Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Lynda Wright Gittens.
Dr. Lynda, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I am a mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, mentor, minister, and author.
I have been mentoring young people since I was 21. I served as a Girl Scout leader for 37 years and held leadership positions within the Girl Scout Council, including Community Manager, Gold Award Advisor, District Secretary, and committee member. Within my church community, I have also served as a leader in the children and youth ministries.
My passion and purpose are to serve young people and share my wisdom to guide them toward their purpose and a brighter future. In 2008, God placed it on my heart to serve children diagnosed with learning challenges, as well as those in high-risk communities, by providing school supplies to support their education. In 2012, we expanded our mission to include academic support programs offering tutorials for Grades 1–12, college entrance exam preparation, and parent advocacy assistance related to IEPs and 504 plans.
I have been recognized for my dedication and service as a Legend by The Blue Triangle and as one of Houston’s Top 50 Mentors by Inspired Women. I am also the author of Finding Your Miracles Amid Pain: Journeying Through Mourning to Morning
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As the founder of a nonprofit, the journey was challenging. I had to create an organization with limited knowledge, organize a board, and learn how to request donations—most importantly, who to ask for them. My daughter, Shahara Wright, an attorney, was a pillar in the establishment of Babies Youth Children Empowerment, Inc.
Our first school supply drive was difficult to launch, but after I visited Ghana in 2008, we expanded our efforts to include children there as recipients. I reached out to potential partners to support the collection of supplies, and the Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council partnered with us to support this effort. Troops across the council, along with my community of friends, family, and church members, made generous contributions—far exceeding our expectations. We served 125 students in Ghana and up to 500 students in Houston and surrounding cities.
While developing our academic tutorial program, I faced a near-death health challenge that shocked me and delayed our progress. Through medical care, prayer, and determination, I overcame this difficult period and eventually relaunched the program. We recruited an academic advisory board, volunteers, students, and secured locations for our services.
Another major challenge was securing financial donations to cover operating expenses. In the early years, I personally provided over 50 percent of the organization’s funding. As our board grew and our programs expanded into more communities, we began receiving small grants that helped sustain our free services.
I’ve learned that providing free programs supported solely by individual donations and grants is not an easy respect. You receive countless “no’s,” but perseverance leads to the “yes” that brings the following blessing. Grants are never guaranteed; each year brings a new struggle to retain both donors and volunteers. Although some volunteers have served with us for over a year, we recruit throughout the year to maintain engagement. We remain an all-volunteer organization—even our staff. I remind myself daily that my purpose is greater.
In 2020, when the pandemic struck, we were hit hard. In-person services stopped, and donations decreased. We had to cut some programs and transition our tutorial services to a virtual format. Initially, we lacked the equipment and tools to operate effectively. Then we received a grant from “Out To Learn!”—an organization that supports nonprofits serving students through afterschool programs. This was a game-changer. It allowed us to purchase equipment, online academic program licenses, and other essential tools.
Now, with 16 years of service, our nonprofit has received its largest donation to date—from the Jack and Jill of America, Inc., Houston Metropolitan Chapter. We are thrilled to expand both the number of students we serve and our support to parents. We have also broadened our services to include access to professionals specializing in Special Education (SPED) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
We’ve been impressed with Babies Youth Children Empowerment Inc., 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?
Babies Youth Children Empowerment, Inc. is 16 years in service.
Our Misson
To nurture the development and aid of Grades 1-12 students with learning disabilities and differences in improving grade-level skills and test scores, reduce high school dropout rates, and prepare them for higher learning through specialized academic instructional and life skill programs. We journey with them from the Classroom to College to Careers to Community Involvement while helping remove social, economic, and educational obstacles to our students’ success.
We tutor elementary and middle school students in reading, writing, and math, as well as high school students in English, writing, math subjects, science, foreign languages, and college readiness. We offer a parent empowerment advocacy program to help parents navigate their child’s educational rights, including IEPs and 504 plans. We hosted a free webinar, offered low-cost consultations, reviewed plans, and more.
We are more than a tutorial service. We serve the needs of our students’ future. We are invested in their success.
I am most proud of how we invested in our students and their families, which has yielded successful futures for our students. Many of our students have ADHD. Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, etc. They are learning despite the national statistics and people’s stereotyping of their abilities.
Our motto is “We never give up!” We utilize various teaching tools to support their success. All of our students have advanced in grade-level skills, and their self-confidence has increased, leading to acceptance into their college of choice with the support of our college readiness program. Our tutorial services are available on a sliding scale, with options ranging from free to qualifying families.
We are currently making preparations to host a hands-on career trade community expo. Visit our website for more details.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
My family has been a strong supporter and friends. My season saint influencers were my encouragers who keep me motivated. One of my influencers is in her 90’s and still serving the community. If she ain’t quitting, I ain’t either.
Pricing:
- Tutorials begin at $8 per hour (sliding scale)
- Parent Empowerment Webinars – Free
- College Readiness- price varies
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.byceministries.org
- Instagram: @byce2009
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/byceeducational&empowermentprogram
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/babies-youth-children-empowerment/
- Youtube: @BYCEEDUCATIONIEP504SUPPORT-g7c
Image Credits
N/a
