We recently connected with LaTanya Sherman and have shared our conversation below.
LaTanya, appreciate you joining us today. Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?
Understanding the alarming rates of homelessness in Los Angeles County and that African Americans are the highest in that demographic. They make up approximately 9% of the general population but represent almost 40% of its homeless population. Our FED (Fitness Education Diet) was designed specifically for the homeless community to address Wellness and now has an annual Health , Wellness & Resource Fair that takes place annually in the heart of Skid Row, which is also the nation’s largest homeless community.
LaTanya, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Project Educate is a small team committed to a single goal. It was formed to eliminate the suffering, while improving the quality of life for those experiencing homelessness. Our programs and services offer temporary, yet immediate, relief and provides assistance with transitioning to safe spaces, making healthy life choices, and a healthier way of living. Our programs are designed to meet the specific needs of the community and “Teaching people how to live, in spite of where they live” is just one of them. The FED (Fitness Education Diet) program is a customized workshop that address nutrition insecurities and promotes the elements of wellness, the power of food, fitness, self-development and responsibility, through its workshop activities. This program connects two annual events (Black History & Heart Health Month and Health & Wellness Resource Fair), in partnership with the Brown MAE Foundation, provides direct services and a multitude of resources to hundreds of homeless residents in the Skid Row community. The TAG (Toiletries And Grooming) services has provided more than 5,000 hygiene kits and essentials to the homeless. SWAP (Social Wellness Action Plan) provides social wellness activities such as movie nights. ice cream socials, pizza parties, and picnics in the park and our annual Veterans Day luncheon, in partnership with SRO Housing Corporation, provides a special lunch tribute with resources to more than 200 Homeless Veterans. Services to homeless and underserved students are met through our HOPE (Helping Others Purse Education) and adopt a school program which provides year-round support and economic stimulants. What sets Project Educate apart from other nonprofits is that it is comprised of a working Board and dedicated volunteers who fully donate their time and energy to the mission, maintaining the infrastructure of the organization and executing its programs and services, all free of charge, allowing every donation received to be poured directly back into the community. Although we don’t do what we do for recognition it’s still awesome to know that we are making a difference. We are extremely humble and grateful to have our work recognized in 2022 by Awesome Foundation Award, Great Non-Profits “Top Rated Award, EFDI Humanitarian Award, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc, Los Angeles Chapter Community Service Award, Voyage and Shout Out LA Magazine and The Wave Radio 94.7
Our mission is to eradicate homelessness and its dehumanizing effects while restoring humanity, dignity, and hope to those experiencing the devastation of homelessness in our community.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Getting to know the homeless community by going down to Skid Row and having one on one conversations with those who were experiencing homelessness. Creating programs, services, events, and activities to address the needs of the community with dignity and respect. Capturing and sharing the stories of the community and allowing the impacts from our programs and services to speak for themselves.
Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?
Having a strong Board and Advisory Group with dedicated volunteers to who are willing to do the work and are committed to the mission and its vision. Keeping in touch with the homeless community to understand and address the immediate resource needs. Continue to evolve and create innovative solutions to homelessness.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.4Projecteducate.org
- Instagram: www.Intagram.com/4projecteducate
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/4projecteducate
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/4projecteducate
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ProjectEducate3
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@projecteducate7167