Today we’d like to introduce you to Yolanda Carson.
Hi Yolanda, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
On March 30, 2013 our 23 year old daughter Jade was struck and killed by a drunk driver, at that time she left behind a fiancee and 6 month old son Jacob. Jacob’s dad Dalton was now a single parent. Our families had to step in to help him raise Jacob and also supported this 22 year old father financially. Mother Against Drunk Driving(Madd) wanted me to join their organization but I knew there something else I was suppose to do. God placed it in my heart to start a non- profit to help children that have suffered the unimaginable that of losing a parent. A big part of our support is to help families financially, as well as provide grief support services to children.
When Jade Smiles is. 501(c)(3) non -profit organization, that helps the social and economic needs of children after the death of a parent.. Our website to find out more of what we do.( (www.whenjadesmiles.org) Our slogan is not child should ever have to grieve alone.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Losing a child is no smooth road, grief can be unbearable at times but being a huge support to families and knowing that we are making a difference in the lives of children is a source of strength for me. I would say one of the biggest obstacles right now is to raise more financial support from our fundraisers or donors.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’ve learned that there are so many grieving children out there that need grief support. I am passionate about helping children. Someday my own grandson could possibly need grief support a he gets older and really start to miss his mom. Grief has no timeline. I am most proud of my family, I have a wonderful supportive husband, and we raised 3 beautiful souls, and now seeing my daughter in my grandson is the world to me.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Just go with your heart is telling you to do
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.whenjadesmiles.org
- Facebook: When Jade Smiles
Image Credits
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