We caught up with the brilliant and insightful CHERITA TOUSSAINT a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi CHERITA, thanks for joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

At the age of 13 I created a make believe shelter called Computer Company which was created for drug addicted parents to have a place for their children to stay while they were abusing drugs. Instead of taking their children around unsafe inappropriate environments I would provide a facility for the kids to stay and receive education, food and shelter. The parents could live there too but must be sober and ready to work on stability. Rita’s resources will be available to everyone, with focus for teenage boys who have mental challenges that have been recently released from jail, and teenage fathers. Today, my number 1 priority is to encourage young black males to be leaders. Therefore, I created another lane within my non profit to hopefully open a facility for young males who age out of foster care and recently released from jail. The facility would aid these men to have a place they can locate enrichment resources gearing towards reducing recidivism, gainful employment, education, mental illness, financial stability and shelter. I have yet to open a facility, however I am able to assist people in the community by providing 1:1 case management, along with resourceful resources that will assist them with their circumstances. Rita’s Helping Hand approach with enrichment programs provide people in the community a way to look past their situation and be able to see a brighter future; I want to be the one who pours hope back into people when all else is lost. My brand stands for meeting you where you are and taking you to where you belong – to the top.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am a Chi town girl who was born in the 80s. As a young girl, I witnessed my mother suffer from a cocaine addiction and barely being there for my sister and I. We were shifted from our grandmother’s house to my Aunts house while our mom was chasing the fast life. Fall of 88, my mother was murdered. My childhood experiences led my imagination to start the non-profit; A shelter where drug-addicted parents could bring their kids while they chase the high life. My shelter would feed the kids, provide clothing, a warm bed and education. If the parents wanted to come and live there they would have to be sober. At age 14 I became a teenage parent and by my senior year of high school age 18, I was a mother of three and married my children’s father. As a young mother and wife, I faced many challenges that lead me to be strong and face all obstacles head-on. My past does not define me but it gave me the strength I needed to help others who have walked in similar shoes as mine which is the main reason for my nonprofit – to guide people down a path that leads them to who God says they are. Today, I am someone who values faith, prosperity, and self-preservation. I want everyone to have access to enrichment services and through my non profit I provide people with the unknown based on their current circumstance. “Meeting you where you are ”. Life will take you on a path that may not always go in the direction you hope for and along the route you may get lost and lose focus but the road will eventually connect you to a street that will provide you a clear path to begin a new journey. I am most proud of my willingness and commitment to pouring love and hope into others and letting go of my childhood trauma and disappointment. Rita’s Helping Hand is an organization that provides people in the community a source for a fresh start, I do not have a huge financial backing therefore I provide solutions that don’t cost a thing. My faith and commitment to support those in need gives people another chance to gain stability. When someone contacts Rita’s Helping Hand I provide a 1:1 intake so I understand clearly what the person need, then I discuss how I can help; I never let a person go without providing something, even if I am unable to personally assist them I locate someone who can. My organization is small and I am a one woman show but I fundraise and advocate for all. I host many community events where I partner with other organizations and I provide resources, groceries, clothing and baby essentials and much more.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele is connecting with people in the community and learning about their concerns and what I can do to help, along with connecting with other organizations, raising funds, and garnering support for troubled youth, single parents, homelessness, unemployment and uneducated individuals.

Creating impactful videos to share the daily lives of those who are impacted by poverty.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

A story from my journey that illustrates resilience stems from the birth of my 4th child, Alessandra. She was diagnosed with Imperforate Anus; A congenital anorectal malformation where a normal anal opening is absent at birth. At 2 months she undergone surgery and it was one of the most traumatizing experiences my husband and I ever had to face with one of our children. My family and I were in disbelief, which led to fear of not knowing how we would be able to properly take care of her. While handling the news I was also experiencing postpartum depression that caused me to feel alone, and unworthy, but with proper support and deep prayer I was able to bounce back to myself in no time.

I continued reminding myself that she is a gift from God, not only because she was born 17 years after my 3rd child, but because she was born to do great things on earth. After her successful surgery and extensive care I was able to get myself on track and come out of postpartum depression and be 100 percent supportive for me and the baby all while completing my Bachelor’s degree. I couldn’t have done it without the support of my husband, children and my co workers – what a blessing it is to have others show love and support.

Now that my daughter is 8 years old she continues to have procedures to assist with her having a smooth daily transition to prevent accidents happening while in the public. Everyday I look at how strong we are as a family while facing challenges. Our faith is what holds us together during these emotional times. Continuing to encourage myself within the Lord is what keeps me motivated when I feel like I have no more fight left in me. However, everyday I help people in need and pour love and hope into all.

My resilience stems from staying on task when the journey is rough and having faith of what is to come for my life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ritas-helping-hand.org
• Instagram: @mzredi
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RitasHelpingHand2020/
• Youtube: @cheritatoussaint2607
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: (678) 391 – 4952

Image Credits
Sharon Toussaint