My first introduction to S.T.A.R.S. was in November 2012. My two oldest children were a part of UNLV’s Gear Up program, and thereby I was formally introduced to S.T.A.R.S. co-founders, Lekisha Hayes and Nicholas Crutcher. Together, they became my advocates and go-to persons for any type of situations that arose at O’Callahan Middle School that involved either of my children, Iyani or Isaiah Hayden.
Since that first encounter with S.T.A.R.S. CDC, all of the members of my family have been a part of the movement that continues to create and enhance community relationships; provide an outlet for youth in low-income areas to build social, emotional, and mental relationships within their communities; and promote better family relationships as a whole. S.T.A.R.S. has been an advocate for my teenagers whenever there were academic issues, behavioral issues, as well as emotional issues within the school setting. For that, I am eternally grateful and have been a willing participant in their continuing efforts to build, grow, and sustain wholesome family relationships.
S.T.A.R.S. CDC has been able to assist with my family’s dynamics by giving my children and myself alternative solutions to better ourselves within our family dynamics, as well as in the real-world setting. I have been eternally grateful to have been a part of the growing, innovating movement of S.T.A.R.S. CDC and believe that as long as God is first in the efforts of the movement, it will forever be a long-standing, internationally known, and locally respected non-profit organization.