Exploring Life & Business with Airielle Dotson of Core Legacy

Today we’d like to introduce you to Airielle Dotson. 

Hi Airielle, 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?
When we founded Core Legacy in 2019, I quickly realized I needed to become more comfortable sharing my story. At the time I never realized how often I would get asked why I decided to start an educational housing program. 

Growing up I witnessed my father battle a severe drug addiction that took his life when I was 17. My mother was misdiagnosed with depression and bipolar disorder for nearly 20 years. It wasn’t until 2016 when my brother was diagnosed with schizophrenia when we realized this is exactly what my mother had been struggling with this entire time. My brother was a senior in high school when he was diagnosed. 

My brother now lives with my 27-year-old sister. I moved back into my childhood home to help support my mother as her condition declines with age. Without the support from family, my mother and brother would be homeless. There would be no way I could do this on my own. 

I realize there are many out there without the support system I have and Core Legacy’s goal is to create a community for those who don’t have one. 

Telling your story is owning your story. I let my past define me for so long. For as long as I can remember, I felt out of place. I isolated myself. I let that get in the way of having deep relationships. 

Core Legacy wants to empower others to take ownership of their story to enable it to propel them forward. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
We have hosted two retreats (one in 2019 and in 2020) where individuals can attend to learn more about Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and its effects, connect with others, and have a safe space to disconnect and relax. These retreats were a hit. 

We were hosting monthly dinners and professional development workshops in the beginning but discovered it was nearly impossible to get those we support in the same place at the same time. They range in ages 18-24 so they don’t have normal or consistent 9p-5p jobs and when they’re off work, they’re resting, with their friends, or “living in survival mode.” 

This is when we decided to transition to a housing program – to provide those we support with a consistent, safe space for them to find healing and prepare for their next phase of life. 

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Core Legacy is launching our Educational Housing Pilot Program in 2023. This is a 2-year program for individuals to find healing and prepare for their next phase of life. We will partner with organizations that serve underserved communities to aid in identifying individuals ages 18-24 ready for independent living. 

Individuals will meet regularly with a mental health professional and they’ll be matched with a mentor. 

They’ll also have the opportunity to volunteer and explore different career options and areas of study. 

Individuals will learn from our trauma-informed personal/professional development curriculum. It includes material on ACEs and its effects, emotional intelligence, healthy coping mechanisms, public speaking, interviewing, and more. 

At the end of the program, individuals may be invited back as mentors to enforce the importance of community and giving back. 

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
My vision for Core Legacy originated when I interned in Washington DC my last semester at OSU in 2019. I was immersed in this program where I learned about professional development, government, and networking. I fell in love with DC. I returned home knowing more about DC than I did that city I grew up in – Columbus. 

The more I thought about it, the more I realized Columbus has just as much to offer as DC. There’s so much opportunity when it comes to exploring the beauty in our city, meeting new people, and different employment opportunities. 

I want to create a program for underserved communities that can immerse them in the beauty of Columbus. 

Contact Info:

• Email: airielle@corelegacy.org
• Website: www.corelegacy.org
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/corelegacynpo
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/corelegacy 

Image Credits
Darlene Rogers
Jacob Ramey
Jenie Hannah
Nathaniel Spehr
JC Morgan
Airielle Dotson