This coming Friday, #lovebeyondwalls will be one of the three charities adopted by Voya Investments. The other two wonderful charities are (The Ronald McDonald House & The Wounded Warrior Project). Not only is this a huge blessing, this partnership will help us continue to do the work in under-resourced communities in the Atlanta area.
LBW Team
After a couple weeks of work we have seen several students start to benefit from the #closetstrike journey! In fact, we got this picture from a partnering school this week. It was very touching!
Because people donated uniforms this school was able to resource three siblings this AM who lacked in their closet. The educator said, “They were sooooo happy with lots of personality! The little girl says “I feel so pretty now” God is awesome!” Thanks to everybody that donated.
LBW Team
This morning (5AM), I don’t know what to say… Yesterday we saw children SMILE! Have you ever had a moment where you know you’ve experienced something great but didn’t know how it came about? Well, I had a similar feeling when I walked around Sheltering Arms yesterday watching 20+ corporate professionals (from our corporate sponsor) serve, read to, teach, and paint the faces of 200 kids in that community.
We even had a nutritional superhero (Super Cooper) come out to teach kids the importance of eating healthy and exercising.
It was our first annual back to school kick-off promoting education in early childhood learning centers. Additionally, Northwestern raised over 256 books to help us promote literacy among families in the College Park community. It was an amazing day serving alongside Northwestern, Sheltering Arms, and Get Well Soon.
Below are a few pictures taken from the amazing day!
Terence
I can’t believe it has literally been six days since I have been in regular clothes! Some amazing things have happened over the three months (during the #closetstrike journey). We worked with several people, organizations, and businesses to raise resources to help four Title 1 schools. Next week, we will hand deliver “uniforms of hope” to four schools we’ve adopted in Clayton County. Each uniform will have a special heart placed on the sleeve! This will be to let educators and families know that there is an army of people who support and love them.
Additionally, next week we will mobilize corporate professionals to serve children in the Sheltering Arms Daycare on Welcome All Rd. Northwestern Benefits has raised tons of books for #lovebeyondwalls to promote literacy & education.
We are excited about this!
Terence
At 12 midnight, I made the full 90 DAYS in one outfit. Yesterday, the #lovebeyondwalls team surprised me with this memorbelia below to help us remember the journey! It currently is in our office! I’m excited because now we will be able to assist many of the schools we are partnered with with uniforms for under resourced students.
Terence
You ever been under water in a swimming pool for a considerable amount of time, and all of a sudden you spring out of the water gasping for air? Well, that’s what today feels like…
It feels like I have literally been under water wearing this same outfit for 90 DAYS straight, and I can now prepare myself to get some air… Why compare having no oxygen to wearing the same outfit? Simple. Each day was a struggle, presented a new challenged, was filled with embarrassment, and became psychologically and emotionally taxing. There were many times I found myself wanting to quit, or break out in tears, or even spring out of the “water of shame” to get some air.
“AGAIN…..” I’d wake up and say to myself.
However, the focus of this journey wasn’t about me! It was to gain a clear understanding of what children who battle poverty fell…. It gave me deeper understanding of how children are impacted emotionally, socially, and even psychologically (those who lack resources). When a child has to endure poverty, shame, and even socially isolating circumstances, it becomes damaging to their self-picture. When a self-image is destroyed, it is hard for any type of hope or confidence to be present (especially in a classroom setting). That’s why I am really excited that our organization will be able to help a little! We are aiming to encourage both educators and students! #lovebeyondwalls will soon present uniforms to four schools we are partnering with to aid families and children.
Terence
Got a chance to interview about #closetstrike on Be100radio.com! We’ll post the interview as soon as we receive the link!
Terence
Literally, I have been wearing the same outfit 83 DAYS straight! And, if I can be honest I want to tap out right now! Why? One of my shoes is completely busted (meaning I have a shoe and a half), my shirt is not even white anymore, and my pants are falling a apart at the bottom. Talk about humbling…
This journey has given me even more compassion for students in Title 1 schools who struggle with poverty, and has also increased my awareness to pay attention to the stories right around me. You never know what a person is going through!
Although I want to give up, I am not… Even if that means walking in one shoe! I am deeply inspired to go the journey so #lovebeyondwalls can start uniform closets in four Title 1 Schools.
Below are the picture for my shoe and shirt…
Terence
This past Tuesday, @ladiesatlanta (chapter of the national organization Ladies America) partnered with us to raise uniforms for the Title 1 schools we are adopting for our #closetstrike campaign! This chapter had a networking event, and invited our team out to be their special guest. #lovebeyondwalls got a chance to share the mission & vision with this great group of people.
Next week, LeCrew, LLC will partner with us to raise the remaining uniforms before the #closetsrtike campaign ends. We are grateful and excited for God connecting us with people who have a heart to serve!
Today is DAY 77 in one outfit! Only 13 DAYS left… My (Terence) shoe is almost completely gone! I am literally determined to see this #closetstrike journey all the way through… Why? Because we’ll get to bless many children without resources in their closets at home… This has been both the most humbling, humiliating, and rewarding journey ever in life… Lord, give me strength to go the distance. #lovebeyondwalls
Terence
Today, is DAY 75 of #closetstrike! That’s 1,800 hours & 6,480,000 seconds in one outfit for children in need. I only have 15 more days left and 25 more uniforms to raise. Join me in taking a stand for education, children, & poverty.
