Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Latrice Thomas. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Latrice, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

The genesis of Imajine Me, a nonprofit for teen parents, is deeply rooted in my personal journey and the challenges I faced as a teen parent yourself. My story is the emotional backbone of my endeavor, driving my passion to provide support and resources to others navigating similar paths.

As a young parent, I experienced firsthand the lack of comprehensive support tailored specifically for teenage mothers and fathers. This gap in services, particularly the absence of resources for young fathers, became glaringly apparent to me. I recognized that existing organizations predominantly catered to the needs of mothers, leaving fathers feeling sidelined and overlooked in the parenting journey.

My vision for Imajine Me is characterized by inclusivity and empowerment, reflected in the name itself, which pays homage to my daughters, Imani and Jasmine. By embracing both the maternal and paternal roles, I aim to create a space where both teen mothers and fathers feel seen, heard, and supported.

My belief in the importance of community and the proverbial “village” further informs the organization’s approach. I understand that raising a child as a teenager presents unique challenges, as young parents are still in the process of their own growth and development. Through Imajine Me, I seek to bridge this gap by providing not only practical support but also mentorship, education, and resources to help adolescent parents navigate parenthood while still receiving the guidance they themselves may need.

My conviction in the necessity of the nonprofit is reinforced by the countless adults you’ve encountered who were raised by teen parents. Their stories serve as a poignant reminder of the struggles faced by both parents and children in such circumstances. By offering support, education, and programs for prevention, you aspire to break the cycle of challenges associated with teen parenthood, addressing not only pregnancy and STIs but also broader societal issues such as violence, substance abuse, mental health, and bullying.

Ultimately, my journey from teen parent to founder of Imajine Me is fueled by a deep sense of empathy, a commitment to social justice, and a desire to empower young parents to defy the odds and create brighter futures for themselves and their children. Through the nonprofit, I strive to be the beacon of hope and support that I wished I had when I embarked on my own parenthood journey as a teenager.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I found my way into this industry through personal experience. As a teen mother myself, I navigated the challenges of parenting without the necessary support and resources. Recognizing the profound impact of this experience on both myself and countless others, I was driven to create positive change in the lives of young parents and their children.

Our organization offers a range of programs and services aimed at empowering young parents and preventing teen pregnancy. We provide comprehensive parenting classes, tailored mentorship programs, and a monthly baby closet stocked with essential clothing and supplies for infants. Additionally, we assist parents in accessing vital furniture items such as car seats and cribs, ensuring the safety and well-being of their children.

One of the cornerstones of our work is community education and awareness. Through prevention community conversations and workshops, we engage with youth to educate them about the realities and challenges of parenting at a young age. By fostering open dialogue and providing valuable information, we aim to empower young people to make informed choices and avoid unplanned pregnancies.

Furthermore, we recognize the importance of ongoing support for parents and caregivers facing the complexities of raising children, particularly those battling substance use or addiction. That’s why we offer quarterly support group meetings, providing a safe and compassionate space for individuals to share their experiences, seek guidance, and access resources to navigate their journey effectively.

What sets us apart is our holistic approach to addressing the multifaceted needs of young parents and their families. We don’t just provide services; we cultivate a supportive community where individuals can find understanding, guidance, and encouragement every step of the way. Our dedication to empowering young parents and breaking the cycle of teen pregnancy drives everything we do.

I’m most proud of the positive impact we’ve had on the lives of countless families, empowering them to overcome challenges and thrive despite adversity. Our commitment to making a difference in the lives of young parents and their children is unwavering, and we’re deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve our community in this meaningful way.

Ultimately, what I want potential clients, followers, and supporters to know about us is that we’re here for them. Whether they’re facing the uncertainties of parenthood as a young person or seeking support and guidance along their journey, we’re dedicated to providing the resources, education, and community they need to succeed.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

Forming a nonprofit is a deeply personal journey that often involves unlearning and relearning lessons along the way. It’s a process that can be both humbling and empowering as you navigate the complexities of bringing your vision to life. Selling that vision requires others to buy into it and invest their support, which can trigger feelings of imposter syndrome and doubt.

Initially, I struggled with severe imposter syndrome, questioning whether my vision would resonate with others and anticipating significant pushback. It was a daunting prospect to bring conversations about sex and teen parenthood to the forefront, topics often shrouded in discomfort and silence. However, I came to understand that the resistance wasn’t personal; it was a reflection of society’s reluctance to address these issues openly.

Despite the initial challenges, I realized that there was a genuine need for the support and resources I aimed to provide. By acknowledging and accepting that discomfort might accompany these conversations, I found the courage to push forward. I discovered that many people were not only receptive to discussing these topics but were also actively seeking avenues for support and education.

Through this journey, I learned the importance of not making assumptions. I couldn’t presume how people would react or what they needed without engaging with them directly. Embracing this mindset allowed me to approach my nonprofit with openness and humility, understanding that every step forward would require active listening, learning, and adaptation.

In essence, overcoming my initial hesitations involved recognizing the significance of the mission I was pursuing and understanding that the discomfort surrounding it didn’t diminish its importance. It was a journey of personal growth, resilience, and the realization that addressing difficult topics requires courage, empathy, and a willingness to challenge societal norms.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Pivoting, far from being a setback, proved to be an essential part of my journey. Initially, I resisted the idea of establishing a baby closet, hesitant about the logistical challenges it would entail—storage, maintenance, and the need for additional volunteers. Despite my reservations, there was an underlying desire to provide essential items for babies within my nonprofit.

In a moment of curiosity, I decided to test the waters by reaching out for donations, fully expecting minimal response. To my surprise, the floodgates opened, and donations poured in unexpectedly. Faced with this overwhelming support, I realized that the baby closet was an integral part of the community’s needs, whether or not I had initially planned for it.

Embracing this unforeseen pivot became a lesson in adaptability and responsiveness. It underscored the importance of being open to change and recognizing opportunities even when they diverge from the original plan. Despite my initial reluctance, I acknowledged that the baby closet was not only feasible but also deeply impactful for the individuals and families I sought to serve.

In hindsight, this pivot not only enriched the scope of my nonprofit but also strengthened its foundation by demonstrating a willingness to listen to community needs and evolve accordingly. It serves as a reminder that sometimes the most significant progress comes from embracing the unexpected and being flexible in our approach.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.imajinemeinc.org
• Facebook: Imajine Me
• Youtube: @ImajineMeNonProfitOrganization