Today we’d like to introduce you to To’ni Wheeler.
To’ni, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
One By One was started on the belief that all it takes is one person to make a change, whether it’s big or small. During my undergrad, I studied population, demography, and social statistics from all sociological perspectives. My focus was on household dynamics and relationships. Anyway, I took my last few dollars and invested in O.B.O. (One by One Mentoring). O.B.O. was founded in June 2019 by me, To’ni. It is a family business, so the board of directors is made of my family members who have experience in business, management administration, and childcare studies.
O.B.O. is not a profitable business, so we’re not “money hungry.” Everything we do is from our hearts. We all share a love for children, education, and giving back to the community. I was born and raised in Oak Cliff. I never lived in the best neighborhoods or have a lot of positive role models growing up. My love for children began at the age of fourteen. I would volunteer at daycares after school and spend hours interacting with the children and doing activities with them. Eventually, I got hired at a learning academy and worked as an after school teacher for children ages 8-12. After four years, I developed relationships with each child I encountered and stood by every hardship they went through dealing with family, school, or just personal development. Working there I naturally took my students under my wing and made a vow to be the best mentor they ever had. It’s been years, and I still talk with them and their parents. A few of them are actually in my organization now.
Since high school, I talked about wanting to start my own business and mentoring youth in my neighborhood. Then it was just a long term goal for me, once I went to college, it became a dream of mine and I began to work towards it. After graduating in December 2018, I worked in the nonprofit industry to gain experience and to see how the mechanics of it worked. Six months later, I launched One By One Mentoring with the help of my family and close friends.
O.B.O. is a safe place for not only the youth but for other young individuals like myself who yearn for a sense of belonging and/or want to make a difference in someone’s life. We’re a social organization with a mentoring program. Everyone needs a mentor, a friend, or someone to talk to everyday. Life is tough, but with the right people in your life, it makes it more accessible. We currently have 27 members and 6 mentees (that’s what we call the youth ages 11-17). That’s 33 members total in seven months!! We’re continually growing every day and it excites me to see what this year and so on brings us as an organization.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No one has a straight line to success. I have had a lot of ups and down starting this organization. The hardest part is feeling like you have to have everything perfect from the beginning and being fearful to ask for help because you don’t want anyone knowing you don’t see what you’re doing. I’ve built this organization from scratch. I do all the internal and behind the scene work, nobody knows about or wants to do. I just learned how to put my pride aside and ask for help from other nonprofit organizations.
We’d love to hear more about your organization.
Our only goal is to make a difference in our community. We’re big on education, community service, and fellowship. Last summer, we helped eight families by getting their school supplies for the year. As well as blessing two kindergarten classes with supplies with the support of our followers. At the end of 2019, we did a homeless hygiene drive and raised enough money to give about 100 homeless people bags filled with socks, hats, gloves, snacks, soap, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.
Over the months, we’ve partnered with Portfolio Residents Services and provide after school activities with the youth in the southwest area. We are currently working on a partnership with schools in the cedar hill and Duncanville area to provide after school programs for the students such as tutoring and mentoring programs.
We’re constantly volunteering and working, so we make sure we have time to fellowship and come together to have fun. Finding a balance is mandatory so no one feels burnt out or stressed. Every month we go out twice as an organization and might go bowling, skating, or do a game night of some sort.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
The pureness of my heart. Anyone who knows me can vouch that I have an enormous amount of love for children and helping others. I never have any hidden agendas when I help others. I think me having a passion for inspiring and aide others makes it easy to stay naturally motivated. If you aren’t motivated or have a passion, then you won’t be successful.
Pricing:
- Joining is free just have to buy an org. Shirt which is $25
Contact Info:
- Email: obomentoring@gmail.com
- Instagram: @OneByOneMentoring
- Facebook: @OneByOneMentoring
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