Today we’d like to introduce you to i’lasha James.
Hi i’lasha, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
It all started the year of 2021. I was working the overnight shift at the hospital, pursuing my associate’s degree, mental health first aider certification, and Community Health Worker license at the same time. Shortly after receiving my Community Health Worker license, my instructor sent out a job offer. I applied and was granted the position. The position was a health disparities grant that required me to bring health and wellness to an 8-county coverage area throughout the coastal region. My first goal was to build trust within my communities. I began to speak with community members to hear their stories about the barriers they were facing. Once hearing their stories, I began building relationships with community partners, various health entities, schools, faith-based organizations, and community stakeholders who had a heart to serve the community. I began to create health fairs through inviting community partners who were able to offer their services to the community. Along with the services that were offered, I implemented games and door prizes. Being a Community health worker was no longer a job for me; it became a passion. With this passion, I started my own non-profit ” Extend A Helping Hand Foundation.”
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My journey was not a smooth road. One of the biggest struggles I faced with my job role was trust within my communities. There is a lot of mistrust within the community when it comes to the government, so I had to begin rebuilding a trust that I didn’t break. I knew it wasn’t going to be easy, yet I was up for the challenge. Several community members were anti-COVID vaccines, due to various reasons, such as the loss of loved one, bad reactions to the vaccine, some believed it was the government’s way of killing off the population. One community member told me that I was “getting paid through the government to help kill off the population” while promoting COVID education.
We’ve been impressed with Extend A Helping Hand Foundation, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
“Extend A Helping Hand” is a new and upcoming non-profit organization. My mission is to help undeserved families achieve long-term sustainability through outreach, educational programs, and training. I am known for being a liaison in my communities. I believe what sets me aside from others is my drive and passion. I always allow my faith in God to make a way, no matter how challenging it may seem. Brand-wise, I am most proud of the mission behind my brand, with this mission, I am able to create happier and healthier communities. I would like my readers to know that when you see my brand, know that no matter what hardships you are facing whether it be big or small, help is available to and for you. Know that passion and hard work is always being done behind the scenes.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My children will always be my #1 cheerleaders. My best friend assisted me in helping start up my non-profit; she was sure to walk me through the paperwork process and help in any capacity. My mentor, colleagues’ family, friends, and community partners have been great cheerleaders and are looking forward to seeing “Extend A Helping Hand” in the community more often. I am truly blessed.
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