Making a Difference and Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders
- Brainz Magazine
- Jun 25
- 7 min read
Written by Tanisha Taylor, Financial & Life Coach
Tanisha Taylor is an inspirational leader in financial, life, and ministry wellness. Her journey, sparked by a childhood money encounter with her grandfather, has led her to a profound understanding of the impact of money on individuals' lives.
The phrase "Hello, Future Leader" holds powerful significance, serving as a call to action for those stepping into leadership roles. It's more than just an expression, it's a motivator for self-reflection, inspiration, and a challenge to take responsibility.
Hello future
When one generation remembers their pain and makes a difference. "Hello, Future Leader" is a powerful and uplifting phrase that can inspire self-reflection, motivation, and a call to action for anyone preparing to step into a leadership role. Whether speaking to a group, writing a letter, or reflecting on leadership principles, the key is to spark excitement, confidence, and a sense of responsibility.
The community-focused approach
Focus: Leadership as service to others.
Key message: "Hello, Future Leader. True leadership isn't about self-promotion or power; it's about service. It's about putting the needs of your team, your community, and the world above your own. Leadership is a gift that allows you to elevate those around you. When you inspire others to be their best, you're already leading. The ripple effect of kindness, empathy, and vision will change the world."
Let's applaud those who make a difference in our communities. Today, we celebrate young adults who think outside the box and reach out to those in need. Francesca Demming, a graduate of Kent State University, is the founder and executive director of Inspire Hope. She has several years of experience working with youth and families, including youth in the Cleveland Juvenile Justice Center, youth in foster care, and women and youth who have experienced domestic violence and human trafficking.
What is the core mission, and who are we serving?
The core mission of Inspire Hope is to help children in the Greater Cleveland area overcome barriers and achieve their dreams by providing academic, social, and emotional learning opportunities. We empower children with the skills they need to become calm and confident.
Kings and Queens. We currently serve children ages 6–12 with our after-school program, Calm Kids.
What measurable impact will we make in the next 1–3 years?
In the next 1–3 years, we plan to continue providing a safe space for children after school in Buckeye Shaker. We aim to serve 150 students yearly with our Calm Kids program across Greater Cleveland in partnership with other organizations. We will expand our programming to offer multiple days a week and additional hours to the youth we serve.We hope to see all the youth we serve thriving socially, emotionally, and academically because of our programming. Lastly, in the next 1–3 years, we plan to expand to include a program specifically for young girls, teaching social skills and faith-based learning.
What community problem are we solving, and how are we different from others already addressing it?
We are focused on addressing children's social, emotional, and spiritual needs in Greater Cleveland to prevent future community problems. Most of the youth we serve do not demonstrate the ability or skills to regulate their emotions or navigate conflict healthily before beginning our programs, which leads to many school suspensions and expulsions.
Research shows that teaching social skills at a young age can prevent youth from getting expelled from school and becoming involved in community problems such as gun violence, mental health issues, and substance abuse. By giving youth the skills for their future and addressing the underlying causes that contribute to problems in the community, we are preparing them for bright and successful futures. Inspire Hope is different because our programs weave biblical curriculum with mindfulness, conflict resolution, and emotional regulation tools and topics.
For example, children learn to name positive affirmations about themselves, but they also learn their identity in Christ and what He says about them. We teach them coping skills like deep breathing and exercise, and how and what to pray to help calm their minds. Another way we are different is by incorporating nature and animals into our programs and getting feedback from the students on what they would like to see in the program.
Who are our key partners, stakeholders, or collaborators helping us achieve our goals?
Our key partners and collaborators include Saint Luke's Foundation, MyCom, The Rotary Club of Cleveland, The Firm Foundation, ACTION Community Outreach, New City Cleveland, David's Challenge, The Centers, and Amazing Grace Church. Our programs have been offered at David's Challenge, The Friendly Inn, Harvey Rice Wraparound, The Rice Branch of the Cleveland Public Library, Cuyahoga County Public Library, the Warrensville Heights Family YMCA, Queen IAM, and Warrensville Road Community Baptist Church.
What systems exist for volunteer engagement, donor relations, and program delivery?
We have created a giving campaign called Hope Starts With You to assist with donor relations. The different components of our donor relations include social media posts, email newsletters, a giving platform, donor thank-you letters, and updates. For volunteer engagement, we use online signup forms, word of mouth, and social media posts to get the word out about volunteer opportunities at Inspire Hope. We have created a Calm Kids curriculum for program delivery with talking points, activities, evaluations, and supply lists.
Our system includes prep, facilitation, and reflection time for program delivery. How do we measure success, what does "impact" look like for you? We measure success through our numbers and the change we see in our students. Beginning this semester in Buckeye Shaker, with 20 spots available for our program, we received over 30 registration forms. Fifteen to twenty students consistently attended each week, and 17 went on our therapy horse field trip. We also measure success by observing the ways our students engage and develop throughout their participation in our programs. We use pre/post-tests, facilitator observations, and feedback from the students, teachers, and parents.
Over the years, success has looked like this: A child who began our program lashing out, bullying others, and banging his head against the wall whenever he got frustrated, saying he hated himself. But over time, we watched something beautiful happen. That same child began to soften. He started helping new students with activities, passing out supplies, speaking his affirmations aloud, and slowly becoming a light for others. Or another student who began the program completely withdrawn, refusing to engage in any of the activities, curling up in a ball, and hiding his face from everyone around him.
Over time, though, we watched a significant change take place in this child. With the help of our male staff, who act as mentors for the young boys we serve, this student started to open up. He began asking questions, sharing things about himself, and participating in writing, drawing, and acting activities. On the last day of the program, we asked the students, "What did you learn this semester?" And they answered by saying:
"I learned that God is everywhere."
"I learned that God is kind and that God helps us."
"I learned to be brave and to have faith in God."
What was the happiest moment for you with your organization?
My happiest moment recently was during Calm Kids this past semester at Harvey Rice Wraparound. We are focused on assessing our program to ensure we see progress and change with the students we serve. I started giving students pre- and post-tests, as well as written assignments during the program. On our pre/post-test, we asked, "What do you like about yourself?" We ask this at the beginning and end of the program to measure our students' self-esteem. After reviewing the answers, one student wrote, "Nothing." However, at the end of the semester, we asked again, "What do you like about yourself?" and she wrote, "Everything." That was super encouraging to see! Another pleasant moment for me was when we asked the students to write about their favorite and least favorite part of their day. Three students wrote, "My favorite part of my day today was the after-school program." I love seeing the positive change in the students we serve and also being able to see how much they love the Calm Kids program.
What individual or organization helped you along your journey?
An organization that has helped me along my journey is The IamACTION Network - Assisting Communities Through Intercultural Outreach Networks - founded by Daz and Theresa Patterson. They have helped me with public speaking, marketing, and branding, and have equipped me with the skills to help me achieve my vision and purpose. Their peer consulting program has been beneficial in terms of accountability and faith-based feedback. IamACTION Network
Tanisha Taylor and Tabitha Stevens have also been a big help with my life vision and Inspire Hope goals! They have spoken life into my vision and encouraged me to step out in faith to accomplish what God has called me to do.
How can readers help your organization in the future?
Readers can help Inspire Hope by giving, praying, and serving. All donations help us serve more students in Cleveland. Donations help provide things like meals, supplies, and field trips. Readers can sponsor a scholarship for a child to attend Calm Kids by giving here: Givebutter.
Readers can also get involved by signing up to volunteer with Inspire Hope or by signing up to receive prayer requests by visiting our website at Inspire Hope Cleveland.
Inspiring quote
"Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember you have the strength, patience, and passion to reach for the stars and change the world." – Harriet Tubman
Tanisha Taylor, Financial & Life Coach
Tanisha Taylor is an inspirational leader in financial, life, and ministry wellness. Her journey, sparked by a childhood money encounter with her grandfather, has led her to a profound understanding of the impact of money on individuals' lives. Her mission, 'Control your money relationship, 'is a testament to her dedication to helping others create healthy and sustainable relationships with money and business.
