Today we’d like to introduce you to Nika Taylor.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Nika. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Healing Women of Atlanta started back in 2013 when I was pregnant with my daughter. I had just moved back to Atlanta and was not able to find a job nor a place to stay. I was told that there was a waiting list and because I currently did not have any children it could take up to a year before I would be placed in housing. I then met a young lady who was sleeping in her car with her daughter because she was fleeing from an abusive spouse. I asked her why was she not in a shelter with her daughter and she said because she doesn’t meet the qualifications for most shelters. This lit a fire in my soul that has yet to go out. I wanted to start an organization that helped transition mothers with children that were homeless and/or leaving a domestic violent situation from the streets to their own stability. I wanted to help bridge that gap for those that did not meet the requirements for assistance.
Here at Healing Women of Atlanta we do not limit ourselves with what assistance we provide our clients with. This has enabled us to offer programs for at-risk youth and those with HIV/AIDS. We have programs not only in Atlanta, GA but we have programs that help individuals in Baton Rouge, LA and Jacksonville, FL. We do what it takes to assist those in need and if we do not offer a program that fits their needs, we partner with organizations that can. We started this fight to end homelessness, domestic violence, protect at-risk youth and we will continue until we have made an impact to change every life that needs it.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has not been a smooth road over the last six years. We have faced many challenges that most nonprofits share such as lack of funding and resources for building space to hold our programs. Does this mean that we will slow down or quit? Never, we will continue to pursue grants, donations and more volunteers. We are in search however, for a building in the Atlanta area and Baton Rouge as the demand for assistance increases each year.
Please tell us about Healing Women of Atlanta.
Healing Women of Atlanta, Inc. serves the homeless, those that are leaving domestic violent situations, at-risk youth and those that are living with AIDS/HIV. We offer programs for each group such as housing assistance, we have a food and clothing pantry, annual blanket drives, support groups, tutoring, work ready training, AIDS/HIV awareness and support.
We are known for different programs in each city. In Atlanta we are known for our homeless program, domestic violence awareness and support and at-risk youth programs. We currently work with Columbia High School NJROTC program. We support them when they have events as well as bring awareness to community issues. I am most proud of our board’s dedication (we have strong board members that are active and proud to join the fight of raising awareness about community issues); and our endurance over the last six years to keep working hard to stay in the race to fight homelessness and domestic violence.
What sets us apart from others isn’t the question. We don’t strive to be different from other organizations what we try to do is provide exceptional customer service at all times and if we do not have the answers, we will find the answers. By perfecting those two things we tend stand apart.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
First, before the names go flying out I must give credit to God without him nothing is possible. Then my parents and brother for always believing in me and my capabilities. They have supported me since the first day I told them that I have found my purpose in life. Through the struggles, tears and victories they have always been there and for that I thank them.
1. Formeka Watkins, CEO of Purses of Hope. She is not only a great business partner in this fight to end homelessness but, she is a great supporter. Her organization is truly impacting the Atlanta community and they are raising awareness in our schools, churches and workplaces. I am super proud of her and what she is doing with her organization. You can follow her on Instagram @purses_of_hope.
2. Brandon Greere, Designer and Owner of Sha’ron De’lonta LLC, a Luxury Brand. I have worked with Brandon on a few projects over the years and it’s so refreshing to see his passion for raising awareness to end homelessness. This drive came from his mother being homeless with children and watching how strong she was during those years. He is passionate and driven and it shows in his work. His clothing line is taking Atlanta and other cities by storm. He has impacted many lives and I am proud to have him as a fellow advocate and friend. You can follow him on Instagram @sharon_delonta.
3. Tasha Shirley, Owner of Elements of Art Salon. She has been a huge supporter of Healing Women of Atlanta for years. She is a huge advocate in Atlanta for Domestic Violence. Her strength and courage to tell her story still amazes me today. I have seen her in action talk to our youth and pour back into the community on so many levels. Did I mention she is Atlanta’s Best hairstylist???? Please go check her out on Instagram @eoahairgallery. Book your hair appointments (you will not be disappointed),
4. Erin Daniels, of Keller Williams Buckhead and Shawntae Mitchell of Property Gem LLC. If you are looking for a home please do not hesitate to reach out to Ms. Daniels! She has been an advocate for our organization since 2015 and she has not lost her spark. She is a go-getter and shares the drive to make things happen in our community. She has been at almost every event that Healing Women of Atlanta has had and her smile that she wears each time shows our clients that she is Ginuwine and she cares. So Atlanta if you are looking for someone to assist in your housing needs you can reach her at erinba2010@gmail.com.
5. Jeff Dunham Jr., songwriter and advocate. He has a passion for change in our community. He has been a supporter of Healing Women of Atlanta since day one and we are grateful for that. Please check him out he has a song out called ” Lost in my Way”.
6. Hope and Jonathan Whitfield who have been mentors, bestfriends and family for me for years. They have been there for me when I had tough decisions to make and did not know what would lie ahead. As business owners themselves they were able to shed light on housing, grant writing, support groups and more. I could not have made it far without their love and dedication to me and my success as an entrepreneur. Thank you both for everything you have and are to Healing Women of Atlanta and myself.
7. Shawn Buckle, owner of Majestic Digital Marketing Agency. He has been a huge supporter and mentor for me since I first met him in college at Florida A&M University. Shawn has been an inspiration to me for so many reasons. He has always encouraged my entrepreneurship ideas that I threw at him he has supported my organization by marketing for me. He is by way a great brother, friend and the best marketing agent that I could have. If anyone needs marketing, I would suggest his company 100% check them out on Instagram @majestic_shawn. Thank you big brother for always believing in me and my dreams.
8. I cannot go without giving credit to a few ladies that have been life mentors, supporters, cheerleaders, advocates and teammates for me. Trisha Williams, Erin Daniels and Nikki Hines. Healing Women of Atlanta would not have been able to be impactful over the last four years if it was not for them constantly being my backbone. I just want to use this time to say, “Thank you and I love you all for your dedication, hard work and support”.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.healingwomenofatl.org
- Phone: 770-710-9982 and 904-419-9866
- Email: info@healingwomenofatl.org
- Instagram: healing_women_of_atlanta
- Facebook: @Healingwomenofatlanta
Image Credit:
Purses of Hope, Brandon Greere, Luther Hill Jr. , Erin Daniels, Nikki Hines, Trisha Williams,
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