We recently connected with Terah Carter and have shared our conversation below.
Terah, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s kick things off with talking about how you serve the underserved, because in our view this is one of the most important things the small business community does for society – by serving those who the giant corporations ignore, small business helps create a more inclusive and just world for all of us.
Mitigating Lives framework is directly associated with the underserved community throughout Baltimore City. Not only does Baltimore City have a 200% below poverty rate across different ethnic groups but they also have a significant percentage of 11.6% of individuals who are considered to have disabilities are considered vulnerable according to the American Community Survey 2016-2020. Not to mention the elderly population at a 6.4 % rate are considered vulnerable as well. These factors combined are heart wrenching while at the same time very rewarding to be able to assist in the efforts of eradicating homelessness, decreasing stress caused by the lack of necessities needed for one to function properly in their day to day activities, and having a hand in the rehabilitation process of many Baltimoreans. Here at Mitigating Lives, we are driven to do our part in making the world a better place. Since 2022, we have taken part in a wide range of activities that empower individuals and our communities. We strive to build productive relationships and make a positive impact with all of our pursuits.
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 was born and raised in Baltimore City, Maryland. I received my BS in Psychology from Towson University and my MS in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Purdue Global. Since this time, I have served children and teens in the community, residential facilities, mental health organizations, and in the Baltimore City School System. I have extensive experience working with diverse populations, servicing children and adults with developmental disabilities, behavioral problems, and trauma for over 17 years. I have also provided behavioral and educational support for students whose trauma histories interfere with their ability to function in the environment around them. I have been a professional advocate for inclusive environments and have a track record of facilitating opportunities for children, youth, and families to develop life management skills and overcome challenges.
This led me to opening a non-profit organization to help bridge the gap between homelessness and mental illness. During years of experience I began to see a correlation between homelessness and mental illness. I’ve found that one’s stability that involves basic needs being met which is reflected in Maslow Heirachy of Need can increase one’s quality of live in a major way. I enjoy serving as a helper and aiding in the process of healing and restoration. It has always been my desire to show individuals of traumatic backgrounds that there is life after trauma and hardship.
Our mission and philosophy stems from four key components: Respect, Empathy, Serving, and most of all Love. We believe that love is the driving force that enables us to be set apart. Regardless of background, status, or state of mind, we have always been driven to display love to each individual we encounter. We personally believe that housing is a universal necessity that creates positive change for all of humanity. With housing and the above key-components, we believe that we can impact change and help our clients better their lives. Our mission is simply to improve the lives of our clients through affordable, all-inclusive housing environments which are centered around respect, empathy, serving and love.
Our well-maintained homes are located in safe, established neighborhoods. Close to schools, playgrounds and easy access to transportation, our homes are part of the community and create a welcoming environment. All of our residential care homes are specifically designed to provide housing and related services for each particular demographic. Because of that, our residents have access to a wide variety of services provided by outsourced 3rd parties. These include:
Doctor / Nurse home visits Home
health services (RN, Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy)
Hospice
Durable medical equipment
Case management
Social work
Behavioral counseling and therapy
Medication management
Many additional services
In addition to the services provided by our outsourced 3rd parties; we also offer a wide range of services included in our flat monthly fee. These services include, but are not limited to:
Linens
Washer & Dryer
Personal Television
Telephone
All bills paid utilities
and more, Inquire now for personalized care
WE WOULD LIKE OUR FANS AND SUPPORTERS TO KNOW THAT WE CANNOT DO THIS WITHOUT THE PROPER SUPPORT. WE ERGE ANYONE WHO HAS A HEART TO SERVE TO DONATE. NO MATTER THE AMOUNT. WE APPRECIATE ALL DONATIONS BECAUSE IN ENABLES US TO CONTINUE TO PROVIDE ALL INCLUSIVE LIVING ENVIRONMENTS FOR THE HOMELESS AND LOW-INCOME POPULATIONS IN ALL OF BALTIMORE.
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
The best source of obtaining new clients for us is cold calling. Cold calling can be daunting and it is not my favorite. However, it allows organizations to get a sense of the passion involved in our work. Cold calls also allows for relationship building and it is a more organic approach. We also embrace face to face communication and we do this by visiting hospitals, shelters, an other organizations that share our same vision which is to eradicate homelessness. Often times, people need a second change and helping hand with no strings attached. We love the excitement we hear in the voices of our fellow Social workers, Case Workers, and Community Advocates when they hear about a service that is in high demand as it relates to individuals on a fixed income, low-income, or completely homeless.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
Some lessons unlearned concerning homelessness and poverty is that they are human just like everyone else. Some people were not afforded the opportunities that others were and so stigma often times are attached to this population. I’ve met many people while in the community who either lost their way, experienced trauma, fought for their country but now left with nothing, mothers, fathers, young , and old individuals who did not have a support system, proper upbringing, or mental health services but continue to strive by treating each new day as a new opportunity. Here at Mitigating Lives, we love when we are the cause of a person peace when they have endured so much trauma, stigma, and rejection.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mitigatinglives.com
- Instagram: @mitigatinglives.com
- Facebook: Mitigating Lives
- Linkedin: Mitigating Lives
- Other: If someone is out there looking for a great cause to give. Choose Mitigating Lives Today! https://www.mitigatinglives.com/donation
