It's Not How You Start But How You Finish

Kayla Peters was diagnosed at 10 years old with being on the Autism Spectrum. Kayla is currently 20 years old. The journey with Kayla being on the Spectrum along with her having some other conditions has had & sometimes continues to come with some challenges and times when things are going well. Kayla has come a long way since she was initially diagnosed which is a blessing. Kayla continues to have the support of her family, different professionals, friends, family, etc. as she continues to live out the life the Lord has destined for her to have. Kayla loves to watch movies, cooking shows, go bowling & out to eat just to name some of her favorite things to do. “Awareness is knowing that somebody has Autism,” said Christopher Banks, CEO of The Autism Society of America. “Acceptance is when you include a person with autism in your activities.”Mar 27, 2023" "What is the difference between autism awareness and acceptance? Awareness can focus on symptoms and what is “wrong.” Acceptance focuses on real people, recognizing their strengths, complexities and individuality. Acceptance doesn't assume that a difference is a weakness and allows people to decide if they want support and what kind of support would be most helpful to them. Apr 4, 2023"

Kayla Peters was diagnosed at 10 years old with being on the Autism Spectrum. Kayla is currently 20 years old. The journey with Kayla being on the Spectrum along with her having some other conditions has had & sometimes continues to come with some challenges and times when things are going well. Kayla has come a long way since she was initially diagnosed which is a blessing. Kayla continues to have the support of her family, different professionals, friends, family, etc. as she continues to live out the life the Lord has destined for her to have. Kayla loves to watch movies, cooking shows, go bowling & out to eat just to name some of her favorite things to do. “Awareness is knowing that somebody has Autism,” said Christopher Banks, CEO of The Autism Society of America. “Acceptance is when you include a person with autism in your activities.”Mar 27, 2023" "What is the difference between autism awareness and acceptance? Awareness can focus on symptoms and what is “wrong.” Acceptance focuses on real people, recognizing their strengths, complexities and individuality. Acceptance doesn't assume that a difference is a weakness and allows people to decide if they want support and what kind of support would be most helpful to them. Apr 4, 2023"

"My name is James Starling, jr, I'm 61 years old! I grew up in Milford DE. Went too Milford public schools! I then went to Delaware State University, where I played Baseball, and was Drafted by the NY Yankees! My parents James Starling, Sr, and Jeanel Starling were Educators and gave me a good life! I was raised in the Church, and was very active in coaching and working with kids! I've got 2 wonderful children, Jasmine 21 and my son Alex 14! I Live my Life one Day at Time!"

"My name is James Starling, jr, I'm 61 years old! I grew up in Milford DE. Went too Milford public schools! I then went to Delaware State University, where I played Baseball, and was Drafted by the NY Yankees! My parents James Starling, Sr, and Jeanel Starling were Educators and gave me a good life! I was raised in the Church, and was very active in coaching and working with kids! I've got 2 wonderful children, Jasmine 21 and my son Alex 14! I Live my Life one Day at Time!"

"As the Founder of Second Chances First, I lead a team of dedicated professionals who provide services to felons, such as housing, employment, counseling, family enrichment, and more. We work with various stakeholders, including government agencies, community organizations, donors, and volunteers, to create and implement programs that help our clients reintegrate into society and achieve their goals. I have a background in psychology, which I studied at Jackson State University. This gives me a deeper understanding of the challenges and needs of our clients, as well as the best practices and strategies to support them. I also have skills in fundraising, event planning, and nonprofit management, which I have developed and applied throughout my career in the civic and social sectors. I am passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of others and contributing to a more just and compassionate world."

"As the Founder of Second Chances First, I lead a team of dedicated professionals who provide services to felons, such as housing, employment, counseling, family enrichment, and more. We work with various stakeholders, including government agencies, community organizations, donors, and volunteers, to create and implement programs that help our clients reintegrate into society and achieve their goals. I have a background in psychology, which I studied at Jackson State University. This gives me a deeper understanding of the challenges and needs of our clients, as well as the best practices and strategies to support them. I also have skills in fundraising, event planning, and nonprofit management, which I have developed and applied throughout my career in the civic and social sectors. I am passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of others and contributing to a more just and compassionate world."

"Ethan A. Poetic is a native of Coatesville, Pa, and moved to Lancaster, Pa in the middle of his eighth-grade year. On Saturday March 19th, 2011, He was involved in a serious near-fatal car accident with a tractor-trailer 18-wheeler. The near-death experience location was Lincoln Highway East (Route 30) in Paradise Township, Pa. Ethan's injuries included a fractured collarbone, sprain wrist, a concussion, & a ruptured aorta artery. He was facing a mathematical equation of 99% of death vs 1% of life with a high-risk surgery at Lancaster General Hospital. Several days later Ethan woke up and was declared a walking living miracle. His long road to recovery was at Lancaster Rehabilitation Hospital for speech, physical, occupational therapy, & being on a feeding tube. Ethan graduated from J.P. McCaskey High School, Harrisburg Area Community College with an associate degree, & Millersville University with a bachelor’s degree in Speech Communications minor broadcasting & media. He received two Pennsylvania Commonwealth Citations, a Proclamation declaration Citation from Lancaster City Mayor Danene Sorace & Lancaster City Council Members. Ethan was Featured on the Front page of the Lancaster Newspaper (LNP), Inspirational story on WGAL TV, Millersville University the Snapper Newspaper, & The Southeast Times Newspaper of Lancaster, Pa, WiTF radio of Harrisburg, Pa, & honored with the Award of Excellences at the State Capital Complex of Harrisburg, Pa. Ethan is the CEO & Founder of Ethan A. Poetic,LLC to empower people towards overcoming their adversities & hardships. Ethan's story involves overcoming a near-fatal car accident facing 99% of death vs 1% of life. He's currently a keynote speaker, life coach, walking-living miracle, Two-time college graduate, & a Self-Published Author. He’s a former member of the International Lions Club. Ethan helped bridge the gaps to inspire the youth inside the classrooms, cafe, playgrounds, sports, music, after school programs, & community engagement. He sees himself inside the youth relating to their struggles, poverty, single-parent household, & needing leadership towards the right direction in life. Ethan does lead by true example for exemplifying in his life the outstanding progress of diversity & inclusion. To purchase the Autobiography titled "The Inspirational Story of Ethan A. Poetic: Chronicles of Adversities, Education, Sports, Relationships, & Resiliency." Available print on demand through Amazon, Target, Walmart, Kobo, Barnes & Noble. The books are available as a soft cover, hard cover, eBook, & Audio Book. For serious inquires speaking engagements you may visit Website https://ethanspeaks.com/"

"Ethan A. Poetic is a native of Coatesville, Pa, and moved to Lancaster, Pa in the middle of his eighth-grade year. On Saturday March 19th, 2011, He was involved in a serious near-fatal car accident with a tractor-trailer 18-wheeler. The near-death experience location was Lincoln Highway East (Route 30) in Paradise Township, Pa. Ethan's injuries included a fractured collarbone, sprain wrist, a concussion, & a ruptured aorta artery. He was facing a mathematical equation of 99% of death vs 1% of life with a high-risk surgery at Lancaster General Hospital. Several days later Ethan woke up and was declared a walking living miracle. His long road to recovery was at Lancaster Rehabilitation Hospital for speech, physical, occupational therapy, & being on a feeding tube. Ethan graduated from J.P. McCaskey High School, Harrisburg Area Community College with an associate degree, & Millersville University with a bachelor’s degree in Speech Communications minor broadcasting & media. He received two Pennsylvania Commonwealth Citations, a Proclamation declaration Citation from Lancaster City Mayor Danene Sorace & Lancaster City Council Members. Ethan was Featured on the Front page of the Lancaster Newspaper (LNP), Inspirational story on WGAL TV, Millersville University the Snapper Newspaper, & The Southeast Times Newspaper of Lancaster, Pa, WiTF radio of Harrisburg, Pa, & honored with the Award of Excellences at the State Capital Complex of Harrisburg, Pa. Ethan is the CEO & Founder of Ethan A. Poetic,LLC to empower people towards overcoming their adversities & hardships. Ethan's story involves overcoming a near-fatal car accident facing 99% of death vs 1% of life. He's currently a keynote speaker, life coach, walking-living miracle, Two-time college graduate, & a Self-Published Author. He’s a former member of the International Lions Club. Ethan helped bridge the gaps to inspire the youth inside the classrooms, cafe, playgrounds, sports, music, after school programs, & community engagement. He sees himself inside the youth relating to their struggles, poverty, single-parent household, & needing leadership towards the right direction in life. Ethan does lead by true example for exemplifying in his life the outstanding progress of diversity & inclusion. To purchase the Autobiography titled "The Inspirational Story of Ethan A. Poetic: Chronicles of Adversities, Education, Sports, Relationships, & Resiliency." Available print on demand through Amazon, Target, Walmart, Kobo, Barnes & Noble. The books are available as a soft cover, hard cover, eBook, & Audio Book. For serious inquires speaking engagements you may visit Website https://ethanspeaks.com/"

"Yvette D. Styer is a Certified Meeting Professional with over 20 years of experience as a strategic event manager and project lead for senior executive level meetings and incentive programs. In her current role, Yvette uses her gift of encouragement to assist students as they search for employment opportunities and navigate the job offer process. A native of Philadelphia, Yvette is the CEO of an event consulting business, an active member of her church, sorority and industry related organizations. "

"Yvette D. Styer is a Certified Meeting Professional with over 20 years of experience as a strategic event manager and project lead for senior executive level meetings and incentive programs. In her current role, Yvette uses her gift of encouragement to assist students as they search for employment opportunities and navigate the job offer process. A native of Philadelphia, Yvette is the CEO of an event consulting business, an active member of her church, sorority and industry related organizations."

"Deborah McMillan, licensed social worker and certified grief counselor, is passionate about relieving the pain caused by grief and loss for as; many people as possible. An experienced and skilled Christian counselor, Deborah specializes in grief counseling for groups and individuals. Her commitment to grief work is borne out of her personal life experiences and training. Deborah is a proud HBCU graduate of Morgan State University and obtained her masters' degree in social work from the University of Pennsylvania. She is a wife, mother, and grandmother of four. Deborah is a member of the Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church."

"Deborah McMillan, licensed social worker and certified grief counselor, is passionate about relieving the pain caused by grief and loss for as; many people as possible. An experienced and skilled Christian counselor, Deborah specializes in grief counseling for groups and individuals. Her commitment to grief work is borne out of her personal life experiences and training. Deborah is a proud HBCU graduate of Morgan State University and obtained her masters' degree in social work from the University of Pennsylvania. She is a wife, mother, and grandmother of four. Deborah is a member of the Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church."

"Art & Shun Ladler have been married for 4 years and live in the Beautiful Treasure Coast Area. Art served 24 years in the United States Navy and retired with the ranking of a Chief Petty Officer. Shun working in the Imaging Department of the Veteran Affairs Medical Center. Both are dedicated in doing what’s pleasing to GOD. We also have two businesses, Images of Art Photography and Stich N Sew Embroidery LLC. In February 2023, their world as they knew it changed drastically. Art was diagnosed with stage 3 Squamous Cell Carcinomas of the Head & Neck (Cancer). The Cancer was in his lymph nodes, tonsils, tongue and behind the nasal cavity. The TORS (Trans Oral Robotic Surgeon) Advised us that surgery would not be an option because of where the cancer was located. BUT WATCH GOD!!! Their plan was to administer chemotherapy and radiation shrink the cancer, then surgically remove the remaining. Art underwent 38 radiation treatments and 7 rounds of chemo in a 7-week span. Then a cat-scan, which showed NO CANCER."

"Art & Shun Ladler have been married for 4 years and live in the Beautiful Treasure Coast Area. Art served 24 years in the United States Navy and retired with the ranking of a Chief Petty Officer. Shun working in the Imaging Department of the Veteran Affairs Medical Center. Both are dedicated in doing what’s pleasing to GOD. We also have two businesses, Images of Art Photography and Stich N Sew Embroidery LLC. In February 2023, their world as they knew it changed drastically. Art was diagnosed with stage 3 Squamous Cell Carcinomas of the Head & Neck (Cancer). The Cancer was in his lymph nodes, tonsils, tongue and behind the nasal cavity. The TORS (Trans Oral Robotic Surgeon) Advised us that surgery would not be an option because of where the cancer was located. BUT WATCH GOD!!! Their plan was to administer chemotherapy and radiation shrink the cancer, then surgically remove the remaining. Art underwent 38 radiation treatments and 7 rounds of chemo in a 7-week span. Then a cat-scan, which showed NO CANCER."

"Wanda Martin is a highly sought after Innovative Goal Setting Strategist, Author and Speaker, who is known for providing stellar and effective goal setting strategies and processes for youths and students that have been known to increase motivation, confidence, focus and improve academic performance. Over 20 years ago, Wanda Martin left her role as a successful Registered Health Information Director of one of the largest Skilled Nursing Facility in Philadelphia, and became founder and CEO of Go For The Goals, LLC. With 15+ years of experience, her goal setting expertise and impact have been most felt within the Pennsylvania area where she regularly conducts keynotes, workshops, and lessons helping to develop and equip diversity of youths and students with understanding the incredible power of goal setting and how it benefits both individually and their overall success educationally and personally. Due to the spike of gun-violence and the death of her niece, Wanda was inspired to write a Best Selling Goal Setting Action Guide called "Have Goals Not Guns" for youths & students. As a Co-Pastor as well, she committed her life to counseling youths/adults about the power of setting goals and how they can adopt a mentality of having "Goals Not Guns" to achieve the life and dreams they truly desire. Over the years, Wanda taught hundreds of youths & students about goal setting. Presently, she is conducting goal settings sessions at Fels High School and J. Hampton Moore's Elementary school. During one of her teaching session, a student stated to Wanda and class, "Learning how to set and achieve goals gave me a new way to get what I want out of life. I can now use this skill forever." Wanda's past partnerships includes various organizations such as School District of Philadelphia Headquarters, Community College of Philadelphia, Cedar Crest College, Fels High School, Locke Middle School and amongst others, have been enlightened, positively transformed and empowered to take their vision and dreams to the next level. When it comes to showing youths and students premier goal setting strategies to produce incredible productivity and performance towards goals and dreams, no one does it better than the Goal Setting Strategist herself, Wanda Martin." Website link, https://www.wandamartin.org/about Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pastorwanda1/

"Wanda Martin is a highly sought after Innovative Goal Setting Strategist, Author and Speaker, who is known for providing stellar and effective goal setting strategies and processes for youths and students that have been known to increase motivation, confidence, focus and improve academic performance. Over 20 years ago, Wanda Martin left her role as a successful Registered Health Information Director of one of the largest Skilled Nursing Facility in Philadelphia, and became founder and CEO of Go For The Goals, LLC. With 15+ years of experience, her goal setting expertise and impact have been most felt within the Pennsylvania area where she regularly conducts keynotes, workshops, and lessons helping to develop and equip diversity of youths and students with understanding the incredible power of goal setting and how it benefits both individually and their overall success educationally and personally. Due to the spike of gun-violence and the death of her niece, Wanda was inspired to write a Best Selling Goal Setting Action Guide called "Have Goals Not Guns" for youths & students. As a Co-Pastor as well, she committed her life to counseling youths/adults about the power of setting goals and how they can adopt a mentality of having "Goals Not Guns" to achieve the life and dreams they truly desire. Over the years, Wanda taught hundreds of youths & students about goal setting. Presently, she is conducting goal settings sessions at Fels High School and J. Hampton Moore's Elementary school. During one of her teaching session, a student stated to Wanda and class, "Learning how to set and achieve goals gave me a new way to get what I want out of life. I can now use this skill forever." Wanda's past partnerships includes various organizations such as School District of Philadelphia Headquarters, Community College of Philadelphia, Cedar Crest College, Fels High School, Locke Middle School and amongst others, have been enlightened, positively transformed and empowered to take their vision and dreams to the next level. When it comes to showing youths and students premier goal setting strategies to produce incredible productivity and performance towards goals and dreams, no one does it better than the Goal Setting Strategist herself, Wanda Martin." Website link, https://www.wandamartin.org/about Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pastorwanda1/

"Jessie Stephenson is the Founder and CEO of More Than A Handout. In 2013, More Than A Handout was established to serve the Hungry, the Homeless, and the Hovering Working Poor. Jessie Stephenson is the mother of three daughters and grandmother of 3 grandchildren. More Than A Handout can be contacted on their website www.more-than-a-handout.com or by phone at 215-432-5433."

"Jessie Stephenson is the Founder and CEO of More Than A Handout. In 2013, More Than A Handout was established to serve the Hungry, the Homeless, and the Hovering Working Poor. Jessie Stephenson is the mother of three daughters and grandmother of 3 grandchildren. More Than A Handout can be contacted on their website www.more-than-a-handout.com or by phone at 215-432-5433."

Michael Lee, a Prostate Cancer Survivor was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA. Michael is a man who loves his wife, son, fur babies, family and God. Michael is the youngest male of 9 siblings (5 boys and 4 girls). Michael is a member of Enon Tabernacle Baptist church where he serves on multiple ministries and enjoys to sing with the Mighty Male Chorus aka the “52 Heartbeats” while also loving to serve God. In his spare time, Michael can be seen traveling with his wife Lisa, visiting museums and historical sites, studying to obtain his COMPTIA Network+ and COMPTIA Security+ certifications, as well as playing his flight simulator. Michael is a Network Engineer and has been in the I.T. Industry for 23 years in various roles. Michael also has a business that was launched in 2009 called Christian Computer Concepts. The business name was birthed by my wife Lisa Lee. Business website: https://christiancomputerconcepts.org Lisa Marie Lee was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA and spent her childhood summers in the rural area of Scotland Neck, NC. After high school, she briefly attended Community College of Philadelphia then entered into the workforce. After several years of working in the banking industry, Lisa understood the importance of obtaining her college degree and began her 10+ year journey of earning an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts from LaSalle University and Bachelor of Arts in Business/Health Administration while working full-time and attending classes in the evening. After a lengthy career in human resources within the healthcare and education industry, she switched careers, continued her education and pursued her life-long dream of becoming a paralegal. In 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, Lisa graduated from Manor College with a 4.0 G.P.A. and earned a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Paralegal Studies. Lisa is currently paralegal with a law firm in the Philadelphia area. She is a member of the Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church, where she is a member of the Deacon Aide Ministry and sings with the music ministry. In her spare time, she like to read, visit museums, “decorate-on-a-dime”, travel and spend time with her husband Michael.

Michael Lee, a Prostate Cancer Survivor was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA. Michael is a man who loves his wife, son, fur babies, family and God. Michael is the youngest male of 9 siblings (5 boys and 4 girls). Michael is a member of Enon Tabernacle Baptist church where he serves on multiple ministries and enjoys to sing with the Mighty Male Chorus aka the “52 Heartbeats” while also loving to serve God. In his spare time, Michael can be seen traveling with his wife Lisa, visiting museums and historical sites, studying to obtain his COMPTIA Network+ and COMPTIA Security+ certifications, as well as playing his flight simulator. Michael is a Network Engineer and has been in the I.T. Industry for 23 years in various roles. Michael also has a business that was launched in 2009 called Christian Computer Concepts. The business name was birthed by my wife Lisa Lee. Business website: https://christiancomputerconcepts.org Lisa Marie Lee was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA and spent her childhood summers in the rural area of Scotland Neck, NC. After high school, she briefly attended Community College of Philadelphia then entered into the workforce. After several years of working in the banking industry, Lisa understood the importance of obtaining her college degree and began her 10+ year journey of earning an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts from LaSalle University and Bachelor of Arts in Business/Health Administration while working full-time and attending classes in the evening. After a lengthy career in human resources within the healthcare and education industry, she switched careers, continued her education and pursued her life-long dream of becoming a paralegal. In 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, Lisa graduated from Manor College with a 4.0 G.P.A. and earned a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Paralegal Studies. Lisa is currently paralegal with a law firm in the Philadelphia area. She is a member of the Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church, where she is a member of the Deacon Aide Ministry and sings with the music ministry. In her spare time, she like to read, visit museums, “decorate-on-a-dime”, travel and spend time with her husband Michael.