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Meet Sharmaine Brown of Jared’s Heart of Success Inc in Stone Mountain

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sharmaine Brown.

Sharmaine, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
After much prayer, God gave me a vision to transform the lives of youth and young adults, both male and female. Jared’s Heart of Success was birthed after the untimely death of my son Jared. He was killed on July 11, 2015 after being struck by a stray bullet. Jared had gotten off work and a friend called him to attend a cookout. On his way to the cookout another individual fired shots into the crowd looking for someone he had an argument with earlier that day. Unfortunately, Jared died as a result of senseless gun violence.

Jared’s Heart of Success Inc., is a 501c3 award-winning non-profit organization that provides Mentoring and Leadership Development, Health & Wellness, Financial Literacy, STEM, and Prevention Awareness Programs.

After nearly three years and continued prayer, I still felt I needed to do more in the area of advocacy on gun violence prevention awareness. I joined Everytown for Gun Safety, Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America and now advocate for change. As a member of Everytown Survivor Network I share my story with the public and inform others on how they too can become involved in the gun violence prevention movement.

Another answered prayer was joining Sandy Hook after learning of the programs and practices they have in place also to protect our children and prevent senseless, tragic loss of life. This year our Mentee Arrianna Gross was selected to serve on the National Youth Advisory Board and myself as the Adult Advisor. Currently, I have partnered with DeKalb County schools implementing SAVE Promise Clubs which is an initiative of Sandy Hook to keep our kids safe as school, home and in the community.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No, it has not been a smooth road.

Many hiccups along the way, especially in the area of funding. As a new organization, startup was very hard because your new and people do not know you. Requesting donations when no one knows who you are has been most challenging.

Jared’s Heart of Success Inc – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
The organization offers programs that are FREE to youth, teens, and young adults, we are here to help and want to make a difference in the lives of others. Individuals wanting to join only need to register for programs of interest. Our Youth Action Team just won YAT of the year in June and they are instrumental in serving and providing countless community outreach projects. They also play a vital role with assisting their peers in educating them on the effects of underage drinking, teen dating violence, bullying, peer pressure and self-esteem.

Educate, empower and encourage all youth and young adults to use their own voice, make a positive impact in their life and the lives of others.

One thing that sets us apart is most likely with our leadership program, the mentees are exposed to leadership, service-learning mesh all into one. At the completion, they complete a service project to demonstrate the application of lessons learned with that they can make a difference in their life and help others.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Carrying out the organization’s vision which is to reach each youth or young adult that enters our program, empowering them with the tools necessary for lifelong success.

Contact Info:

  • Address: Mailing address: 8343 Roswell Rd Suite 126 Atlanta GA 30350
    Program Meeting Location: 2165 West Park Court, Suite F. Stone Mountain Ga 30087
  • Website: www.jaredsheartofsuccess.com
  • Phone: 678-643-2292
  • Email: jaredsheartofsuccess@gmail.com

Image Credit:
Sharmaine Brown

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