Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Welcome to community, view Boys and Shawnee feeling blessed and
highly favorite. On this Sunday morning, we are highlighting veterans
as well as the Sisters Network Northeast Florida eighteenth annual
Gift for Life block Walk, and we're highlighting on nonprofits
and how you can get involved with elder source. So
as we highlight our veterans on this Sunday morning, I
(00:21):
have the pleasure of talking to some Shiras in the community,
just paving the way, opening doors and making sure there
are no ceilings in our community. So today I have
Melissa Hardwick. She's here with us. Melissa, how you doing.
Good morning.
Speaker 2 (00:37):
I am Wellshotty. I'm absolutely well and certainly excited to
share this time with you.
Speaker 1 (00:43):
You know, Melissa, I see our sisters in the community.
I see you doing great work, and I definitely want
to applaud you for always doing your due diligence in
the community. And then sometimes we just connect with the text, right,
So I wanted to share because you're building your your
grooving and you are receiving awards. So just tell us
(01:04):
a little something about Melissa, and then we'll get into
the awards. Because we're celebrating a military Awareness month, and
there are a lot of female military share us out there,
so tell us a little something about Melissa.
Speaker 3 (01:17):
So Melissa full More Hardwick.
Speaker 2 (01:19):
Of course, I am a native of South Florida, a
little town in Broward County called Deerfield Beach, and I
have been in Jacksonville now for about twenty five years.
Came here for a career relocation, met my husband here,
started a family, have an amazing twelve year old son.
Speaker 4 (01:40):
I am a.
Speaker 2 (01:40):
Believer, I am a servant leader, and I absolutely am
enjoying my best years right now. I am currently professionally
a CIO, which is a chief information officer, a technology executive,
and recently got selected by her global parents company in
Amsterdam to work on a strategy at the executive level
(02:06):
for kind of bridging opportunities for all so our hiring
strategy because we are staffing company. So yeah, what I'm
doing and that's who I am.
Speaker 1 (02:15):
Community Shawnie speaking to a shier, a servant in the
community here to empower us. On this Sunday, we are
also celebrating Military Awareness Month. And I understand you are
a veteran and you receive some accolades share with us
those accolades.
Speaker 2 (02:32):
Yeah, it is most humbling and I'm certainly honored. I
was nominated by one of my colleagues that works for
our company as Veteran of the Year in the Corporate
America space. And so what that means is there is
a voting campaign going on right now throughout the US
(02:55):
and I am a strong contender for being the Veteran
of the Year in the Corporate America space. So I
served time in the United States Army. I was a
finance officer and certainly enjoyed my time serving. In fact,
I like to say that that is when I grew up.
The military certainly shaped my life in terms of discipline
(03:20):
and just being able to work with so many groups
of people. And I am happy and proud to be
a female veteran.
Speaker 1 (03:26):
I mean the Shaanie serving in the community today, sharing
our Shiras who are on the ground paving the way
for the future. Melissa, as you are growing and you
see what's going on in the world, we have some
people who are listening, some young adults who are graduating
and just trying to find their way in the world.
What would you say to those young adults listening right now?
Speaker 2 (03:49):
You know, I would say, walk in your God given courage.
I think oftentimes we are challenged as to can we
really share our voice? And when I see the young ladies,
of course, I work with and run a nonprofit, Brown
Girls in the boardroom, and it's kind of one of
(04:10):
those silent organizations where we're doing a lot of work
in the background with young ladies, and I tell them
all the time, if not you, then who, And so
I would encourage every young woman to use your voice
and find the courage to be a disruptor, a professional disruptor.
I like to pride myself on being able to walk
(04:31):
in that space, and I would challenge every young girl
to do the same.
Speaker 1 (04:35):
Melissa, It's always a pleasure of speaking with you because
you are just a powerful voice, providing everyone a vision
of excellence. And that's what I see in you, and
I get that feeling when I speak with you. So
thank you so much for sharing your story, for being
a shier and understanding what we have to do as
(04:56):
Brown Girls and be disruptive some time and state our
claim in the community. So I know that you are
doing amazing things. Please do not hesitate to tap in
with the community. Show and tell us what you're doing
and allowing us to help you shine a light or
create a pathway for our young adults. So is there
(05:19):
anything else that you would like to share with us today, No.
Speaker 2 (05:23):
Shanie, I just appreciate you using your voice in your
platform to elevate She ros right. It's women like you
who are unselfish and just find it necessary to say,
you know what, I'm going to reach out and I'm
going to touch and I'm going to share this story
with other women in the community. So absolute you am
for what you're doing.
Speaker 3 (05:42):
Thank you for having me.
Speaker 1 (05:43):
Well, you know, Melissa, we have to lift every voice.
Isn't that what we have to do so that our
generation and we take away those curses where we as women,
we need to lift each other up and shine the
light when we have the opportunity. Thank you for all
that you do. I know that you're going to win
that award for veterans, and if we could do anything
(06:07):
as a community to rally behind you, please let us
know how we could vote for you if that is
an option.
Speaker 2 (06:13):
Absolutely absolutely, I will actually share the voting lead with you.
Speaker 4 (06:17):
Shan.
Speaker 1 (06:17):
You know it's a pleasure just talking to some females
in the community who are positive, wanting to help and
also elevate. So thank you, Melissa, don't stop, you know,
I am here. I am rally behind all the women
out in our community who are doing the good work
of God and our servants to our community.
Speaker 2 (06:37):
So thank you.
Speaker 1 (06:37):
Welcome back to Community View, Voints and Shawnee feeling blessed
and highly favored on this Sunday morning, and we are
empowering our community, highlighting, highlighting shareros in the community. And
today I have the privilege of speaking to Tamika Gaines Holly. Tamika,
good morning, how are you.
Speaker 3 (06:55):
I'm doing well, Shannie, how are you?
Speaker 1 (06:58):
You know? Blessed that I could empowering the community and
giving everyone a voice, lifting the voice of the communities
what I'm trying to do. So I wanted to bring
you in because you first post something about nonprofits and
that's what this show is all about, nonprofits and how
they are built and how they strive and thrive. But
(07:20):
first before we get to that, if you would tell
the community something about Tamika Gaines Holly.
Speaker 3 (07:27):
Absolutely, well. First, thank you for having me, Shani. Thank
you for what you bring to the airwaves. And how
you empower people in our communities. It is greatly needed
and we appreciate you in the community. I'm Tamika Gaines
Holly born and raised right here in Jacksonville. Graduated from
Jean Lubosia High School, went on from there and graduated
(07:51):
with by backup science from Florida and n University, and
came back and immediately started working in the community. I
worked intern for a while with Mayo Planic and then
got hired on and then I moved from there to
a local social service provider here and Jacksville and really
(08:14):
began to look at, you know, where I grew up
and what I wanted to give back to our community.
I started volunteering at my local high school, Jean Ribau
Sarad as the PTSA president over there, served und their
school divisory Council, and became very active in that community
(08:35):
and making sure that we empowered the communities and families
to live a great quality of life in many areas,
from economic developments to health and just you named it.
Just making sure that holistically our community could really improve
and be better. Currently, I served as the chief Operations
(08:56):
Officer for the Northeast Border Area agent you're on aging.
It's also known as Elder Source. I also have my
own consultant fund to Meeka Game Holly LLC, which helps
businesses and governmental agencies as well as nonprofits and for
a profit become better in strategic planning, training and development,
(09:19):
and overall financial health. So from the business aspect to
the personal and community aspect, I'm just looking to make
people's lives, people's businesses better.
Speaker 1 (09:30):
Community empowering you today with Tamika Gaines Holly. She is
here as someone I've reached out and I said, Tamika,
I need the community to know what you're about, but
I want the community to understand your delivery right. And
so you had put a post out there about nonprofits
and what a nonprofit is and how to move forward
(09:52):
with a nonprofit. So if you would, for everyone listening
this morning, talk to us about, you know, how do
you start that nonprofit, what do you do and how
do you keep that nonprofit thriving?
Speaker 3 (10:05):
Starting a nonprofit really is about the mission. That is
what nonprofits is about. Is really the mission of the
work that they want to accomplish, and that mostly should
be a charitable mission. You shouldn't be looking to impose
upon the community on people, something charitable, something that comes
(10:27):
from a hard work. And from there you have to
of course follow all laws and regulations and rules as
it relates to starting your nonprofit, understanding what your mission
is going to be, what the purpose is that you want,
and then doing the groundwork and foundational work to do that.
(10:47):
The first way is to ensure that you go to
your the state of Florida its son Biz and that
you register your nonprofit. And with that registration you need
to have name, need to have a purpose, a registered agent,
a board that is very very important. I usually say
(11:08):
you know no less than three persons on that board.
And then from there you make sure there's a plan
and how you want to build your business, how you
want to make sure that you're reaching the people that
you need to reach, and that you are expective in
what you're looking to produce in the community. You know,
(11:28):
from there, once you have registered it, and you could
decide at that point if you you know, want that
nonprofit to be a five on one C three and
the one is a five on one th three That
is the RS code for tax exempt organization and that
means that that organization at that point, if it becomes
(11:48):
five ON one C three organization, it can be tax exempts.
Uh that all nonprofits are. That you can be a
nonprofit without having a five O one C three designation.
But that's always important when you want to get donations
and contributions from people, because those donations and contributions become
taxed to debtiple. It's also important to make sure you
(12:11):
know where you're putting on your board. Having people who
have skills set that can help you start your nonprofit
and help you manage the nonprofit. It's so important because
that is the best practice that especially for foundational work,
that when you don't have a lot of money, you
don't have the funds to pay individuals be the volunteer
(12:35):
board members and so therefore there are skills that can
help you really lay the groundwork to be a successful nonprofit.
But I really want people to think about what is
the mission and what is the issue or problem they'd
like to solve in the community when it comes to
being a nonprofit.
Speaker 2 (12:54):
Kevin D.
Speaker 1 (12:55):
Shawnee speaking to Tamika here today to empower us of
things that we may know but we don't know, allowing
us to understand the depth of her community work. In
our city, Tamika, you also deal with the Elder Source
or the senior population. Talk to us about that depth
(13:20):
and your why.
Speaker 3 (13:21):
You know, I'm a community person. I really look to,
you know, serve and be a servant leader in the community.
So I have over twenty five thirty years in nonprofit
management and you know, my drive took me to Elder Source,
which is the area Agency on Aging and Aging and
Disability Resource Center for Northeast Florida. So we serviced the
(13:45):
seven county area that includes Duval, Clay, Nassau, Baker, Saint John's, Flagler,
and Volusha County. We service the agency and disabled population
in our community. We run a health line so anyone
in our area can call and receive information and referral services.
(14:07):
We also provide funding to local providers to provide services
in the community, like meals on wills. We fund that
good Meal site so the sites where the senior centers
their meals being served. Their Older Source also funds that
as well. We fund respite services so when a caregiver
(14:29):
needs a little rest and needs someone to come in
and provide care to their loved one, we help provide
those services I look at it as heartwork. It's not
hard work for me. It's hard work and being able
to give back to a population who has tirelessly worked
and has age, gone through the agent process and is
(14:51):
now in a position where they need assistance. We're here
to help, and it's such a rewarding work that we're
able to do. Servants thousands every day as they called
into our agency with many different issues and problems and
challenges that they're facing, and we want to be able
to provide assistance to them and their caregivers. One of
(15:13):
the other great things that we provide us that we
provide resources to caregivers because as you have aging parents
and aging walk one, you know, it takes a lot
to ensure that they have a great quandity of life
at the end of their life. And so you have
daughters and sons and spouses that are there to take
care of those individuals and sometimes they need as systems.
(15:37):
So we also have caregiver resources that we provide where
we do burnout prevention for caregivers. So it's always a
great pleasure and a great feeling to be able to
service those individuals that have needs.
Speaker 1 (15:52):
Qundy Shawnee speaking to a servant leader, a community advocate
this morning, allowing us to understand her passion and her
wife if you would talk to us about what's next
for you. You are building a platform and it seems
as if you are ready to do something amazing. I
feel that That's why I'm asking what's next for you?
Speaker 3 (16:12):
Oh, Shandy, you know, there's so much that I want
to do. There's so there's so many areas that I
want to influence and impact, especially for the city that
I love so dearly, you know. And one of the
ways that I think that we can, you know, come together,
especially in these times, is making sure that we empower
(16:36):
people and educate them with the tools that they need
to succeed. And one way you have to do that
is through economic empowerment. So being able to help individuals
learn their why and have the resources to pursue that
why it's so important to me And so I'm looking at,
(16:57):
you know, bring in a group of individu rules together
to see how we can you know, be able to
be that empowerment center, if you will, for individuals that
want to be an entrepreneur, that want to start a nonprofit,
that want to you know, be equipped with educational skills,
(17:18):
so looking at really focusing on building a bridge to
the future that the community wants to achieve. And so,
you know, praying a lot about how we do that,
how we become self sustaining and as a community of
the people, and how we can lean on each other
and support each other in what we're doing. And so
(17:42):
praying and looking for individuals that are like minded and
want to see our community and our city do better,
and so really looking at how to put that vehicle
together to be able to do that.
Speaker 1 (17:54):
And with our community with everything changing, I think entrepreneurship
and understanding nonprofit neighborhoods and arenas is a way that
the community can stay alive and thrive. So I want
to thank you just for coming on today and giving
us a little bit of Tamika, but a lot of
what you've been doing and a lot of what we
(18:16):
can do to stay alive and thrive together. So thank
you so much for your time.
Speaker 3 (18:21):
Anyone once again in contact with us now they can
also go to our website. It's www dot mild Resource
dot org and they'll have all the information to get
in touch with us, even our phone numbers, our programs,
and so we're looking to service our community that we
have here.
Speaker 1 (18:39):
Welcome to Community Viewpoints and Shawnee. On this Sunday morning,
we are empowering our community, empowering the sisters in our community.
Today I have Diane Townsend. She is the chapter president
of the Sisters Network Northeast Florida. Good morning, Diane, how
are you.
Speaker 4 (18:57):
Good morning Shannie. I am will and thank you so
much for the invitation.
Speaker 1 (19:01):
Well, you know, Diane, you are doing some powerful stuff
for our sisters in the community, so I wanted to
share what you were doing. But before we get to
the event, tell us a little something about Diane Townsend
and the Sister's Network Northeast.
Speaker 4 (19:15):
Oh. Sure, absolutely so. The reason that I'm doing the
work in the first place is because I had a
personal diagnosis a breast cancer more than about thirty five
years ago. I am doing well today, but the things
that I learned about my diagnosis all those years and
throughout all of these years, I felt the need to
(19:35):
be able to share it with other women who probably
felt like I did that being alone and not knowing
very much. They needed to have the additional information and
the support and the encouragement of someone from the community,
and so that led to the development or should I say,
the establishment of our local chapter of Sisters Network, and
(19:56):
we're called Sister's Network Northeast Florida, and we do serve
the communities of Jacksonville and the surrounding communities. And Sisters
Network is an African American breast cancer survivorship organization. And
as I said before, we organized to support African American
women who've been diagnosed with breast cancer. And it's because
(20:18):
we learned, or our chapter and myself learned that the
statistics for Black women in breast cancer were not that good.
And so from there we started to not only support
the women who've been diagnosed in their caregivers and families,
but with the information that we were learning, we felt
a great need to be able to do some educational
(20:40):
outreach in the community so that you know, in fact,
women who may not know very much about the importance
of taking care of their breast health and getting mammograms
as they should, that they might have an opportunity to
learn that information. So our programs are support meetings monthly
for our survi We do educational outreach in the community
(21:03):
all year long, which includes workshops and seminars, But the
important thing this month is our annual block walk, and
I'll be speaking about that as well. So we are
out there delivering resources and patient care kIPS for kids
for the newly diagnosed, and we just try to assist
as we can to make sure that the woman who
(21:25):
is diagnosed with breast cancer doesn't feel alone, doesn't feel
alone in her journey. Although I know we have the
best physicians taking care of us, sometimes you need to
be with someone who's gone through the experience and walk
that walk to be supportive. Men.
Speaker 1 (21:43):
Dye Shawnie speaking to Diane Townsend, our chapter president of
the Sister's Network Northeast Florida, here to empower us today.
You hear the strength in her voice. She is an
advocate in this community to strengthen and empower but also
to inform us about what is going on with the
Sisters Network Northeast Florida. Now, Diane, I know that you
(22:06):
have a great eighteenth Annual Gift for Life block Walk
coming up. Talk to us about the meaning behind that
and when.
Speaker 4 (22:15):
The event will be yes the eighteenth Annual Gift for
Life Block Walk. We've been doing it for the community
just that long. We had a pause during the pandemic
when we couldn't get into the community. However, we've not
missed a year of getting that vital information, including how
to get a mammogram free or reduced costs, into the
(22:36):
hands of the women that we feel need that information.
The purpose, first of all is to go into the communities.
I know there are many opportunities to go to workshops
and healthfarees, but what we find is that in our
communities where the statistics show that we have the greatest
mortality rate and we have the greatest health disparitus, we
(22:58):
know that sometimes those them and aren't able to get
to health fairs, or maybe there's another priority that prevents
them from doing that. So each year, the purpose of
this walk is to take that vital information into the
communities that we serve. And these are the communities. As
I said that the statistics show that we're not doing well,
(23:19):
and it's mainly because we are not getting mammograms on time,
or maybe we're reporting to the doctor's late late in diagnoses,
and therefore it makes it a little bit more difficult
to treat a breast cancer. So our whole purpose is
to inform the women in these communities about breast health
and taking care of their health and taking charge of
(23:40):
their breast health, getting mammograms when it's time, and doing
it on a regular basis. So this Gift for Life
block Walk, as it's called, it's actually a national initiative.
So all of the chapters across the country that are
Sister's Network chapters, at some point during the year they're
doing this Gift for Life block Walk. It's a fun
(24:01):
walk in Jacksonville, it's only one point eight miles, that's
a little less than two miles long. This year, we're
going to kick the walk off at Greater Pain Ammy Church,
which is on the East side, located at twelve thirty
Claudia Spencer Street. So what happens is those who like
to walk to raise awareness and get out into the
(24:25):
community to be seen, they'll do the walk, and then
there are some who prefer to stay back on site
and talk to women from the community who may come
up and want to know what should I be doing?
How does this feel? Show me what a lump is
you know, how did you get through? So there will
be information provided on site. It'll include breast cancer screening,
(24:50):
it'll include where there are breastiled resources in the community
to help someone who may not have insurance. We will
also have the Buddy Bus on site doing mammograms on site.
We will also have survivors and survivor advocates who will
talk about their stories. But we'll also have medical professionals
(25:14):
on site who will be able to answer any professional, technical,
scientific questions that someone may have. So we invite the
community in the area of twelve thirty Claudia Spencer Street
to come out, but not just in that area, anywhere
in Jacksonville. This is open to the public, so come out,
enjoy some refreshments, take home some information that you can
(25:39):
use for yourself or that you can share with a neighbor,
a sister, a church member. We do have a registration
fee of ten dollars for the walkers, and that's because
we do provide refreshments and we provide a free T
shirt while quantities last. However, if you're interested in learning
about breast health and get a mammogram, when to get it,
(26:02):
how to get it, take advantage of our Gifts for Life.
Speaker 1 (26:05):
Block Walk community Empowering you This morning with Diane Townsend,
Chapter President of the Sister's Network North East Florida. Understanding
that we have some shiers out there. Diane is one
of them and she has not stopped advocating for her sisters.
Understanding that no road is easy when walked alone, but
(26:26):
if a community is behind you, then you have a
walk like no other. And this is going to happen
on Saturday, May thirty first. Now, Diane, I'm excited. Community.
If you want to see the information how you can register,
be sure to go to our community calendar page on
our website, and of course, rally behind the Sisters Network
(26:47):
Northeast Florida. They are forced behind Sister Strut each year
and rally for us our sisters, just because she has
gone through it and she knows what to do and
how to speak to the sisters going through. And I
know there's members out there, but are you looking for
(27:07):
new membership? How can the community get involved, donate to
you to your cause, and of course join you.
Speaker 4 (27:15):
Yes, So to join the Sister's Network Northeast Florida chapter.
You can join as a member, which means you would
be a survivor breast cancer. You can be an associate member,
which means that you just want to help us achieve
our goals, you support our mission for the community, or
you can call us and let us know that you
just like to volunteer at some of our events, some
(27:37):
of the educational outreach, for instance this upcoming Gifts for
Life block walk, or you can make a tax deductible
donation so that we can continue to do the things
that we do in the community at no cost. And
how you would do that simply is to call our
office number which is nine zero four seven five seven
(28:00):
to Saturday May thirty first, twenty twenty five. The event
will kick off at eight am, and it's only a
three hour event, so by eleven am you'll be done.
We start with event check in, we have a pep
rally warm up, and then the walk will begin right
at eight forty five am and you'll get into the community.
You enjoy that fun walk, you enjoy passing out the
(28:21):
literature that will be available, and you'll just have an
opportunity to, as Shanee say, to participate in getting that
community involved, in getting that information to the communities that
we serve. I also wanted to mention that the buddy
bus will be on site, but if you do not
(28:42):
have insurance and you need a free mammogram. There will
be information as well on the website about obtaining a
free mammogram and this is done through the Pink Ribbon
Jack's program. And this is for someone who needs a mammogram,
has not had a mammogram in the current year, and
need to get it done. There's a way for you
(29:03):
to also have a free mammogram. So I understand that
Shannie will have all that information post it and it's
it's there for you to take advantage of. If you
are a woman, as you get older, you're going to
be at risk of breast cancer. I don't want to
put fear in anybody, but I would like for you
to be knowledgeable of what you need to be doing
(29:27):
to take charge of your own breast health, because at
the end of the day, what we really wanna do
is to save our lives and the lives of our
sisters and brothers too, because men sometimes get breast cancer.
It's rare, but men will get breast cancer, and we
want to improve those outcomes because, as I said before,
mortality rate and having an aggressive disease and being diagnosed
(29:50):
at early ages. We just wanna make sure that we
are preparing you. The community to have the information that
you need so that if you're diagnosed, if you're one
of the one and eight to be diagnosed, that you
will be prepared and that you can be treated early,
because what we know is screening and early detection of
(30:10):
a breast cancer least to early treatment, and early treatment
can prolong and save your life.
Speaker 1 (30:17):
Diane Townsend, my chapter president for the Sisters Network Northeast Florida.
All the information is under our community calendar page. If
you wish to join the Sisters on that day, get
your steps in early and start your warning off with
the Sisters Network Northeast of Florida. Diane, it's always a
privilege to speak with you, understanding the fighter in you
(30:39):
and the advocate in you is still here pounding pavement,
just doing the work so that we are aware. So
thank you for your due diligence of being here standing
for the Sisters and being an advocate for our community.
Speaker 4 (30:53):
Yes, and I thank you for giving us this opportunity
and a forum to get the message to the community.
Thank you.
Speaker 1 (30:59):
Be sure to check out our community calendar page. We
have all the information on what's going on in the city.
It's Shawnee with Community viewpoints have a blessed day.
Welcome to community, view Boys and Shawnee feeling blessed and
highly favorite. On this Sunday morning, we are highlighting veterans
as well as the Sisters Network Northeast Florida eighteenth annual
Gift for Life block Walk, and we're highlighting on nonprofits
and how you can get involved with elder source. So
as we highlight our veterans on this Sunday morning, I
(00:21):
have the pleasure of talking to some Shiras in the community,
just paving the way, opening doors and making sure there
are no ceilings in our community. So today I have
Melissa Hardwick. She's here with us. Melissa, how you doing.
Good morning.
Speaker 2 (00:37):
I am Wellshotty. I'm absolutely well and certainly excited to
share this time with you.
Speaker 1 (00:43):
You know, Melissa, I see our sisters in the community.
I see you doing great work, and I definitely want
to applaud you for always doing your due diligence in
the community. And then sometimes we just connect with the text, right,
So I wanted to share because you're building your your
grooving and you are receiving awards. So just tell us
(01:04):
a little something about Melissa, and then we'll get into
the awards. Because we're celebrating a military Awareness month, and
there are a lot of female military share us out there,
so tell us a little something about Melissa.
Speaker 3 (01:17):
So Melissa full More Hardwick.
Speaker 2 (01:19):
Of course, I am a native of South Florida, a
little town in Broward County called Deerfield Beach, and I
have been in Jacksonville now for about twenty five years.
Came here for a career relocation, met my husband here,
started a family, have an amazing twelve year old son.
Speaker 4 (01:40):
I am a.
Speaker 2 (01:40):
Believer, I am a servant leader, and I absolutely am
enjoying my best years right now. I am currently professionally
a CIO, which is a chief information officer, a technology executive,
and recently got selected by her global parents company in
Amsterdam to work on a strategy at the executive level
(02:06):
for kind of bridging opportunities for all so our hiring
strategy because we are staffing company. So yeah, what I'm
doing and that's who I am.
Speaker 1 (02:15):
Community Shawnie speaking to a shier, a servant in the
community here to empower us. On this Sunday, we are
also celebrating Military Awareness Month. And I understand you are
a veteran and you receive some accolades share with us
those accolades.
Speaker 2 (02:32):
Yeah, it is most humbling and I'm certainly honored. I
was nominated by one of my colleagues that works for
our company as Veteran of the Year in the Corporate
America space. And so what that means is there is
a voting campaign going on right now throughout the US
(02:55):
and I am a strong contender for being the Veteran
of the Year in the Corporate America space. So I
served time in the United States Army. I was a
finance officer and certainly enjoyed my time serving. In fact,
I like to say that that is when I grew up.
The military certainly shaped my life in terms of discipline
(03:20):
and just being able to work with so many groups
of people. And I am happy and proud to be
a female veteran.
Speaker 1 (03:26):
I mean the Shaanie serving in the community today, sharing
our Shiras who are on the ground paving the way
for the future. Melissa, as you are growing and you
see what's going on in the world, we have some
people who are listening, some young adults who are graduating
and just trying to find their way in the world.
What would you say to those young adults listening right now?
Speaker 2 (03:49):
You know, I would say, walk in your God given courage.
I think oftentimes we are challenged as to can we
really share our voice? And when I see the young ladies,
of course, I work with and run a nonprofit, Brown
Girls in the boardroom, and it's kind of one of
(04:10):
those silent organizations where we're doing a lot of work
in the background with young ladies, and I tell them
all the time, if not you, then who, And so
I would encourage every young woman to use your voice
and find the courage to be a disruptor, a professional disruptor.
I like to pride myself on being able to walk
(04:31):
in that space, and I would challenge every young girl
to do the same.
Speaker 1 (04:35):
Melissa, It's always a pleasure of speaking with you because
you are just a powerful voice, providing everyone a vision
of excellence. And that's what I see in you, and
I get that feeling when I speak with you. So
thank you so much for sharing your story, for being
a shier and understanding what we have to do as
(04:56):
Brown Girls and be disruptive some time and state our
claim in the community. So I know that you are
doing amazing things. Please do not hesitate to tap in
with the community. Show and tell us what you're doing
and allowing us to help you shine a light or
create a pathway for our young adults. So is there
(05:19):
anything else that you would like to share with us today, No.
Speaker 2 (05:23):
Shanie, I just appreciate you using your voice in your
platform to elevate She ros right. It's women like you
who are unselfish and just find it necessary to say,
you know what, I'm going to reach out and I'm
going to touch and I'm going to share this story
with other women in the community. So absolute you am
for what you're doing.
Speaker 3 (05:42):
Thank you for having me.
Speaker 1 (05:43):
Well, you know, Melissa, we have to lift every voice.
Isn't that what we have to do so that our
generation and we take away those curses where we as women,
we need to lift each other up and shine the
light when we have the opportunity. Thank you for all
that you do. I know that you're going to win
that award for veterans, and if we could do anything
(06:07):
as a community to rally behind you, please let us
know how we could vote for you if that is
an option.
Speaker 2 (06:13):
Absolutely absolutely, I will actually share the voting lead with you.
Speaker 4 (06:17):
Shan.
Speaker 1 (06:17):
You know it's a pleasure just talking to some females
in the community who are positive, wanting to help and
also elevate. So thank you, Melissa, don't stop, you know,
I am here. I am rally behind all the women
out in our community who are doing the good work
of God and our servants to our community.
Speaker 2 (06:37):
So thank you.
Speaker 1 (06:37):
Welcome back to Community View, Voints and Shawnee feeling blessed
and highly favored on this Sunday morning, and we are
empowering our community, highlighting, highlighting shareros in the community. And
today I have the privilege of speaking to Tamika Gaines Holly. Tamika,
good morning, how are you.
Speaker 3 (06:55):
I'm doing well, Shannie, how are you?
Speaker 1 (06:58):
You know? Blessed that I could empowering the community and
giving everyone a voice, lifting the voice of the communities
what I'm trying to do. So I wanted to bring
you in because you first post something about nonprofits and
that's what this show is all about, nonprofits and how
they are built and how they strive and thrive. But
(07:20):
first before we get to that, if you would tell
the community something about Tamika Gaines Holly.
Speaker 3 (07:27):
Absolutely, well. First, thank you for having me, Shani. Thank
you for what you bring to the airwaves. And how
you empower people in our communities. It is greatly needed
and we appreciate you in the community. I'm Tamika Gaines
Holly born and raised right here in Jacksonville. Graduated from
Jean Lubosia High School, went on from there and graduated
(07:51):
with by backup science from Florida and n University, and
came back and immediately started working in the community. I
worked intern for a while with Mayo Planic and then
got hired on and then I moved from there to
a local social service provider here and Jacksville and really
(08:14):
began to look at, you know, where I grew up
and what I wanted to give back to our community.
I started volunteering at my local high school, Jean Ribau
Sarad as the PTSA president over there, served und their
school divisory Council, and became very active in that community
(08:35):
and making sure that we empowered the communities and families
to live a great quality of life in many areas,
from economic developments to health and just you named it.
Just making sure that holistically our community could really improve
and be better. Currently, I served as the chief Operations
(08:56):
Officer for the Northeast Border Area agent you're on aging.
It's also known as Elder Source. I also have my
own consultant fund to Meeka Game Holly LLC, which helps
businesses and governmental agencies as well as nonprofits and for
a profit become better in strategic planning, training and development,
(09:19):
and overall financial health. So from the business aspect to
the personal and community aspect, I'm just looking to make
people's lives, people's businesses better.
Speaker 1 (09:30):
Community empowering you today with Tamika Gaines Holly. She is
here as someone I've reached out and I said, Tamika,
I need the community to know what you're about, but
I want the community to understand your delivery right. And
so you had put a post out there about nonprofits
and what a nonprofit is and how to move forward
(09:52):
with a nonprofit. So if you would, for everyone listening
this morning, talk to us about, you know, how do
you start that nonprofit, what do you do and how
do you keep that nonprofit thriving?
Speaker 3 (10:05):
Starting a nonprofit really is about the mission. That is
what nonprofits is about. Is really the mission of the
work that they want to accomplish, and that mostly should
be a charitable mission. You shouldn't be looking to impose
upon the community on people, something charitable, something that comes
(10:27):
from a hard work. And from there you have to
of course follow all laws and regulations and rules as
it relates to starting your nonprofit, understanding what your mission
is going to be, what the purpose is that you want,
and then doing the groundwork and foundational work to do that.
(10:47):
The first way is to ensure that you go to
your the state of Florida its son Biz and that
you register your nonprofit. And with that registration you need
to have name, need to have a purpose, a registered agent,
a board that is very very important. I usually say
(11:08):
you know no less than three persons on that board.
And then from there you make sure there's a plan
and how you want to build your business, how you
want to make sure that you're reaching the people that
you need to reach, and that you are expective in
what you're looking to produce in the community. You know,
(11:28):
from there, once you have registered it, and you could
decide at that point if you you know, want that
nonprofit to be a five on one C three and
the one is a five on one th three That
is the RS code for tax exempt organization and that
means that that organization at that point, if it becomes
(11:48):
five ON one C three organization, it can be tax exempts.
Uh that all nonprofits are. That you can be a
nonprofit without having a five O one C three designation.
But that's always important when you want to get donations
and contributions from people, because those donations and contributions become
taxed to debtiple. It's also important to make sure you
(12:11):
know where you're putting on your board. Having people who
have skills set that can help you start your nonprofit
and help you manage the nonprofit. It's so important because
that is the best practice that especially for foundational work,
that when you don't have a lot of money, you
don't have the funds to pay individuals be the volunteer
(12:35):
board members and so therefore there are skills that can
help you really lay the groundwork to be a successful nonprofit.
But I really want people to think about what is
the mission and what is the issue or problem they'd
like to solve in the community when it comes to
being a nonprofit.
Speaker 2 (12:54):
Kevin D.
Speaker 1 (12:55):
Shawnee speaking to Tamika here today to empower us of
things that we may know but we don't know, allowing
us to understand the depth of her community work. In
our city, Tamika, you also deal with the Elder Source
or the senior population. Talk to us about that depth
(13:20):
and your why.
Speaker 3 (13:21):
You know, I'm a community person. I really look to,
you know, serve and be a servant leader in the community.
So I have over twenty five thirty years in nonprofit
management and you know, my drive took me to Elder Source,
which is the area Agency on Aging and Aging and
Disability Resource Center for Northeast Florida. So we serviced the
(13:45):
seven county area that includes Duval, Clay, Nassau, Baker, Saint John's, Flagler,
and Volusha County. We service the agency and disabled population
in our community. We run a health line so anyone
in our area can call and receive information and referral services.
(14:07):
We also provide funding to local providers to provide services
in the community, like meals on wills. We fund that
good Meal site so the sites where the senior centers
their meals being served. Their Older Source also funds that
as well. We fund respite services so when a caregiver
(14:29):
needs a little rest and needs someone to come in
and provide care to their loved one, we help provide
those services I look at it as heartwork. It's not
hard work for me. It's hard work and being able
to give back to a population who has tirelessly worked
and has age, gone through the agent process and is
(14:51):
now in a position where they need assistance. We're here
to help, and it's such a rewarding work that we're
able to do. Servants thousands every day as they called
into our agency with many different issues and problems and
challenges that they're facing, and we want to be able
to provide assistance to them and their caregivers. One of
(15:13):
the other great things that we provide us that we
provide resources to caregivers because as you have aging parents
and aging walk one, you know, it takes a lot
to ensure that they have a great quandity of life
at the end of their life. And so you have
daughters and sons and spouses that are there to take
care of those individuals and sometimes they need as systems.
(15:37):
So we also have caregiver resources that we provide where
we do burnout prevention for caregivers. So it's always a
great pleasure and a great feeling to be able to
service those individuals that have needs.
Speaker 1 (15:52):
Qundy Shawnee speaking to a servant leader, a community advocate
this morning, allowing us to understand her passion and her
wife if you would talk to us about what's next
for you. You are building a platform and it seems
as if you are ready to do something amazing. I
feel that That's why I'm asking what's next for you?
Speaker 3 (16:12):
Oh, Shandy, you know, there's so much that I want
to do. There's so there's so many areas that I
want to influence and impact, especially for the city that
I love so dearly, you know. And one of the
ways that I think that we can, you know, come together,
especially in these times, is making sure that we empower
(16:36):
people and educate them with the tools that they need
to succeed. And one way you have to do that
is through economic empowerment. So being able to help individuals
learn their why and have the resources to pursue that
why it's so important to me And so I'm looking at,
(16:57):
you know, bring in a group of individu rules together
to see how we can you know, be able to
be that empowerment center, if you will, for individuals that
want to be an entrepreneur, that want to start a nonprofit,
that want to you know, be equipped with educational skills,
(17:18):
so looking at really focusing on building a bridge to
the future that the community wants to achieve. And so,
you know, praying a lot about how we do that,
how we become self sustaining and as a community of
the people, and how we can lean on each other
and support each other in what we're doing. And so
(17:42):
praying and looking for individuals that are like minded and
want to see our community and our city do better,
and so really looking at how to put that vehicle
together to be able to do that.
Speaker 1 (17:54):
And with our community with everything changing, I think entrepreneurship
and understanding nonprofit neighborhoods and arenas is a way that
the community can stay alive and thrive. So I want
to thank you just for coming on today and giving
us a little bit of Tamika, but a lot of
what you've been doing and a lot of what we
(18:16):
can do to stay alive and thrive together. So thank
you so much for your time.
Speaker 3 (18:21):
Anyone once again in contact with us now they can
also go to our website. It's www dot mild Resource
dot org and they'll have all the information to get
in touch with us, even our phone numbers, our programs,
and so we're looking to service our community that we
have here.
Speaker 1 (18:39):
Welcome to Community Viewpoints and Shawnee. On this Sunday morning,
we are empowering our community, empowering the sisters in our community.
Today I have Diane Townsend. She is the chapter president
of the Sisters Network Northeast Florida. Good morning, Diane, how
are you.
Speaker 4 (18:57):
Good morning Shannie. I am will and thank you so
much for the invitation.
Speaker 1 (19:01):
Well, you know, Diane, you are doing some powerful stuff
for our sisters in the community, so I wanted to
share what you were doing. But before we get to
the event, tell us a little something about Diane Townsend
and the Sister's Network Northeast.
Speaker 4 (19:15):
Oh. Sure, absolutely so. The reason that I'm doing the
work in the first place is because I had a
personal diagnosis a breast cancer more than about thirty five
years ago. I am doing well today, but the things
that I learned about my diagnosis all those years and
throughout all of these years, I felt the need to
(19:35):
be able to share it with other women who probably
felt like I did that being alone and not knowing
very much. They needed to have the additional information and
the support and the encouragement of someone from the community,
and so that led to the development or should I say,
the establishment of our local chapter of Sisters Network, and
(19:56):
we're called Sister's Network Northeast Florida, and we do serve
the communities of Jacksonville and the surrounding communities. And Sisters
Network is an African American breast cancer survivorship organization. And
as I said before, we organized to support African American
women who've been diagnosed with breast cancer. And it's because
(20:18):
we learned, or our chapter and myself learned that the
statistics for Black women in breast cancer were not that good.
And so from there we started to not only support
the women who've been diagnosed in their caregivers and families,
but with the information that we were learning, we felt
a great need to be able to do some educational
(20:40):
outreach in the community so that you know, in fact,
women who may not know very much about the importance
of taking care of their breast health and getting mammograms
as they should, that they might have an opportunity to
learn that information. So our programs are support meetings monthly
for our survi We do educational outreach in the community
(21:03):
all year long, which includes workshops and seminars, But the
important thing this month is our annual block walk, and
I'll be speaking about that as well. So we are
out there delivering resources and patient care kIPS for kids
for the newly diagnosed, and we just try to assist
as we can to make sure that the woman who
(21:25):
is diagnosed with breast cancer doesn't feel alone, doesn't feel
alone in her journey. Although I know we have the
best physicians taking care of us, sometimes you need to
be with someone who's gone through the experience and walk
that walk to be supportive. Men.
Speaker 1 (21:43):
Dye Shawnie speaking to Diane Townsend, our chapter president of
the Sister's Network Northeast Florida, here to empower us today.
You hear the strength in her voice. She is an
advocate in this community to strengthen and empower but also
to inform us about what is going on with the
Sisters Network Northeast Florida. Now, Diane, I know that you
(22:06):
have a great eighteenth Annual Gift for Life block Walk
coming up. Talk to us about the meaning behind that
and when.
Speaker 4 (22:15):
The event will be yes the eighteenth Annual Gift for
Life Block Walk. We've been doing it for the community
just that long. We had a pause during the pandemic
when we couldn't get into the community. However, we've not
missed a year of getting that vital information, including how
to get a mammogram free or reduced costs, into the
(22:36):
hands of the women that we feel need that information.
The purpose, first of all is to go into the communities.
I know there are many opportunities to go to workshops
and healthfarees, but what we find is that in our
communities where the statistics show that we have the greatest
mortality rate and we have the greatest health disparitus, we
(22:58):
know that sometimes those them and aren't able to get
to health fairs, or maybe there's another priority that prevents
them from doing that. So each year, the purpose of
this walk is to take that vital information into the
communities that we serve. And these are the communities. As
I said that the statistics show that we're not doing well,
(23:19):
and it's mainly because we are not getting mammograms on time,
or maybe we're reporting to the doctor's late late in diagnoses,
and therefore it makes it a little bit more difficult
to treat a breast cancer. So our whole purpose is
to inform the women in these communities about breast health
and taking care of their health and taking charge of
(23:40):
their breast health, getting mammograms when it's time, and doing
it on a regular basis. So this Gift for Life
block Walk, as it's called, it's actually a national initiative.
So all of the chapters across the country that are
Sister's Network chapters, at some point during the year they're
doing this Gift for Life block Walk. It's a fun
(24:01):
walk in Jacksonville, it's only one point eight miles, that's
a little less than two miles long. This year, we're
going to kick the walk off at Greater Pain Ammy Church,
which is on the East side, located at twelve thirty
Claudia Spencer Street. So what happens is those who like
to walk to raise awareness and get out into the
(24:25):
community to be seen, they'll do the walk, and then
there are some who prefer to stay back on site
and talk to women from the community who may come
up and want to know what should I be doing?
How does this feel? Show me what a lump is
you know, how did you get through? So there will
be information provided on site. It'll include breast cancer screening,
(24:50):
it'll include where there are breastiled resources in the community
to help someone who may not have insurance. We will
also have the Buddy Bus on site doing mammograms on site.
We will also have survivors and survivor advocates who will
talk about their stories. But we'll also have medical professionals
(25:14):
on site who will be able to answer any professional, technical,
scientific questions that someone may have. So we invite the
community in the area of twelve thirty Claudia Spencer Street
to come out, but not just in that area, anywhere
in Jacksonville. This is open to the public, so come out,
enjoy some refreshments, take home some information that you can
(25:39):
use for yourself or that you can share with a neighbor,
a sister, a church member. We do have a registration
fee of ten dollars for the walkers, and that's because
we do provide refreshments and we provide a free T
shirt while quantities last. However, if you're interested in learning
about breast health and get a mammogram, when to get it,
(26:02):
how to get it, take advantage of our Gifts for Life.
Speaker 1 (26:05):
Block Walk community Empowering you This morning with Diane Townsend,
Chapter President of the Sister's Network North East Florida. Understanding
that we have some shiers out there. Diane is one
of them and she has not stopped advocating for her sisters.
Understanding that no road is easy when walked alone, but
(26:26):
if a community is behind you, then you have a
walk like no other. And this is going to happen
on Saturday, May thirty first. Now, Diane, I'm excited. Community.
If you want to see the information how you can register,
be sure to go to our community calendar page on
our website, and of course, rally behind the Sisters Network
(26:47):
Northeast Florida. They are forced behind Sister Strut each year
and rally for us our sisters, just because she has
gone through it and she knows what to do and
how to speak to the sisters going through. And I
know there's members out there, but are you looking for
(27:07):
new membership? How can the community get involved, donate to
you to your cause, and of course join you.
Speaker 4 (27:15):
Yes, So to join the Sister's Network Northeast Florida chapter.
You can join as a member, which means you would
be a survivor breast cancer. You can be an associate member,
which means that you just want to help us achieve
our goals, you support our mission for the community, or
you can call us and let us know that you
just like to volunteer at some of our events, some
(27:37):
of the educational outreach, for instance this upcoming Gifts for
Life block walk, or you can make a tax deductible
donation so that we can continue to do the things
that we do in the community at no cost. And
how you would do that simply is to call our
office number which is nine zero four seven five seven
(28:00):
to Saturday May thirty first, twenty twenty five. The event
will kick off at eight am, and it's only a
three hour event, so by eleven am you'll be done.
We start with event check in, we have a pep
rally warm up, and then the walk will begin right
at eight forty five am and you'll get into the community.
You enjoy that fun walk, you enjoy passing out the
(28:21):
literature that will be available, and you'll just have an
opportunity to, as Shanee say, to participate in getting that
community involved, in getting that information to the communities that
we serve. I also wanted to mention that the buddy
bus will be on site, but if you do not
(28:42):
have insurance and you need a free mammogram. There will
be information as well on the website about obtaining a
free mammogram and this is done through the Pink Ribbon
Jack's program. And this is for someone who needs a mammogram,
has not had a mammogram in the current year, and
need to get it done. There's a way for you
(29:03):
to also have a free mammogram. So I understand that
Shannie will have all that information post it and it's
it's there for you to take advantage of. If you
are a woman, as you get older, you're going to
be at risk of breast cancer. I don't want to
put fear in anybody, but I would like for you
to be knowledgeable of what you need to be doing
(29:27):
to take charge of your own breast health, because at
the end of the day, what we really wanna do
is to save our lives and the lives of our
sisters and brothers too, because men sometimes get breast cancer.
It's rare, but men will get breast cancer, and we
want to improve those outcomes because, as I said before,
mortality rate and having an aggressive disease and being diagnosed
(29:50):
at early ages. We just wanna make sure that we
are preparing you. The community to have the information that
you need so that if you're diagnosed, if you're one
of the one and eight to be diagnosed, that you
will be prepared and that you can be treated early,
because what we know is screening and early detection of
(30:10):
a breast cancer least to early treatment, and early treatment
can prolong and save your life.
Speaker 1 (30:17):
Diane Townsend, my chapter president for the Sisters Network Northeast Florida.
All the information is under our community calendar page. If
you wish to join the Sisters on that day, get
your steps in early and start your warning off with
the Sisters Network Northeast of Florida. Diane, it's always a
privilege to speak with you, understanding the fighter in you
(30:39):
and the advocate in you is still here pounding pavement,
just doing the work so that we are aware. So
thank you for your due diligence of being here standing
for the Sisters and being an advocate for our community.
Speaker 4 (30:53):
Yes, and I thank you for giving us this opportunity
and a forum to get the message to the community.
Thank you.
Speaker 1 (30:59):
Be sure to check out our community calendar page. We
have all the information on what's going on in the city.
It's Shawnee with Community viewpoints have a blessed day.
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
Ridiculous History
History is beautiful, brutal and, often, ridiculous. Join Ben Bowlin and Noel Brown as they dive into some of the weirdest stories from across the span of human civilization in Ridiculous History, a podcast by iHeartRadio.