Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Meyer.
Hi Sara, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
“Enough is enough!” When you see young children become victims of the cycle of poverty, mental illness, drug use, and violence, you get to make a choice. The choice to do something to positively impact that one little girl or boy’s life trajectory, or you can make the choice not to. It was an easy decision for Sara, founder of Eight Waves, to step into waging war to break down the cycle of adverse childhood experiences. She simply said enough in May of 2019, after a local shooting left teenagers injured, and decided that something had to be done. Sara has worked with at-risk students most of her career, but found that many local children in Central Florida are lacking the structure and opportunities to become confident future life leaders!
A significant amount of time and trust-building within Central Florida families facing poverty has taken place. The process of program development, and eight initiatives have been set in place to support children and empower families to make lasting changes in their lives, as well as in the community.
Eight Waves has grown steadily every year since then. We currently have 3 full-time staff members, 15 directors and advisors, and more than 60 energetic volunteers, including an abundance of community partnership support. But it doesn’t stop there; we are looking at expanding our services to support the children around us so growth within the team is very important.
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?
Life is full of struggles. We are facing challenges of a broken system, mental illness, and violent acts. Just recently, a young student’s life was taken by gun violence. Our team mourns his life and the life of the shooter. Situations like this are sadly a common reality that young children face within neighborhoods of Central Florida. We take this heart-wrenching situation to fuel our end goal; breaking the chains and changing lives.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Eight Waves offers eight programs providing waves of opportunities. Our programs focus on the support and structure services a child needs to thrive. Reading intervention, mentorship and therapy, hygiene supplies, life experiences, family stability program, birthday party celebrations, books for babies, and single mom’s support.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Eight Waves would not be anywhere close to the supporting level without the team behind it. Kelly Carr, Director of Operations & Programs, has committed her life to helping local children and truly making an impact. Mackenzie Gebken, Student Services & Programs Coordinator, is working to build out all the services, such as haircuts and clothing drives, to provide for the students and families. Community Partnerships, without a doubt, the support and love from the local community, has been life-changing. Our partners are always there to call when we are in need.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.Eightwaves.org
- Instagram: Eight.waves
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eightwavesyouth
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/UMI1zwUOasg
Image Credits
Tamara Knight
