Hands
for Hope
Investing
in our Future
By Monica
Davis
Through the
care, love and dedication of a special woman, Lydia Floyd, the kids at Hands
for Hope will carry lessons of a lifetime into adulthood.
Throughout
her childhood Lydia
saw firsthand what it takes to raise a family single-handedly. Her mother, who had epilepsy, raised two
daughters, one son and foster children as a single parent. Lydia has a
deep appreciation for single parents and what they endure in order to raise a
family. Ms. Floyd has two sisters who
are also single parents.
What
inspired Lydia
to start Hands for Hope was a call she received from her sister who had a sick
child but was not in a position to take time off from work. Lydia,
realizing the enormous challenges that women face as single parents, took
action. In 2000, Lydia founded
Hands for Hope. She left her position as
a computer specialist to pursue her true calling as an advocate for single
parents.
It has been
a challenge for Lydia
to transition from her job as a computer specialist to working for a non-profit
organization, but the changes she sees in the kids and the appreciation she
gets from the parents keeps her motivated and focused.
The organization
serves mostly Latino and African American youth. It offers a well-rounded program that promotes,
among other things, self-esteem and talent development. Hands for Hope also offer a support network
for single parents.
The Working
Hands part of the program teaches career development and entrepreneurial training,
including public speaking, leadership skills and financial management.
The Talented Hands Arts Academy enables students to develop
their artistic abilities. They
experience the opportunity to play instruments and learn other forms of art,
including dance and theater. In addition
to learning about artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Shakespeare, Gene Kelley and
other well known playwrights, singers and dancers, they also perform at jazz
concerts. Lydia’s husband has been
instrumental in helping her develop the music program. He teaches classes and, as a jazz musician, he
and his group perform at an annual concert called “Starlight Jazz Serenade” to
raise funds for the organization. The
students not only get the opportunity to perform at the concert but Lydia ensures
that they serve as hosts also.
Self-esteem
helps build strong minds and positive attitudes. The Active Hands program promotes self-esteem
among the youth through physical fitness. Overall, the program teaches the
importance healthy eating habits and personal care.
Hands
for Hope is a
very structured and disciplined program.
When the students arrive, they immediately begin their homework and are
provided snacks.
Other areas
of the Hands for Hope program include Basic Hands which teaches the basics of
such things as proper grooming and hygiene, emergency training, social skills
and empathy through interaction with the elderly, disabled persons and children
from third-world countries.
Lydia
Floyd, a true champion and inspiration for single parents, is committed to filling
a critical need in her community by broadening the horizons of underprivileged
children and single-parent families.
To learn
more about Hands for Hope visit www.hands4hope.org.