Today we’d like to introduce you to Shabrell Reynolds.
Hi Shabrell, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I worked in therapeutic foster care about 10 years ago. It was one of my first jobs after I earned my bachelor’s degree. I was very grieved at the lack of continuity of care I saw within a broken system. It started with a vision from God to set up transition homes for teenagers aging out of foster care. I wanted them to first UNDERSTAND and KNOW who they were, as that would be the key to understanding what their futures needed to consist of, and what path(s) they would need to take. Within this vision I wanted them to have access to counseling, direction on how to attain higher education or a career of interest, and other necessary resources through the organization or by partnering with those in the community. Although the transition homes have not materialized how I would have hoped for today, I am still able to work a part of the vision by helping individuals discover who they are, helping individuals discover purpose, doing counseling, offering wise counsel on how to identify career paths, providing scholarships, etc. I have not given up on the rest of the vision.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been the easiest journey, but it has been a challenge at times trying to figure out exactly how God wanted me to work the vision and how. Through following the leading of God, His grace coupled with the wisdom, gifting, and call from Him, I am able to get up every day with a sense of purpose and desire to continue.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Flowing Brook Inc.?
Flowing Brook Inc. is a social service agency offering insight, direction, and healing to individuals of all ages and from all walks of life. We currently offer counseling to youth and adults, as well as career preparation and development, along with preparation for those teenagers between the ages of 14-18, exiting high school. We do this by offering assessments to interested individuals as well as scholarships for those needing a boost or push to continue on into high education. We specialize in helping others to heal and discover purpose, which is very fulfilling, this is what we are most known for–giving LOVE in a non-judgemental and friendly way. I believe what sets us apart from others is that we don’t offer counseling or discovery of self in just an office setting. We got to the homes of those we serve as well as doing coffee dates, dinner, lunch, or whatever necessary to help those we serve feel comfortable. I would love for people to know that those who encounter us don’t ever leave the same, and it is never what they envision from previous experiences or television.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson would have to be that boundaries are important and that you must take breaks to refuel you along the way. SELF CARE IS IMPORTANT when you are helping to build others.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: flowingbrookinc
- Facebook: Flowing Brook Inc.
