Today we’d like to introduce you to Janea Waters.
Janea, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Growing up, I always wanted to work with children. I was a child and thought that I should work with children that were younger than me (lol). I would always try to be a big sister to kids that were younger than me. When I was younger, I remember saying I want to be a teacher so that I can teach children things, and then I wanted to be a judge so that I could help children that were getting into trouble. I remember one night being asleep and I heard the words “I CAN” and I wrote it down. I had no clue what it meant at the time. It was not until later that I figured out that I was supposed to start a mentoring program that allows young people to discuss their struggles openly, all while teaching them the basic skills of life. So many times, young people go through so many different trials and they feel like they do not have anyone to talk to. This program gives them an outlet to speak openly without judgment. Our vision is to introduce our young people to more diverse opportunities that will engage, enrich, and cultivate them into becoming well-rounded individuals.
Has it been a smooth road?
A smooth road….no not at all. When it first came time to start this company, I had no clue what I was going to do, how I was going to get kids, and how to fund the program. However, I was able to get connected to individuals that were able to lead me and guide me in the right direction and assist me in building the program. Has the program gotten to where I want it to be? ABSOLUTELY NOT!!! Will it ever get to where I want it to be? Probably not because I am always developing new ideas. Am I happy with where I am now? ABSOLUTELY. My goal is to touch the lives of young people and I am doing just that. My advice to other women is to enjoy the process. Each step is important. So many times, people experience anxiety because they are looking too far ahead instead of enjoying the moment.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into I CAN MENTORING story. Tell us more about the business.
While building my company, I am also a Program Coordinator at a mental health facility. I have the privilege of working with individuals with mental health disabilities. It really is an honor, because they teach me so much. So many times I find myself taking things in life for granted and they remind me that I need to always have a thankful attitude. Working here teaches me how to properly handle individuals that may act differently or be different. It reminds me that everyone has to be shown care and love in a different way. I feel that this is one thing that sets me apart from others, my ability to treat each individual as an individual and not categorize them with anyone else.
Who do you look up to? How have they inspired you?
MY MOTHER!!! I have said it time and time again. My mother has fought so many battles and won and it shows me how determination can get you to the life that you want and deserve. She has also taught me the easiness of fighting as long as you have God. Her faith in God has shown me the importance of having faith in God as well as a real relationship with God. I am truly grateful for all of the values that she has instilled in me.
Contact Info:
- Address: 950 Eagles Landing Pkwy STE 812
Stockbridge, Ga 30281 - Website: icanment.org
- Phone: 678-708-9967
- Email: icanmentoringinc2018@gmail.com
- Instagram: icanmentoring
- Facebook: I CAN MENTORING
Image Credit:
Kong.Kalon
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