Today we’d like to introduce you to Christy Holmes.
Christy, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My journey began after working for an all-boys group home in Columbus, GA in 2015. I realized the deficits that existed in group homes and wanted to change that dynamic. My nonprofit was born from a small vision and has evolved over the years. Not only did I realize kids in group homes needed more resources, but also, kids who look like me were experiencing trauma in their own neighborhoods need these resources as well.
My purpose then became to prevent at-risk youth from entering into state custody to begin with as well as providing the kids in DJJ and/or DFCS custody with activities and services to improve their quality of life. Our goal is to launch this program in several Georgia cities with at-risk populations, to include Columbus, GA, Atlanta, GA and Macon, GA!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The road has not been a smooth one, but I cannot complain! My nonprofit continues to evolve and gain community support. I can honestly say the easiest thing has been being present and putting myself out there. One of the biggest obstacles we face as a nonprofit is funding. When you have a business you will realize a lot of your own blood, sweat, tears, AND MONEY will have to be put into it to get started. Some advice I’d give to any entrepreneur just starting is to believe in YOU! Don’t wait for others to hop on your train. They may not see your vision at first, but trust, they will eventually seek you! Also, as cliche as it sounds, no matter how saturated your industry is, no one can do you better than you. You are unique so don’t ever compare yourself to the next or sell yourself short because of insecurities.
We’d love to hear more about The Akili Society.
The Akili Society, Inc. is a nonprofit organization geared toward at-risk youth. Our mission is to provide mental and spiritual healing, transitional living and promote excellence in our communities. Although we serve children of all backgrounds, we place an emphasis on cultural and African American empowerment. We are proud to be able to impact the lives of our kids and their families! Often times we raise awareness about the stigma surrounding mental health in our communities but The Akili Society provides a direct response by providing counseling, transitional services, talent/career development and much more! One thing that sets us apart is our African-centered approach. The mental health field has been dominated by Eurocentric ideas for over 100 years, we cater to our populations by placing an emphasis on cultural competency and self-representation. Our goal is to raise $20,000 for our summer program beginning in May 2020 so please don’t hesitate to donate to a great cause via the GoFundMe link provided below!
Do you feel like there was something about the experiences you had growing up that played an outsized role in setting you up for success later in life?
As a child, I always wanted to work with children. I thought I would end up in Pediatrics, either a nurse or doctor. When I started college, I was a Nursing major for three years before realizing I rather be in the therapeutic setting rather than a hospital setting. I wanted to be able to talk to kids and actually make an lasting impact within their lives and families. I wanted to connect with them on a more personal level. The summer after I worked in the group home in Columbus, GA I changed my major to Psychology and minored in African American Studies. I’ve always had a passion for kids but that summer changed my path for the better!
Contact Info:
- Address: The Akili Society
801 Wright Drive
Columbus, GA 31907 - Phone: 7625242031
- Email: christyholmes@
akilisociety.org - Instagram: @TheAkiliSociety
- Facebook: The Akili Society
- Other: http://www.gofundme.com/f/the-akili-society-program-development
Image Credit:
The Akili Society
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