our first mommy highlight!

Happy Wednesday, Keepers! 
It is my sincere hope that this email finds you well. I am doing well too. Thanks for asking. Things are kind of quiet around here this week aside from meetings and regular organizational responsibilities.

Here are a few items that may be of interest to y'all:

1. I was featured on a podcast this week and you can listen to that here

2. IAMSK will be a vendor at a Community Baby Shower on Saturday from 11-1 at the Raleigh Community Center. The flyer is attached for your information and distribution. 

3. One of our newest moms had her first baby on Sunday! Congratulations, My'sha Mclain! 

This year, on the last Wednesday blog of each month, we will share the story of one of our moms. By doing so, it is our hope that you will not only learn more about the moms we serve but also learn why it is so important that we serve them.

The mom we will be highlighting this month is Lanikia Williams (she is My'sha's aunt-she has a sister here too-it's a family affair ), a single mother of 6 boys. Lanikia is an awesome mom, a true joy to be around, she gives the most amazing hugs, has the brightest smile, and always has a kind word for everyone she meets. Plus, sis can throw down in the kitchen! Be on the lookout for those plates! (shameless plug)

Lanikia is from New Orleans, LA, and moved to Sumrall, MS in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. She and her boys moved back to New Orleans and then here to Memphis where I first met her.  When IAMSK first began, she was one of our first moms. Due to familial circumstances, her family moved again to San Antonio, TX where they remained until last year (single moms often have to move around for various reasons-you'll learn more about this statistical fact in the coming weeks). However, now that we have her back, we are not letting her go!

Lanikia and I had a chat this week about her experience in IAMSK and she had LOTS to say. Per usual.  One of the things that Lanikia loves the most about IAMSK is the sense of community. She finds immense comfort in being able to relate with single moms from all different walks of life. "I love that I can be happy or sad, I can laugh or cry all without being judged for doing it or how I do it."

When asked how IAMSK has benefited her life, Lanikia told me that even though we helped her to get into her own apartment (through our Mommy Move program) that is not the most important thing we've done for her. "IAMSK has aided in my mental health recovery and in my need for more consistent accountability." Lanikia also talked about how important it is to have access to our pantry for the tangible items her family needs.

Thank you for taking the time to read these emails. I hope you all enjoyed learning more about Lanikia and the many ways IAMSK is a benefit to single moms in our Memphis community. Don't forget! Y'all can respond to these emails. Please feel free to share any thoughts or questions you may have.

Signed,

YOUR Founding Keeper


Email: iammysissyskeeper@gmail.com
Business Phone: 901-505-1010

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