In 1996, I lived in Avondale Circle, a low-income housing project in the city of Gulfport, Mississippi. At that time, it was a troubled neighborhood, and the children who lived there needed positive activities and a place to feel safe. To ensure that kids had a happy environment and to keep their minds stimulated with positive thoughts, I became the neighborhood babysitter.
I eventually met my mentor, Mrs. Katie Booth, a pillar of the community who was working to expand the Magnolia Grove Community Center and its children’s program. She provided resources where I could gather Christmas gifts for the children and distribute them in my neighborhood. Growing up, my parents always worked, so we were not allowed to go outside the house and play. I decided at an early age that when I became an adult and had children, I would always have time for them, and they would always feel loved.
In 2000, I moved into the Soria City community where I met Ms. Dorothy McClendon, the president of the Soria City Civil Club. She saw how passionate I was about children, families, and the community, so she steered me in the right direction to get the resources needed to help others. I began organizing activities such as the Easter Egg Hunt and Nay’s Kid’s Christmas, where the children received gifts and the elderly received fruit baskets.
In 2021, “It’s All About Nay’s Kids, Inc.” was founded and is now a 501(c)(3) organization. Our mission is to build on the strength of children and families in a supportive environment, where they find safety, hope, and success in life.
Other activities the organization has sponsored include Halloween Movie Night, Feeding the Needy on Saturdays in the Feed My Sheep parking lot, Kids Winter Coat Drive, Back to School Supplies, and Let’s Go Gardening.
I am a member and youth minister of Unity Spiritual Center of Gulfport, where Judy Voght is the pastor. She, along with the congregation, purchased a van so I would have transportation to take children to and from church services, as well as to other events or community-related activities.
One major project that I am currently working on is providing a park or shady area for the children in the Soria City Community to play and cool down during the hot summer months. I began advocating for a splash pad, and through the efforts of Gulfport Councilwoman Ella Holmes Hines, a site on the corner of 20th Street and Bullis Avenue became the home for a splash pad, basketball goal, and park bench. However, our park is still incomplete as we now need playground equipment for our smaller kids. On June 3rd, we started a fundraiser and are accepting donations or grants to help us purchase this equipment.
Throughout the organization’s beginning, we could not do what we do without the continuous support of the church, community, sponsors, and partners. We appreciate and thank each of you.
To God be the Glory!
Phone : 1-228-239-8655
Email : contact@nayskids.com