Today we’d like to introduce you to Taler Jefferson.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Taler. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I have been actively involved in the betterment of the neighborhood I grew up in, Hamilton Park (Dallas, Texas) for a couple of years now. More recently I have taken on the task of being a Next Generation Leader for the neighborhood. It has always been a dream of mine to put more of myself into Dallas, Texas, specifically Hamilton Park and other underserved neighborhoods. One Saturday I decided to drive to Houston to visit my uncle after having a very tough week. We attended his church, Brentwood Baptist Church Sunday morning and the Women’s Day speaker, Dr. Keri Day inspired me in more ways that she could imagine. I truly believe God was speaking to me directly through Dr. Day.
During her sermon, she spoke of how righteous and demanding Salome was and about how we as black and brown people, especially women should be the vessel to make change within our communities. Right then and there I knew I needed to form The Salome Foundation. It had been a thought in my mind for years to create a nonprofit organization for the community, by the community; I even wrote it on my vision board. I had become extremely discouraged in the last few months due to personal issues and feeling as if I was not living in my true purpose. During her sermon, God whispered to me “Step out on faith and never become discouraged. You must remain faithful and do what I’ve called for you to do; rebuild, educate and serve. Go forth”.
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?
It has been a pretty smooth road so far, but keep in mind we have only been established since August 2018. I must say The Salome Foundation has been very blessed to have accomplished the amount of things we have in such a short time. Although the struggles we have faced have been fairly small, we are aware that as time goes on and the foundation grows we will hit a few snags and we are prepared.
Please tell us about The Salome Foundation.
The Salome Foundation is a 501c3 organization that is committed to the rebuilding and restructuring of inner city/low-income areas to promote the possibilities of positive change within those designated areas. So far we have hosted a scholarship fundraising event in which we were able to give away a $500 scholarship to a college junior. Additionally, we gave away Christmas bags that included food, money, water, gloves, blankets, and toiletries to homeless in the North Dallas area. We provided “Christmas miracles” which included food and a gift card to 2 families in Dallas. We also gave away school supplies at a fall festival at a local elementary. I am most proud that as a foundation because in such a short time we have truly been able to help and impact so many people’s lives.
What sets us apart from other is because The Salome Foundation is controlled and led by people that are products of the community and are committed to rebuilding, educating and serving to save the community and the people in it. Because we are locally based, we are in tune with the needs of the community.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Oh wow, my favorite memory from my childhood is probably hanging out with my great-grandparents. My Madea and Granddaddy were my road dogs. They honestly molded all of their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to be respectful, loving and giving people. My great grandmother passed away when I was 12 but growing up I remember their house always being full of people. At the time they seemed to be random people but as I got older, I realized they were people that my grandparents had positively impacted. People just loved to be around my grandparents. My great grandfather is 93 now and I still hang out with him from time to time. Seeing how people respond and respect him even now really makes me want to continue to live my life how he and my grandmother did; by helping people and making a positive impact on their lives.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thesalomefoundation.org
- Phone: 469-431-3901 office
- Email: info@thesalomefoundation.org
Image Credit:
Taler Jefferson, President of The Salome Foundation
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