Positive Impacts
Within these stories, the resilience of youth and families resonates, aided by our dedicated volunteers, generous donors, and steadfast community partners. From nurturing educational opportunities to fostering life skills, Empower 225 has served as a beacon of hope and empowerment for countless lives. Witness the journey of individuals overcoming barriers and realizing their fullest potential. These success stories stand as a testament to the collective impact of our shared vision, embodying the essence of solidarity, compassion, and unwavering support that defines the Empower 225 family.
Discover how Empower 225 has transformed Xavier’s educational journey by tuning into his inspiring interview.
Hear about how this young man’s life was changed through Empower 225 and the Anchor House Program.
Jaidon at 18 years old sharing about how his life has been influenced by the Empower 225 family of staff and volunteers. Click on the video to hear his story.
Ms. Ashley Simpson is a single mom of 5 with amazing, gifted, smart, funny children who have had their share of struggles.
This mom lived right by the Dream Center. At one point, her kids were placed in state custody because of bad decisions made as a young teen mom who didn’t know better. Fortunately, the foster parents continued to stay involved in the kids’ lives for a long time with Christmas, Disney vacations, weekends, and continued love and support.
She wanted a better life for her children, so she moved them to the Broadmoor area. Moving to the new area caused some challenges getting kids to the Dream Center and its programs, but we all pitched in as a staff and extended family to make it work because they are worth it. Three of her children are now at Lee Magnet High School.
Q & A with Ms. Simpson
Q: Ashley, what has E225 meant for you and your family?
A: Home/Shelter – Since 2010 my young family has been received with open arms, smiling faces, and genuine support. Each member gets accepted for who they are. Including special needs advocates for my youngest son when I had no knowledge of how to find services or give him the best care he required.
Safety/Refuge – I’ve been a victim and survivor of just about every category of abuse, so to gain my trust to let my children be around people is a silent and challenging task. BUT to my children’s benefit, this house of staff, volunteers, and community partners has been the most trustworthy individuals a guardian could ask for. They have poured insight, shared pure compassionate affection, and one-on-one counsel without any inappropriate or unwelcome contact.
No membership required/ No strings attached– Why have we stayed connected to Empower 225 is a question I asked myself preparing to answer these. My answer is not clear cut but here is the sum of it. My children are recipients of unmeasurable resources shared through this organization and NOT one time have we been asked to join HPC, the parent of this life giving program. NOT one time have I been asked about my children’s absent fathers, or do you pay tithes when one of my kids needed monetary support for vital school fees, etc. Being unable to meet every need of your child is hard enough, BUT to have partners who are willing to put the child before politics is priceless.
Q: What are some of the ways we have helped your kids?
A: School fees, uniforms, school supplies, computer fees, books, clothes, youth jobs, senior fees, exposure to other places, people and colleges. Keeping them out of trouble. Positive Role Models in their lives.
“What I love most about Ashley and her kids is watching them respond to the adversity that has come their way. We all have troubles, but as they say, it is all about learning from it and developing your character and the character of your children. She and her kids have done this. This is truly an example of “it takes a village” and a lot of you have been part of this village. And we are not done yet!!”
– Susan Rogers, Empower 225 Executive Director
Malique and his two older siblings became involved at the Dream Center at an early age. Volunteers that knew them more than 10 years ago still ask about them. Malique was in middle school when he first became involved with Empower 225, and would eventually become a leader with the youth. He did not have a father in his life. Their family struggled financially to keep food on the table, and moved frequently. Malique could be described as kind, humble, and very bright. He was the kind that learned from his mistakes and did not let them define him, but looked for ways to overcome.
We celebrated with Malique when he was accepted into Baton Rouge Magnet High School after a “strong interview.” However, considering his life circumstances, he had a problem with truancy and only passed 2 classes. Therefore, he was moved to a different local high school. Malique entered the Anchor House in his junior year where he could have the stability, guidance, and structure he needed for his basic needs, education, and future. He worked while in school. During his time at the Anchor House, he was encouraged and helped by so many volunteers and community partners who impacted his life. He was able to go on field trips, spend holidays with host families, and attend professional sporting events with tickets donated by community partners.
The summer before his senior year, we began questioning graduation requirements. We learned he had not retaken the freshman classes. In all, he had to make up a total of 6 ó classes to graduate. The school suggested he catch up, then take his senior classes which would postpone his graduation date. Malique made the decision to attempt his senior year classes and simultaneously take the other required classes online. In May of 2019, Malique proudly graduated in front of his mom, aunts, brothers, sisters, and Empower 225 family.
During his senior year, an army recruiter encouraged him to take the ASFAB and Physical Aptitude Evaluation. He excelled at both, and as a result, was contacted by the Navy and Air Force! He was proud the day he was enlisted and sworn in. He was excited about the financial security, physical challenges, and teamwork that lie ahead, and that he could send money to help his mom. He is currently training as a radar specialist with the US Army stationed in South Korea. He regularly checks in and is doing great. We are so proud of the young man Malique has become and the future that lies ahead of him.
Quinlisha has been coming to the Dream Center for several years. She was living in a very unstable environment. Attending an EBRP public school, she was getting into fights regularly and experiencing chronic absenteeism. Through our relationship with THRIVE, we were able to get her enrolled in the Monday –Friday boarding school. She is truly “thriving” now with a 3.0 GPA. She is a junior now and is on track to graduate next year.
She is involved in sports at school, is a youth leader in Empower 225 and is well on her way to college to becoming an engineer.
