When I was in college my first “real” job was working for
the New York City Dept. of Health. They
go by something else these days. I was
a trained peer educator. I worked throughout
various city High Schools and youth organizations. I would facilitate
workshops on HIV/AIDS, Safer Sex Behaviors, Sexual Transmitted infections, and
some other things. I enjoyed my position
and the topics were very important to me.
The only problem, was that it was a position only to be held by a college student, and
I didn’t plan on being a professional student for the rest of my life.
As Graduation approached I began to look for a Job. I applied for many and I took city, state
exams. I came very very close to
becoming a New York City Police Officer.
Instead I chose to continue in the field of social work.
I had interviewed for a position as a Training Coordinator for a
community based organization in the Lower East Side. They didn’t hire me, but a few months later
around the time that I was going through the process for the police department,
they called me back. They had apologized
and asked if I would want to come back and interview for the position
again. I had hit a little snafu with the
department because of my weight. So I
was on hold. I figured why not. They wanted me to come in during program
hours and meet the youth of the program.
I was to put together a quick workshop to facilitate for them.
I remember going there and being nervous. But I went in there and did what I do, and
got it done. The youth were very
receptive and I was hired. I worked for
this CBO for about 8 years. There is a
whole lot I can write about why I chose to leave them, but I will just say
this. I had just had my daughter Devynn
and felt it was best that I change my career.
I really miss working in that field and have always wanted to somehow
get back into it.
When my Donomite was diagnosed, I quickly looked into
getting him services. What I realized was that there weren’t any services right
here in the borough that I was born and raised in. The Bronx is one of the poorest boroughs, according
to the most recent census and it is the most underserved. In order to get my son involved in anything I
have to leave the borough or go to another county. That isn’t right. Fortunately I have a car and can travel, but
what happens to the families that do not have that luxury.
So it is my dream to put together an organization that will
host people with disabilities and allow them to participate in sports related
activities, such as baseball, soccer, etc.
I want to create a space where families will feel supported and
comfortable to let their children be who they are. I want them to be able to flap when they are
happy, and to grunt when they want. I
want them to be surrounded by positivity and love. I want them to know that they CAN do it, no
matter the limitations. Because where
there is a will there is a way. And you
just need to figure out the way.
I truly believe that the experiences and opportunities that
have been placed in my path, have led me up to this. I am actively looking into getting my program
started. I am in the process of getting
my ducks in a row and am at the planning stages. Putting it all on paper, and next I will be
looking for funding to get it started.
Stay tuned to see just how far I go!!!!!
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