Today we’d like to introduce you to Yolanda Dupree.
Yolanda, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
This was a complete leap of faith. I knew that there was more for me to do but I had no idea what it was. The first idea came while I was attending a women’s conference. I went back to my hotel and wrote all of my ideas on a small notepad. Once I got home, I told my husband and he said let’s go for it. My husband is the best! I had no idea how to accomplish this but I started telling people and they wanted to be involved. Honestly, we failed our way here. What I mean by that is by society’s standards, we didn’t measure up. Year after year, I wanted to quit but man didn’t call me into ministry, it has required lots of prayer, countless sleepless nights and many tears. This is our 11th year and we made it by taking it one day at a time. I never pictured what we have today. We made it here because I was too afraid to disobey God.
Has it been a smooth road?
I don’t know if a smooth road exists. Success lives on a dirty, rocky road that sometimes stinks and is often very lonely.
I remember reaching out to a family member, who is also in ministry, for guidance and support only to be rejected twice. I’ve had people underestimate by abilities because I don’t have a formal degree and I’ve had a mentor walk away with no warning or explanation. When you’re serving the community, financial support is vitally important and We have had to be creative and be unconventional in order to get projects completed. The simple goal to love and help people seemed impossible at times.
My ultimate purpose has always been very clear and simple… to love people. To love them by serving them, supporting and strengthening them. I never imagined that it would be so hard and I learned how to take a “no”. I learned how to get up after being emotionally “sucker” punched. I learned how to cry but to never have a pity party. I learned how to stand still when I wanted to walk away. Many times, I felt like I would lose my mind but I learned to use positive affirmations and most importantly, I learned how to declare the word of God over my life.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Dupree Empowerment Group Inc. is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to serve, support, and strengthen individuals, families, and the community with love and simplicity. We have four focus programs: Staying Married God’s Way Couples’ Ministry, Faith Walkers Empowerment Group for Women, Not You/Not Me: Teens Against Dating Violence and Kayla’s Pink Ribbon Society.
It is our goal to help couples see the beauty in their marriage, experience the happiness in commitment, and enjoy the passion in love; to empower women to reach their goals and live their dreams; to educate teens about dating violence, and to create memorable moments for families dealing with cancer. We offer couples and women’s retreats, motivational seminars, date nights, coaching sessions, and much more. Each year, we host a Toys for Tots event and we provide toiletries items for college care packages. Our cancer support program was started by our daughter, Kayla. One of the events is a Haircutting ceremony for women that are about to start chemotherapy treatment.
We have transitioned a lot as a company and I’m proud that I allowed it to happen because that is how we have grown. We have a great staff of very talented women. They are always determined to get the job done in the spirit of excellence. I’m also very proud of our faith walk, not being afraid to “launch out into deep water” where the big fish swim. Well, I was afraid but I just didn’t let fear stop me.
I ask God to help me give Him glory with my life. I want to be His hands extended and I strive for people to feel His unconditional love when I’m in their presence. I’m not perfect so I work on it every day.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Atlanta is a great place to create and grow a business of any kind. The city has so much to offer and our cultural diversity makes Atlanta attractive to entrepreneurs.
Pricing:
- Life/Career/Relationship Coaching starts at $50 per session
- Live Your Wildest Dreams Women’s Retreat – Sept.15th-17th $95-$290 package options
- Books- To God Be the Glory, Countdown to Your Last 90 Days, 5 Key Components to Finding Your Purpose – $25
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dupreegroup.org
- Phone: 470-222-4929 or 404-457-2623
- Email: info@dupreegroup.org ; yolanda@ydministries.com
- Instagram: dupreeempowermentgroup
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dupree-Empowerment-Group-Inc-110097236310928
Image Credit:
Dalton Eloi
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