Today we’d like to introduce you to Shantia Morgan
Hi Shantia, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Infinite Bloom is a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing and nurturing the growth in youth through various programs, including counseling, study abroad trips, financial literacy, tutoring, mentorship, and cultural enrichment. I founded Infinite Bloom in 2024. My journey began in August 2016, right before my first year as a teacher for Chicago Public Schools. I organized a Superhero themed Back to School Picnic at Bessemer Park on Chicago’s East Side, aiming to give back to my community and gather donations for my classroom. What started as a small event, quickly grew into annual block parties on the same block where my family has lived for over 50 years. This year, we celebrated our 7th Annual (nature themed) Back to School Block Party on August 3, 2024. With the support of my family, friends, and the block club committee, these events have allowed me to channel my creativity and passion for counseling, travel, cultural enrichment, and mentorship. All of these elements are now integrated into Infinite Bloom, where we strive to empower and uplift the youth.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it has not been a smooth road. Achieving something meaningful often comes with challenges. In the early years of funding our annual Back to School Block Parties, I primarily relied on my own finances, along with donations from friends, family, and the Block Club Committee. I am grateful that this approach worked for seven years. However, as Infinite Bloom has grown, it’s clear that our funding needs have surpassed what I can provide on my own. We are now actively seeking grants, donations, sponsorships and knowledgeable individuals who can help in this area to ensure our programs can fully support our youth and help them thrive.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At Infinite Bloom, we run six distinct programs, and I’d like to highlight our Cultural Enrichment program. Each month, we take young adults on field trips that expose them to diverse cultural experiences and practical life skills crucial for their post-high school success. Our curriculum addresses gaps often overlooked in traditional education, empowering youth with the tools they need to thrive. What sets our program apart is that the program ends with a study abroad trip. Providing participants with a comprehensive cultural immersion. We are currently seeking to partner with Atlanta Public Schools to implement our Cultural Enrichment program in four high schools, expanding access to these transformative experiences.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
One surprising aspect that many people might not know about me is how I design our annual Back to School Block Parties. Each year, we choose a theme that shapes everything from the food and activities to the games, costumes, and performances. At Infinite Bloom, we believe that experiential learning is vital for youth, so we aim to provide them with unique cultural experiences right in their neighborhood. For many young people, opportunities like riding a horse at a Rodeo or climbing a 25-foot rock wall may be out of reach. Our Block Parties bring those experiences to them, fostering joy and excitement in a familiar setting. Witnessing the smiles and enthusiasm of the kids and families is truly rewarding for me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://theinfinitebloom.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theinfinitebloom/profilecard/?igsh=MTRpb3ZtZ2d4N3JuZA==
- Other: Email- theinfinitebloom1@gmail.com
