Statements
Mission
The F.I.N.D. DESIGN exists to mitigate the effects of systemic and personal trauma on Black girls, and other girls of color ages 11-17, by providing safe spaces for healing, long-term mentorships, and programming that transform their mental health and overall well-being.
Background
The F.I.N.D. Design (Families in Need of Direction) is a 501(c)(3) community-based organization founded by Kara James and Sharese Chapman. The two Michigan Natives, as black women, became frustrated and saddened by the lack of safe space for black and brown girls in Middle Tennessee. Program models and curriculum that were proposed as empowering and impactful for "at-risk" girls stemmed from Eurocentric perspectives that did not consider their specific needs, which affected their overall sense of worth and purpose. Additionally, services provided sent a message of "fixing" black girls, as if they were broken, because their presence was compared to European standards. Instead of embracing and building on their assets, powers, and strengths of their diversity, they felt excluded from such spaces.
The F.I.N.D. Design organization services middle and high school girls of color and their families through culturally relevant African and African American-centric models that foster sensitivity and understanding to girls of color's unique needs. The services identify girls that are "lost in the shuffle" by way of falling victim to generational trauma and systematic oppression. Utilizing a framework that allows them to see qualities, characteristics, and responsibilities of black and brown people of excellence. As a result of the images and cultural curriculum used in program services, girls of color can see themselves in their future, which stimulates their desire to come into their higher nature and become achievers in their schools and communities.
Through community partnerships such as, Metro Nashville Public Schools (M.N.P.S.) and Davidson County Juvenile Court, program offerings have increased to offer multiple opportunities for services. Programming has extended from prevention to intervention, school-based and after-school programs, and summer "experiences" that provide holistic opportunities for girls to be supported, valued and heard. Additionally, the organization focuses on undoing the school pushout and the abuse to prison pipeline that proves to drive girls out of school into the justice system because of "adultification" and trauma.
The F.I.N.D. Design services assist Middle Tennessee, emphasizing the South Nashville and Antioch communities as these communities lack services specifically for black girls.
Impact
TFD has achieved a number of successes over the years, some of which include:
1. Completing several hundred hours of social-emotional development, conflict resolution, and anger management training and workshops
2. 60% decrease in referrals if not eliminated altogether.
3. 1000 volunteer hours donated.
4. Over 500 children and their families have been assisted during the Christmas holiday season through our Gifts of Love Toy Drive Program and referred to services for long-term solutions
5. 200 youth served annually through programming and services.
Needs
1. Corporate Partnerships (i.e. sponsors, grants)
2. Increase Volunteerism
3. Increase diversified funding streams
4. Donated office space
5. Increase in mentors
6. Volunteer Board Committee Members
CEO Statement
As Executive Director of The F.I.N.D. Design (T.F.D.), I often give a disclaimer as a forewarning of the passion and excitement exhibited when speaking about this incredible organization. I am sorry, but I am absolutely not. My story is similar to those we hear daily from black girls and other girls of color, which centers around feeling unheard, unseen, unvalued, and definitely unprotected. After responding to my unhealed trauma (both systemic and personal) in unhealthy ways, I ended up being confined to a small, physical space that I knew I was bigger than. I vowed at that moment to use my pain and experience for purpose and allow it to be the driving force that would support my healing and the healing of other black and brown girls. It is an honor and privilege to serve such a strong, resilient, courageous, and remarkable population and see greatness emerge from simply cultivating a space of safety and healing. This is the same freedom that I needed to stand into the fullness of who I was. Talk about life-changing. It is a beautiful thing to be able to do the very thing you were put on this earth to do, and I take this call to action very seriously.
While the mission of The F.I.N.D. Design may sound familiar; our approach stands out from all others with an emphasis on relatability and "meeting people where they are." We are the interpreters. Most of our leadership and staff have come from places similar to the population we serve, which is a considerable advantage as the struggle to trust is understandably evident. Many cast out this population as a lost cause, not understanding their unique struggle and needs to address such challenges. Our organization not only talks the talk and walks the walk, but also helps to break down barriers that many have tried but have been unsuccessful. We have continued to show who we are and what we can do. And even though data remains true, reflecting the disparities around funding that go-to black women-led organizations and girls of color, we will continue to fight against this system of inequities and inequalities to guarantee that black girls and other girls of color receive the safety and security needed to thrive!
Now watch us work!
Board Chair Statement
The work that FIND does is critical. It has the type of impact that will stop the next school shooting, prevent the next suicide, and graduate the next at-risk student. Impact like that cannot be ignored and they have the data to substantiate the impact. But they cannot continue to make that kind of impact without financial support. The co-founders have been all in, giving everything they've got to make this organization succeed. The girls they serve are all in, understanding that someone finally gets it, gets THEM. We need donors to be all in, too.
Service Categories |
|
| Primary Category: | Youth Development - Youth Development Programs |
| Secondary Category: | Youth Development - Youth Development Programs |
| Tertiary Category: | Youth Development - Youth Development Programs |
Areas Served
Davidson County, with an emphasis on South Nashville and Antioch.
| TN - Davidson |
