridiculous, I am surprised i still have myself.  My last gifts given out today were: earrings, a purse and some advice to 3 different persons.

12. What are you listening to right now in your car?

 I am currently listening to “The Habits of highly Effective people” an audio book by Stephen R Covey. In regards to music i often let the radio play or listen to Reggae, Rap and RnB. My favorite song is by India Arie: Just do you from her album “Songversation”

13. Favorite restaurant & food. 

Seafood especially shrimp and lobsters are my favorite foods. My favorite restaurant is Chill Out Hut when I am in Jamaica, Sammys on City Island in New York and Oceans Eleven or Spondivits in Atlanta. I can’t help my choices I love seafood and I have a mental list of favorite restaurants everywhere i have been in the world.

14. How can people keep up with what you are up too? Share links/ Instagram/ Facebook

People can keep up with me on social media: instagram, twitter, facebook, tumbler @simplyjunecares 

website www.simplyjunecares.com

Tax deductible Donations can be made by clicking the donate button on our website or https://www.gofundme.com/2zvnsf4s