Hey Lovelies,
I’m turning 22 tomorrow and with that being said this past year has been one of the most reflective years I’ve had yet.
When I turned 21, I gave you all 32 lessons I learned during my 21st year of life. Although this year has been a challenge that I could go on and on about I am going to spare you with a lengthy list and instead just sum up everything I’ve learned thus far.
One of the few perks about being 21 is knowing you‘re in the sweet spot of becoming an adult and you still have room to grow.
You’re not a little kid anymore having to ask your parents permission to go out with friends or being forced to wake up for school anymore but you still have so many first left to experience.
Like your first real job, first apartment, starting a family when the time is right.
Turning 21 has been a humbling experience and not just because I get carded at bars now.
This year taught me that when you’re progress doesn’t look like anyone else’s that doesn’t mean you aren’t making any.
Just like the payment plans you make on your phone your blessings in life also come in installments.
As I have said before you can’t do everything all at once, at least not all by yourself and THAT’S OKAY!
It took me some time to learn that lesson but as I am progressing to 22 I realize that I have more good years ahead of me than behind me.
This year alone I reclaimed my mental health, found my voice as a blogger, found love and acceptance within myself, gave back to my community through volunteering, and graduated college.
I am thankful for my family who grounded me and my faith that kept me strong.
I can’t wait to see what 22 will bring!
There are a few nonprofits in my local community and beyond doing amazing work to help others.
This year I’m asking my followers & subscribers to donate and support these causes as my birthday wish!
PACE Center For Girls
For over 35 years, Pace Center For Girls has provided girls and young women an opportunity for a better future through education, counseling, training, and advocacy.
Pace is the only statewide prevention program in the country cited by the National Council on Crime and Delinquency that effectively targets girls with consistent, positive results.
Pace has changed the life trajectory of more than 40,000 girls so they feel safe, loved and empowered to keep them out of the juvenile justice system.
Pace is addressing issues women face such as sexual abuse, eating disorders, prostitution, teen pregnancy to show them they are worth more and have the potential to change their life for the better.
About
Pace Center for Girls, Inc. is a non-profit, gender-specific program, providing comprehensive academic and therapeutic prevention and intervention to at-risk girls ages 12-18 at community based centers throughout the state of Florida.
Pace was created as an alternative to institutionalization or incarceration for adolescent girls at-risk of high school dropout and involvement in the justice system.
Since 1985, pace has been recognized by local, state and national governments as the leader in providing educational programs and counseling to at-risk girls.
Pace served over 3,000 girls in 2018. Pace is the leading advocate for girls on a national and state level, providing training, policy, research and consulting.
To find out more information about how to get involved and donate click here.
SALT Outreach Inc.
For a little over a decade, Service and Love Together (SALT) is a grassroots, young adult non-profit organization with a mission to that aims to exemplify the character of Christ through relational evangelism, meeting the needs of the community, equipping people for service, and fostering spiritual growth.
What I love about SALT is there outreach through their mobile homeless drop-in center.
The four programs SALT runs consist of a mobile day service center in Orlando, mobile day service center in Sanford, street outreach, permanent supportive housing, and the SALT Outpost program.
This non-profit focuses on helping those most affected by the economic implications of COVID-19.
SALT has a laundry trailer to aid those in need of clean clothing. SALT also provides haircuts, showers and other services to the homeless in Orlando. About
SALT Outreach was founded by Eric Camarillo in 2011. He had just become a Christian and wanted to make a difference in the community as well as in church he had just become a part of.
However, he noticed a few things that were preventing the church from being able to effectively impact the community: Lack of unity, singularity in community service, inconsistency in community outreach.
Noticing these setbacks, Eric knew that something had to change. There needed to be something that could rally people together from all different walks of life.
An organization that would focus on impactful community service projects, exemplify Christ’s method of evangelism by creating meaningful relationships with those in need in the community, and create a "space" for church and community members to work together was the answer to this dilemma.
To find out more information about how to get involved and donate click here.
Hope For Haiti
In response to the political crisis, health crisis, and recent earthquake, Hope For Haiti is a non-profit organization that has been working on the ground in Les Cayes, Haiti for over 32 years.
On August 14th, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake hit the southern region of Haiti, causing deaths, injuries, and severe damage to homes, schools, and important community infrastructure.
Hope For Haiti stands ready to face the crisis head on by purchasing, importing and distributing medication, medical supplies and equipment through mobile clinics conducted by Haitian doctors and nurses.
In addition they are working to distribute Home Water Filtration Systems to over 75,000 Haitian families in rural and urban areas who lack access to clean drinking water.
There work is saving lives.
About
Hope For Haiti is on a mission to improve the quality of life for the Haitian people, particularly children. Their vision for Haiti consist of joyful children, healthy families, thriving communities, and the resources to make it so.
Hope for Haiti’s mission is driven by the fundamental belief that there is always a pathway to a better life in Haiti despite the numerous challenges that exist.
To accomplish our mission, we implement an integrated model for development that has been proven to reduce poverty by working with community leaders in rural areas in five key program areas: education, healthcare, infrastructure, access to clean water, and economic opportunity.
To find out more information about how to get involved and donate click here.
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