Today we’d like to introduce you to Aurielle Carson
Hi Aurielle, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Dreams for Darrius Inc., was founded in honor of my aunt’s youngest son, Darrius Heard. He was murdered on December 31, 2023 only 4 years after losing my aunt to health complications.
Although his life was cut short in 2023, I feel as if after the loss of his mother and sole provider, he drowned in grief which is a topic that is not talked about in my family. The more I have opened up about my struggles with grief, I have realized that the younger generation has learned to internalize their pain instead of reaching out for the support required for bereavement.
I want to be able to give what I wish I could have when Darrius was here with this non-profit by providing free bereavement counseling, tutoring, clothing, school supplies, and information on job and housing opportunities within the Atlanta and Marietta area for youth and young adults that have lost a parent or guardian due to death.
Grief is something that we all will have to face and losing one or both parents due to death can have a traumatic effect on your wellbeing. I want to normalize the conversation surrounding grief and normalize support within community for the youth.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has definitely been rough. Learning how to juggle working full time while diving into Dreams for Darrius Inc., full time has sharpened my time management for sure.
Creating this non-profit and focusing on its purpose has tugged at me both emotionally and physically. However, it has been the most rewarding experience that has molded me to bring out parts of myself that are uncomfortable and learn how to sit in that discomfort. Instead of running away or stopping completely I have faced the struggles head on and it has been a battle but I always remember the purpose and how this non-profit can help so many people.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I am the President of Dreams for Darrius Inc., that contains 5 other board members with our main focus on providing immediate support and relief to those who have lost a parent or guardian.
We hope to offer free bereavement counseling, tutoring, food, clothing, school supplies, and information on job and housing opportunities within the Atlanta areas.
I am most proud of creating overall discussion around grief and the need for continuous support when dealing with the loss of a parent or guardian due to death.
I want the readers to know that they are not alone and that there are safe spaces, help, and support when dealing with such a tremendous loss. Often times people expect for grief to be physically shown by tears and intense emotion and although that can be true, after such loss even one’s who appear to be fine often times are struggling academically, socially, and financially and do not know how to speak up.
After research it was discovered 57% of those who have lost a parent or guardian as a child had support discontinue from friends and family.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I have to give all praise to The Most High and my overall faith in the Bible and scriptures. Without my faith I would not be here to be able to tell my story and that there is another side to grief that is so spiritual that you have to know The Most High and do all through Him for strength.
I have to thank my family because without their love and kindness during these stages and their constant support I would not have the courage to step out on my faith to use my vulnerability as a shield for others.
Thank you to our board members!
I also have to thank any and everyone that has donated to our cause and will donate. We have our first major fundraising event on March 23, 2025 from 12-4pm it will be a basketball tournament in honor of those lost with free food, drinks, prizes, and raffles for all ages. Come out and have a great time and support while doing it. More information can be found at dreamsfordarrius.org and on our instagram page @DreamsforDarrius and on Facebook DreamsforDarrius.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dreamsfordarrius.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dreamsfordarrius?igsh=NzEyMjExaHIwOGFm&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1YmTTzvvxE/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Image Credits
Aurielle Carson
