Monday, October 10, 2011

This Week's Spotlight~Kishma A. George: "Fostered Out of Love"


Kishma A. George is the President/CEO of K.I.S.H. Home, Inc. and Director of Women Destined for Greatness Mentoring Program. Ms. George was born in St.Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands and currently resides in Delaware. She obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Delaware State University. Ms. George is presently a Senior Social Worker/Case Manager in Delaware. Her extensive background in the Human Services community includes serving in the capacity of an Independent Living Mentor and a Wrap-around Therapist. During her tenure as a mentor and Wrap-around therapist, she noticed the limited amount of community resources offered to the transitioning youths who often became vulnerable to homelessness, poverty, incarceration, and premarital pregnancy. Ms. George wanted to make a difference in their lives and make certain that they had a safe, successful transition to adulthood and independent living. Thus, K.I.S.H. Home, Inc. was birthed to bridge the gap between leaving the foster care system and securing a stable future for many of these young women.

Ms. George is a motivational speaker, mentor, playwright, producer and aspiring author whose mission is to inspire and encourage women and girls to fulfill their God-given purpose. Her works as a speaker and mentor is executed through the Women Destined for Greatness Mentoring Program and collaboration with the juvenile and school system in Kent County, DE. She believes that regardless of life’s circumstances, there is greatness inside of every woman. Ms. George, not only the visionary, but the esteemed writer, director and producer of the inspirational stage play “When You Have A Dream” in which she starred in a leading role. Her diligence and passion for young women has been recognized in various newspaper articles, including the Dover Post, Delaware News Journal and Milford Beacon. Additionally, she is the recipient for the 2011 Empowered Women of the Year Award by Empowered Women Ministries and Woman of the Year 2011- 2012 by Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. / Theta Zeta Zeta Chapter in recognition of outstanding contributions to the Greater Dover Community.

My Greatest Accomplishment To Date Has Been
Being able to bring K.I.S.H Home Inc. from a calling in my heart, into a reality that will change lives for those we serve. I frequently tell people that giving birth to your dream is much like labor, there are aches and pains and sometimes you may not think that you can bring forth what’s inside you, but with perseverance, and God’s blessing, you can accomplish anything. K.I.S.H Home Inc. is not only my greatest accomplishment; it’s also my greatest testimony to those who have dreams that they too can achieve.

The Most Challenging Thing I Ever Experienced
That’s a hard question simply because every day presents a different challenge in some way, shape, or form. From an organizational standpoint I think that my biggest ongoing challenge is finding new ways to draw attention to the need for community support for individuals aging out of the foster care system, as well as inspiring and motivating the youth in today’s society to believe in themselves and their God-given gifts that they offer to the world. That is both a challenge and a responsibility that we all share.

Most Valuable Lesson
To be honest, I believe that’s a two part answer. First and foremost, everyone has dreams, gifts, and talents; sometimes we just need to get out of our own way to let those things manifest. Never take someone else’s doubt and make it your own. Just continue to believe in yourself and doors will open. Secondly, understand that it’s never too late. Dreams that you have on the shelf can still happen, pick them up, dust them off, and carry them out. I have learned these lessons the hard way so that hopefully I can impart that bit of wisdom to someone else.

Final Remarks
I count it a privilege and an honor to be considered a nominee for BOND, Inc. I will continue my journey of seeking ways to assist young women presently in or have aged out of the foster care system and empowering young women to pursue their God – given dreams.

For more information about K.I.S.H. Home Inc. visit http://www.kishhomeinc.org/.

BOND Inc Spotlight features ordinary African American women from all over who are doing extra-ordinary things.  If you or anyone you know would like to be featured, send your requests for more information to iambondinc@gmail.com.

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