Today we’d like to introduce you to Graylynn T. Viltz.
Hi Graylynn, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I thank God who allowed me to be born to two of the most wonderful parents a guy could ask for, Martha L. Viltz and the late James L. Viltz. I am the eldest of 3 and my parents and my parents taught my siblings (Javan & Sharla) and I the important lesson of loving God, His creations, being humble, and helping people. We were taught how to treat all people with human decency and respect. Those lessons and passions never left me as I became an adult and no matter where I found myself in life, I’ve always found myself doing the great work of helping someone. I will forever attest that my father loved and took care of his family so much that when I was younger, I always thought we were rich, but what I learned over the many years is that we were rich in love as a family coupled with dignity and respect for ourselves and mankind; our ethnicity of being African American was secondary. Fast forward moving to Houston, from Port Arthur, TX, I was young and enjoying what the city had to offer, however, I felt like something was missing and I quickly realized that I wasn’t moving in one of the paths God had ultimately ordained for me.
Life has a way of teaching us lessons by showing you just how real it can be, that’s if you stay still long enough to pay attention. Life really became real for me for me when I learned that there were many people in our communities that were arbitrarily ignored, and what actually pulled at my heartstrings was the fact there were some children that never received the little extras that I believed all children needed every now and then. This time, this was different because at the time of the height of HIV/AIDS, there were little babies and children who were born with HIV that were placed in a facility in Third Ward area of Houston, TX away from other entities of health care. I felt like they were discarded and not considered worthy of childhood happiness although they were afflicted with a deadly disease that was no fault of their own. Needless to say, no matter who made the decision to abandon these children, God laid it on my heart to create my first project with just a simple Teddy Bear. The first year I started purchasing Teddy Bears on my own, but then a former coworker asked me about it and then I started receiving teddy bears from various departments and fellow coworkers that really made this project come to life. I would take the teddy bears to the facility as gifts for children or their parents to show that there are people who still care about people. Although I wasn’t able to physically see the children, the facility contact allowed me to drop them off and she informed the parents that donation was made with hopes that would make the children happy. As I explain this it brings back painful memories that some children weren’t even conscious and the advancement of HIV/AIDS medication wasn’t what it is presently, so some children never seen the gift of the teddy bear, but those who had family representation appreciated the thoughtful gift.
I kept doing that project for a few years until the volunteer organization at my previous employer decided that we could possibly expand this project through South TX which included Gulf Coast Area, Houston, San Antonio & Corpus Christi. The former leaders realized times were changing and the prior projects they once did now lacked enthusiasm, time, and dedication from the younger employees who would take their places. So be that it may this teddy bear project that went from 10-15 teddy bears went from hundred to 1000 across South TX. The project became a gift or an additional gift for children in hospitals and underdog facilities where children are. We were also able to canvass and families where parents who could not afford to give a Christmas Gift to their children. The Bear Project was the talk of the South TX Chapter and The National Organization in which we were governed. Because the Teddy Bears arrived as a blank canvas, this engaged people to volunteer their time and efforts to customize the bears so when they were delivered, they had new new BEAR(per)sonality.
Being more active with my former volunteer organization, my eyes were open to so many other needs and possibilities where I could help someone. My work went on for over twenty years before I decided to leave the company due to job relocations throughout the company. However, by this time, giving back and helping people was who I had become, and I just couldn’t stop because I was choosing a new career path. My first thought was, “how will I be able to continue to help people without the support of the volunteer organization that I worked with?” God laid on my heart that, “I’ve given you everything you need to take this gift to the next level.” What I know to be true is “All Things Are Possible With Christ”. So, I decided to start my own non-profit on the onset of COVID-19 Pandemic. The Pandemic gave me time to figure some things out, it also afforded me the opportunity to go back to school which had always been my goal. With GOD leading me along with a few vision-believing friends, I was able to officially birth my own nonprofit organization named 4 The Invisible 1’s, Inc.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
The road has not been easy at all and some days I wonder if I should just throw in the towel. I’ve experienced so many losses of those who became my family including losing my own father coupled with the unexpected betrayal from those who I thought loved me and were my ride-or-die people, but like most people when God is trying to elevate you, somehow those who you thought loved you seem to mean you no good and in actuality there purpose is brief but the depth of the trauma left behind is overwhelmingly devastating. I heard someone say, “If the devil is not messing with you, could be you already belong to him”. I have no reason to boast or brag about anything because everything that I do is to help someone. I focus on the encouraging words from those who are no longer here and those who are still present in my life to keep moving forward. Whenever I’m feeling defeated or don’t know how I’m going to accomplish a project, I’m reminded of a song penned by the late Walter Hawkins that says,
“It could have been me
Outdoors with no food and no clothes
Or left alone without a friend
Or just another number with a tragic end
BUT YOU didn’t see fit to let none of these thing be
Cause every day by your power you keep on keeping me
I wanna say Thank You, Lord For All You’ve Done For ME!” \
That is what keeps me motivated to keep on, because no matter how bad my things seem, there are a number of people who are going through much worse and who am I to complain, and there are days I have to remind myself that I won’t complain.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next, you can tell us a bit more about your business.
4 The Invisible 1’s, Inc., is a nonprofit organization whose purpose is simple but effective. Our goal is to provide certain common necessities to adults and children in any way that we can #helpushelpsome1. Focusing on people who are underprivileged, homeless, or affected by some type of natural catastrophe. We are Impacting People’s Lives Meaningfully. We do it because it’s the right thing to do, and we do it 4 The Invisible 1’s, Inc. I am proud to say we started out with one Project and this year we have a total of five:
- AIDSWALK/HOUSTON (TEAM) 3/5/23 (ANNUAL)
- ANNUAL MENTAL HEALTH SYMPOSIUM (VIRTUAL) 5/6/23 (FREE)
- HYDRATION 4 THE HOMELESS ( 7/2023)
- “GENÉE’S GOODIES” PET FOOD DRIVE (TBA)
- “NO BARE FEET” ANNUAL SOCK DRIVE (12/2023)
This past December 2022 ( “NO BARE FEET” Project, we were able to provide over 100 drawstring bags that included another bag full of snacks and water and 2 pairs of socks that were in person delivered to some of the men and women of Houston. What made this project more special this time is that each person received 1-2 of “Beatty’s Burritos”. Yes that’s right fresh and hot made with a lot of love. Beatty’s Burritos traveled to Houston and made them from scratch.
I am also happy to share that we are now a Certifying Organization for the (PVSA)President’s Volunteer Service Award. We have been granted the authority to process applications to award PVSA to those volunteers, non-profits and other entities. The PVSA is a civil award bestowed by the President of the United States of America.
You would think that running a nonprofit would take up a lot of time and yes it does, and for me it never seems to be enough time in the day. I have a full-time job, and I have new Graphic Design Business named TroyBoy Productions. Last year I was blessed to obtain my Bachelor of Science Degree in Graphic Design from Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida. I’ve always dabbled in creating flyers and other items that were needed whenever it was time to advertise for an upcoming project. I decided to go back to college and earn a degree in which I’m so thankful to God and very proud of myself. I am also proud to be the Marketing Director (part-time) for Lavalais LPC, PLLC, in which she has entrusted me with helping to market her business not only here in Texas but also across the country. One of my proudest moments with marketing for Lavalais LPC, PLLC is that a short commercial ad was ran for a famous YouTube Influencer/Actor/Comedian. This celebrity ran the commercial ad many times over on her social platforms because she felt that the services that Lavalais LPC, PLLC provided was necessary for the masses particularly during the height of Covid-19 Pandemic.
I create with intention and awareness. I was also fortunate to be commissioned to assist in getting Serenity and Sanctuary (Tangela Shaw) and All Thingz Lette (Arlette Deal-Watson) websites for their small business up and running. I care about what the client is looking to convey to their audience, and I want them to feel comfortable with the ideas they have. My design esthetic is always customized just for the client. My firm is a small business currently, but I pride myself on simple yet effective productions. For further custom graphic design information, anyone can reach me at info@troyboyproductions.com and visit our IG @bookoftroy, Facebook page TroyBoy Productions, Bēhance (https://www.behance.net/graylynnviltz1) and our website at www.troyboyproductions.com
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
What makes me Happy is giving to those who have not. Not that I have a lot, but if we could just understand and the concept of giving instead of being selfish, we could understand that giving is receiving and although you may not receive what you think you should, peruse your life and see what you received that wasn’t expected. Seeing everyone “Winning” is very important to me because, “no one knows it all or can have it all, but in the meantime, I can celebrate your success or accomplishment until it’s my turn.” Making sure my fabulous mother is happy makes me truly satisfied and there is not a day goes by that we don’t communicate; she is My First BFF. At this point in my life, peace and travelling goes hand in hand and for me, there is nothing like a nice little getaway.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.4theinvisible1s.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/4_the_invisible_1s/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/4TheInvisible1s
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gviltz/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/4theinvisible1s
Image Credits
Viltz
Graylynn
