Today we’d like to introduce you to Kemedontae Tillman.
Kemedontae, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
In 2011, it was a day like no other that is forever sketched in my heart. I received a “KNOCK” at my door. After hearing her relative turn away a young girl asking for help, it was at that very “AHHAAA Moment” that Glorious Hands, Inc., A Girls Mentoring Academy, was established because I believed there had to more! So I quickly went to a local Title I Middle School and asked the principal for five girls that could use some additional support. That number went from five to twenty-five in a few weeks.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
One thing that stands out when I think of challenges is transportation to our weekly afterschool meetings and experiences.
We would often hear, “I didn’t come because I didn’t have a ride.” But in order to be an effective mentor in lives of our jewels, we have to maintain a consistent relationship. So we added transportation to the top of our Wishlist.
At our ten-year anniversary celebration, The Father’s Table Foundation in Sanford, FL purchased us a 15 passenger van! We are forever grateful to our community for the continued support!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Glorious Hands Inc. serves as “A Positive Place for Girls,” ages 10-19 providing the support and resources that girls need during this influential time of their life. Our weekly empowerment sessions and monthly experiences set the stage for our Role Model Mentors to establish consistent, meaningful and strong relationships with our jewels.
During the pandemic, we had to make some huge pivots but we continuously provided counseling, food, and weekly experiences for our jewels and families. As we approach our 11 anniversary of serving the City of Sanford, we will continue to use the glory of hands to answer every “KNOCK” on the door! GH will continue to lead by example, not through mere words, but by being a living example! If you know a young lady that does NOT have a Role Model Mentor in her life, please refer her to our academy! Thank you!
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Our jewels need us more now than ever! With more idle time being spent at home, this is definitely the time for us to show up and impact their lives.
Contact Info:
- Email: glorioushandsinc@gmail.com
- Website: www.glorioushandsinc.org
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/glorioushandsinc
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/glorioushandsinc
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn5oZaKjN9-QRgU3Jpuj5ow
Image Credits:
CastleDreams Photography, Owner: Jennifer Kallin
