Today we’d like to introduce you to Chenita Tayborn.
Hi Chenita, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born into a tumultuous world. I was born a crack baby and was abandoned at the hospital by mother. At the time of my birth, my mother was very heavy into their addictions and was at the point of no return. I am the 8th child of my mother’s 13 children. Myself and 7 of my siblings were placed with my grandparents by Child Protective Services. My younger siblings were placed into foster homes and later adopted by unrelated relatives. My grandparents raised us with the love of Christ, morals and values, respect and dignity, and to always be able to forgive.
I’ve always been aware of my reality. I knew at a very early age that my mom was different. Although she broke my heart with her addiction to drugs and alcohol, and her absence in my life, I loved her despite all the hurt she caused me. My mother is truly my inspiration. No matter what people said and thought about her, what she did or the lifestyle she lived, I’ve always just seen her as “Mom”. Anytime we were around each other, I wanted to love and protect her because I knew she was hurting from fighting so many silent battles. My desire to start Youth Be Known was inspired by the neglect and trauma of my childhood, the pain of a mother, the love of grandparents, God’s grace and mercy, and the ability to forgive. Everything that I have experienced in my life has prepared me for the role I am in today. I stand strong on the foundation I have built, because I know the pain and hurt, I had to let go in order to get here.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Depression, Insomnia and anxiety has been a part of my life since I was a child. I have faced some incredible highs and very dark lows, but I pride myself on standing strong and no longer being ashamed of the things that have molded me into who I am today. I am aware of my triggers and I’m still learning to work through them. Triggered moments that lead to anxiety attacks and mental anguish always leave me feeling like I’m constantly trying to dig my way out a dark hole. Everyday practices like getting out of bed, taking a shower, and eating, can undoubtedly be put on the back burner because there is no motivation to get out of bed. My bouts of depression can last up to 14 days, with me struggling to find a real reason to keep pushing. It can be extremely grueling fighting with yourself. I have learned to not look at my mental health diagnosis as a death sentence. I am no longer ashamed and that has been the most liberating feeling I have yet to experience. I am a beautiful flawed woman.
The goal for Youth Be Known is to remain consistent. Taking my medication, prayer, delegating responsibilities, learning to take breaks and breathe has allowed me to continue flourishing in my God given purpose. I want a blissful and gratifying life. I have worked hard and I deserve it. There is a blazing fire burning within me that keeps me going. Despite my mental health struggles, I still persevere through challenges.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Youth Be Known?
Youth Be Known is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides services to families adopting and fostering children from the public foster care system. The organization works meticulously to enhance the lives of our most vulnerable children: those in foster care or at risk of entering the system at no fault of their own. Youth Be Known specializes in bringing awareness and advocacy to the foster care and adoption communities. While we are all not called to do the same thing, we are certainly created to do something. For the ones forgotten, the ones in need and the ones neglected, Youth Be Known steps up. We are meeting the needs of the families and youth by providing them with the most rewarding program services. As the founder, I am beyond proud of all the success stories Youth Be Known has been a part of. Our clients’ testimonials are proof that Youth Be Known is on the right track with edifying its mission. Youth Be Known stands out because we recognize that we each play a part in enriching the lives of our most voiceless children.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
The moment I made the decision to move to Houston from San Antonio, I knew it was going to be home, I am originally from Chicago, so it was an easy adjustment. There is no doubt that Houston has some of the best food around. I absolutely love the diversity in Houston. This city is a melting pot of people and culture and has been blessed to meet some very amazing people because of it.
There isn’t much that I don’t like about Houston other than the traffic.
Contact Info:
- Email: youthbeknown@gmail.com
- Website: www.youthbeknown.org
- Instagram: Chenita Tayborn
- Facebook: YBK- Youth Be Known
- Twitter: Chenita Tayborn
