Today we’d like to introduce you to Gena McDonald.
Hi Gena, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Around 2009, God placed on my heart to work with kids; I just didn’t know in what capacity. As my children got older and my son entered high school, I start observing the behavior of our Little Sister and the lack of youth programs in my community. The more and more God revealed to me to work with young ladies like me between the ages of 13-19 by providing a safe space where they can be themselves, have safe, positive conversation, be heard and seen, and be reassured of their self-worth and self-confidence, something that I would have wanted if I participated in a mentoring program. I am a single mother of two a son and daughter. I have a Bachelor degree in Applied Behavioral Science, a Certified Community Health Worker, and a 5 year brain tumor Survivor.
I struggle for a while of what that would like, but the more and more I thought about the clearer it became. I love butterflies; they are classy; when you see one, they bring peace and happiness; they fly free; there are no two butterflies that look alike, and they go through different stages, even becoming uncomfortable to become who they are, much like us. We go through different stages, even stages that are very uncomfortable, to discover our wings so we can fly high confidently.
Once I discovered that piece, I created a curriculum again based on the tools I would have needed between the ages of 13-19. Once I created the curriculum, I was able to create how long each session would last per year.
While on this journey, we encourage volunteering and journaling; in addition to volunteering in the community, thanks to one of our Big Sister we have started an annual “Butterfly Blessing Bags”, where we collect donations and donate to other local organizations that serve teen girls and women. Because journaling is something personal me, I’ve had the opportunity to publish a self-guided journal that each Little Sister receive and can be purchased.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
NOT AT ALL!!! When I started this journey, I stepped out on faith with no background in nonprofit. Operating a nonprofit is not for the weak. There are a lot of resources available for a for-profit and not a lot for nonprofit organizations. There have been plenty of times when I want to throw the towel in, but I remind myself why I started to help young ladies in my community, which make it bigger than me.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
A lot of what I do with Developing Butterflies Big Sister Program I also have a pleasure of doing working as a Certified Community Health Worker, working towards decreasing the infant mortality rate in my county and surrounding areas. I love providing a listening ear, encouraging words, empowering, and being supportive.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up.
WOW!!! There are so many, but I think my favorite childhood memory would be skipping rocks with my father.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.developingbutterflies.org
- Instagram: @developingbutterlfies
- Facebook: Developing Butterflies Big Sister Program
