Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Kylon Solomon.
Dr. Solomon, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
IM LIFEE, is Individuals Making Living In Full Effect a Public Charity 501(c)(3) nonprofit that was established out of experiencing a need for the community in a Big THINKING Manner. Tired of seeing individuals who made a mistake, being victims daily for the mistake they made after being incarcerated with No hope, No resources and a society that stigmatized them by a moment in their lives. I made a choice that affected my life, yet I made another choice to not be defined by my mistake but, become the transformation and establish a true re-entry program that effectively changes the trajectory of their lives. By Transforming the stigma around the re-entry population who have been incarcerated. On September 5, 2019 (IM LIFEE) became a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization with the Internal Revenue Service. And from that day to current. IM LIFEE has hit the ground running, in efforts of successfully assisting those we serve. IM LIFEE is dedicated to assisting men with obtaining the necessary support and charity from their community to ensure their success in their assimilation into their communities in which they are returning.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Proverbs 18:16’ A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great. I remember growing up in Texarkana, Arkansas on of my teacher Mrs. Thelma Forte once told me “Solomon, I am not telling you it’s going to be easy, I am telling you it’s going to be worth it.” Pursuing your purpose in life will never be easy, You will have your highs and you will have lows. But you have to remember when you operate in divine purpose, There is this thing call favor that seems follow. I have faced various challenges and opposition during my journey. Many of the same things others encounter which is funding sources, sponsorship, and donations. I would say many people donate to major nonprofits but also forget that local nonprofit organizations that directly support our communities. I often think if individuals support nonprofits with small donations who serve there in the community we could see change happen at a rapid rate.
Please tell us about the organization.
IM LIFEE is a true holistic re-entry program, our focus is if we educate, provide temporary housing and transportation. Establish relationships to help with individual needs we can truly Reduce Recidivism. IM LIFEE believes when individuals change, society will change. And when society changes, the whole world will change. The welfare of the individual is bound up with the welfare of society as a whole. We focus on Adult Education and Continuing Education, Individual & Group Counseling, Temporary Housing Short Term, Transportation, Job/Career Readiness, Financial Literacy Community Resources, Alcohol/Drug Counseling, and Faith-Based Services.
As the Founder and Managing Director, I am excited that IM LIFEE has a resource center in Fort Worth Texas and Texarkana Arkansas. We most recently signed the lease on our first transitional house, We also were gifted with a vehicle a 2005 GMC Trailblazer to support our transportation, and we have sign MOU Agreements with Dallas Community College to support our IM DEGREED program. We have an MOU with Higher Height Adult Private School to help those individuals who might be looking to obtain their High School Diploma or Vocational Certificate. IM LIFEE has a supportive Board of Directors, that truly support the mission of Individuals Making Living In Full Effect Effective. Each one of us has a responsibility to encourage, inspire and to change.
What Set IM LIFEE apart from others in the industry. “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God can bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 9 As it is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.” This quote in its entirety is what sets us apart from others. 2 Corinthians 9
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
At this point, if I had to start over I would do nothing differently. I have been blessed to be in a position to meet the right people at the right time. I believe that no matter when we start our journey will always be our journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.imlifee.org
- Phone: 817-382-7279
- Email: info@imlifee.org
- Instagram: imlifee2020
- Facebook: imlifee2020
- Twitter: imlifee2020
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