Meet Jaemellah Kemp of Maryland. She is
the founder of IT TAKES TWO, INC.
IT TAKES TWO, INC is an entity formed out of a passion that turned into purpose
based on her personal experience as a single mother. Ms. Kemp was faced with a
decision whether to pay for school supplies for her son that was entering
kindergarten at the time or to buy food for the week. God then laid it on her
heart to help other single parents that struggle with taking care of the basic necessities.
To say the least, I was amused
by this vision because in my finite mind I could not do it. I was in the midst
of my Bachelors program, so in addition to my homework, my son’s and his
extracurricular activities, I saw no time in my schedule to start and operate a
business! But, God is just who He is so after sitting on the vision for almost
two years, I reached out to a lawyer friend who prepared our documents and
filed with the state, at no cost. In February 2012, we were deemed a 501c3
nonprofit organization in the state of Maryland and have been operating in
faith ever since!
IT TAKES TWO, INC provides
support to students living in single parent homes in the Greater Washington, DC
area through our scholarship program and life skills workshops. Our
scholarships pay for school supplies, books, and uniforms and are awarded to
students in 4th grade through
college (age 26).
To date, we have provided
support to 11 families with back to school costs. We continue to reach out to
the community through our reading challenge wherein 4th-8th
grade students receive free books to add to their home libraries.
This fall we also assisted 25 Anne Arundel County students return to school
with book bags filled with school supplies thanks to the tremendous support
from our community of supporters.
We are currently running a
$1,000 Home Room Makeover contest for a lucky single parent to win! We
understand that resources are limited so we are doing our part by renovating a
room in the home. Our plan is continue to serve single parents and their
children to the best of our abilities.
My greatest accomplishment to date
has been:
My greatest
accomplishment to date is the birth of my son, Brandein, in 2004. I never knew
the level of love that exists between him and I was even possible. I often say
that he is my motivation, breath of fresh air, and heartbeat. He’s the reason
why I refuse to give up on my dreams of creating a lifestyle that will make him
proud to say that I am his mother.
The most challenging thing I
ever experienced:
The most challenging thing I’ve
experienced thus far is this balancing act of being a single mother, full-time
employee, and entrepreneur all the while struggling at times in the same manner
that I seek to provide relief in other single parent homes. While I could allow
my circumstances to give me a reason to quit, I refuse to do so as there is
work to be done and God has not let me down yet!
Most Valuable Lesson(s):
For some time I was shocked at the lack of support from
individuals that I thought would offer assistance or a simple word of
encouragement at the very least. However, I have learned that not everyone will
support you and that not everyone is meant to go on the journey or stay along
for the ride. I am now content with this fact. I simply accept the support in
whatever form it is offered and continue to be mission minded.
As the journey continues, those whom are intended to further this
vision have been strategically placed and for that I am forever grateful.
Final Remarks:
I encourage the person reading this to pursue your dreams despite
what may appear to be obstacles. Will you fail? Maybe, but there is a lesson to
be learned in every failure and in
every success. Surround yourself with people that are wiser than you so that
you never become complacent, predictable, or comfortable. Always seek to take
it to the next level. I’ll be rooting for you!
Recent Spotlight Features
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BOND Inc Spotlight features
ordinary African American women 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.
