It's Not How You Start But How You Finish

"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."

Instagram pages for Irve & Tracey Edmond: https://www.instagram.com/irveedmond/?hl=en, https://www.instagram.com/tylermiraye/?hl=enThe Edmonds YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wearetheedmonds/about

"My journey as a teenage mother taught me that I get to decide what happens next. It was through this experience that I learned that circumstances do not define you, but it is how you respond to your circumstances that matters most. It was through this and other transitions that I learned that I AM and can be whatever I say! Today, I can confidently say that I Am Someone He Empowered to inspire and support women as they transition through life. #IAmShe I AM – Two of the most powerful words; For what you put after them shapes your reality. Inspiring, encouraging, confident, powerful, resilient, trustworthy, empowered… IAmShe Nikita is her brand!​A woman with a strong commitment to becoming everything that God intended, IAmShe Nikita made a decision to choose faith over fear. After a 21-year career, obtaining her Bachelor and Master degrees in Business Administration, and earning a graduate certificate in entrepreneurship, she closed the door to corporate America. ​With a compassionate heart to help women confidently pursue purpose and maximize their potential, her vision finally met her purpose! IAmShe Nikita is the founder of I Am Someone He Empowered, INC., a nonprofit organization established to support women as they transition through the many obstacles that come to shape their definition of themselves.​With her strong sense of leadership and wisdom beyond her years, it comes as no surprise that she would become a Transformational & Solution-Focused Life Coach. IAmShe Nikita is driven by her passion to see women discover and embrace their identity so that they can become who they were destined to be. Her desire is to see them win in every area of life and her personal experiences with transition have equipped her to coach, empower, and assist them in developing a plan to successfully get to their next! ​IAmShe Nikita has undeniably found her purpose in her pain! She has experienced much adversity, but God has shown himself to be faithful. Everything that she has endured has been for now. She can confidently say, “I am not my sister’s keeper. I am my sister!”​Not only does she serve as a midwife through one-on-one coaching, but she facilitates empowerment sessions, workshops, and is a conference and motivational speaker. IAmShe Nikita is Someone He Empowered!"Website: https://www.iamshenikita.org/Twitter: https://twitter.com/IAmSheNikitaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/IAmSheincNikitaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamsheinc_nikita/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikita-mckenzie-mba-3a083b29/

                                                   "Wife! Bonus Mom! Advocate! LaToya Cooper, Confidence Coach and Breast cancer SurThriver, has helped guide women to challenge their limiting beliefs and work through obstacles renewing self-love and purpose in their lives. In her coaching business, she provides support, strategy, and tips to help you pinpoint your fears, confront self-doubt and perceptions, and thrive in self-confidence. LaToya is often described as the quiet storm, walking you confidently through the fire. As an under 40 Breast cancer SurThriver, LaToya has been an advocate of preventive care and putting your health first. During her breast cancer journey she noticed that when she shared her story of how the lump was discovered, many women didn’t remember the last time they performed a self-breast exam. This led her to start the “I Love My Breasts” initiative amongst her family and friends of monthly reminders to perform monthly self-checks, schedule your preventive care appointments, and taking time for yourself. She holds an MBA with a concentration in Leadership & Organizational Learning from the University of Baltimore and a bachelor’s degree in Accounting with a minor in Telecommunications from George Mason University. LaToya has worked with various non-profit organizations within the United States and Africa. She also enjoys mentoring our young people. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, reading, and attending sporting events. You can connect with LaToya via her website www.iamlatoyakcooper.com, on Instagram and Facebook @iamlatoyakcooper, and Twitter @latoyakcooper. "Full Episode scheduled to be released Friday October 7, 2022.

Sister Francine Perry's bio in her own words. "I am the mother of Laura Perry, who lived as a transgender for almost 10 years. Paul and I will soon celebrate 54 years of marriage. We have 3 adult children and 2 granddaughters. We have been members of First Baptist Church of Bartlesville for 40 years  where I serve as church pianist and accompanist for our sanctuary choir.  After years of “working hard” for the Lord apart from a growing and thriving relationship with Him, God brought a devastating event into my life 14 years ago which resulted in an act of my absolute surrender to Him. My youngest daughter, Laura, transitioned to and lived as a man for almost 10 years.Praise the Lord, He was faithful to use this traumatic event to bring me to the end of myself where I found His victory and peace even in the depths of this dark valley. He has given me the privilege of teaching His Word for the past 12 years to a group of women which has grown from a small group of 12 to a group of about 140 women. Our Bible study, www.comegrowwithmeonline.com  currently reaches many countries around the world. My passion is to teach of the freedom and victory found in Jesus Christ for all circumstances of life.  God led me to start a Prodigal Prayer Box and Ministry which has afforded countless opportunities for me to encourage and minister to Moms of prodigals.  God has been gracious to provide many opportunities for me to share my story. Laura and I have shared our story at several conferences in the last 5 years.  Interviews have been aired by American Family Association, Compelled, Everyday Ministry, Freedom Realized, Revive Our Heart and others. Laura and I were guests of American Family Association in 2020 during “Prodigal Prayer Emphasis” week. We participated in 12 radio programs encouraging parents regarding their prodigals. I was privileged to appear in American Family Association’s movie, In His Image."

Sister Francine Perry's bio in her own words. "I am the mother of Laura Perry, who lived as a transgender for almost 10 years. Paul and I will soon celebrate 54 years of marriage. We have 3 adult children and 2 granddaughters. We have been members of First Baptist Church of Bartlesville for 40 years  where I serve as church pianist and accompanist for our sanctuary choir.  After years of “working hard” for the Lord apart from a growing and thriving relationship with Him, God brought a devastating event into my life 14 years ago which resulted in an act of my absolute surrender to Him. My youngest daughter, Laura, transitioned to and lived as a man for almost 10 years.Praise the Lord, He was faithful to use this traumatic event to bring me to the end of myself where I found His victory and peace even in the depths of this dark valley. He has given me the privilege of teaching His Word for the past 12 years to a group of women which has grown from a small group of 12 to a group of about 140 women. Our Bible study, www.comegrowwithmeonline.com  currently reaches many countries around the world. My passion is to teach of the freedom and victory found in Jesus Christ for all circumstances of life.  God led me to start a Prodigal Prayer Box and Ministry which has afforded countless opportunities for me to encourage and minister to Moms of prodigals.  God has been gracious to provide many opportunities for me to share my story. Laura and I have shared our story at several conferences in the last 5 years.  Interviews have been aired by American Family Association, Compelled, Everyday Ministry, Freedom Realized, Revive Our Heart and others. Laura and I were guests of American Family Association in 2020 during “Prodigal Prayer Emphasis” week. We participated in 12 radio programs encouraging parents regarding their prodigals. I was privileged to appear in American Family Association’s movie, In His Image."Full episode scheduled to be released Friday May 20, 2022. 

Brother Ambrose's bio in his own words. "My name is Ambrose Stein, currently hold the position of Servant Leader of the Divorce Care Ministry in with the body of (Ministries 93 to be exact) for Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church working in the Leadership of Rev. Leroy Miles. The purpose of the ministry is to offer a place where people can actively allow healing to happen from devastating effects of Divorce or Separation. I have been involved in this ministry for about 9-10 years. My training came from the Ministers of the Church. But my experience was from my own marriage that ended up in Divorce. The desire came wanting to help others thru that dark valley. Also all of my past employment has been serving persons; from Banking, Retail, Educational Recruitment (counseling), IT Senior Help Desk Analysis. All years of working and offering assistance to those in need."

Rev. Dr. Chris Kimmenez bio in his own words.The Very Rev. Dr.  Chris Kimmenez, Psy DChief Warrant Officer 3USMC RetiredExecutive DirectorHealing Communities PAHCPA on FBNational Director of Advocacy Healing Communities USAwww.healingcommunitiesusa.comHCUSA on FBTo Donate to Healing Communities PA: Donate to HCPAFounder and PresidentRecovery Christian Center Urban CDCChaplainPhiladelphia Stand Downhttp://www.philastanddown.org/ PSD FB PageCell: (267) 582-5013###A house divided cannot stand###

Lauren Byrd's bio in her own words. "Love Perseveres started with a vision and a passion.  I always knew I wanted to start my business but I didn't know what I wanted to do. I grew up always hustling and I even started working at the age of 14.  Even though I didn't have to, it was something about having my own money.  Trying out different business ventures I finally found something that finally stuck. It was a crazy time in my life and I found out I was being diagnosed with a so-called deadly disease HIV.  I thought my life was over and for that one moment I had to learn how to love myself.  I had no other choice. I wanted to be here for my daughter.  To only find out that was only a stigma , I could live a healthy life if I chose to.  For this moment I was finally putting myself first and loving me. I remember growing up and my mom taking me to Christian book stores and how it made me feel.  (I loved it) . That day I went and purchased a love journal. I came across the scripture in 1 Corinthians 13:7  and the final words were love always perseveres. At that moment I knew everything would be alright.  As my relationship grew with God, so did my passion. So I decided to incorporate the two. Ministry and fashion and I said to myself that's it.... Love Perseveres.  That's how Love Perseveres was created.Here at Love Perseveres I want to share how amazing God's love is. If he can save me . Then he can definitely save you too. ....Love Perseveres where we give you ministry through clothing."https://loveperseveresapp.com/  

"Antoinette is a Christian author who has written several books from a collection of poetry and sermons that the Holy Spirit has put on her heart during the different chapters of her life. When she is bothered, her heart is heavy, or she is just plain excited, she is led to write it. She is also married with 3 children while she and her husband also run several businesses from home including a Kingdom Principle ministry where they make Kingdom Principle t-shirts as a way to spread the gospel along with bracelets and earrings. Her motto is, "Don't just wear it, share it". Her prayer is that anyone who reads her books may be blessed from the inside out, encouraged and will just be motivated to keep the faith and stay on the path of righteousness even when the road gets rocky. Antoinette is a prime example of how God can still use anyone no matter what you have been through or how many mistakes you have made. After almost dying on the job as a Philadelphia police officer, she knew there had to be a purpose for her survival. She took the hurt and pain from losing custody of her first born to being nearly divorced and allowed God to use her to encourage and inspire someone else. No matter what life has thrown at her, she still believes in the goodness of God, spreading love, encouraging others and doing good no matter how much wrong has been done to you."

"Kia Stephens is a writer and created The Father Swap Blog to help women exchange their father wounds for the love of God the father. She is a contributor for iBelieve, Proverbs 31 Ministries, and Beloved women. Her writing has been featured on Ann Voskamp’s Blog, Christianity Today, Crosswalk, and Incourage." https://www.kiastephens.com/

Aaron Smith bio in his own words. "Business has always been a part of my DNA, however after graduating from Columbia College of Chicago, I was arrested on drug charges and sent to federal prison for 9 years 5 months and released in February of 2019. It was because of my experience incarcerated that I realized the many aspiring entrepreneurs behind bars had an innate skill set to be successful businessmen. So, Escaping the Odds media develops a podcast which showcase those individuals successful re-entry through their entrepreneurial endeavors. Physical FREEDOM and financial FREEDOM is vital for a prosperous life." https://www.escapingtheodds.com/

Andy Feds bio in his own words. “Andy Feds was born HIV positive, contracting the virus from his mother. His mother died from AIDS-related complications at a very young age, which sparked Andy Feds to create what he calls the Keeping It Positive movement. This movement provides empowerment, entertainment, and education about HIV and AIDS through Andy Feds’ social media, YouTube channel, and stand up comedy." www.andyfedscomedy.com

Charles & Diane's bio in their own words. "Diane is a retired Critical Care Nurse, and Educator.  She has a heart for serving others and a passion for mentoring young women.  Charles is retired from the Federal Services, he also has a heart for serving humanity and a passion for mentoring and coaching young men. Diane and Charles are currently on an  incredible  journey which has transformed into a "Go Where I Send You Ministry."  This ministry has taken Diane and Charles across the United States, spreading love in action, as they serve humanity.  Diane and Charles are world changers and ambassadors of  one love in action.  You are invited to be a part of the journey by checking out their website http://www.paths2transformation.com"

Pastor Denise A Slaughter bio in her own words. "Pastor Denise A Slaughter is a native Delawarean who grew up in Slaughter Neck (aka – Lincoln) community. She attended local area public schools and is a graduate of Cape Henlopen High School. She went on to pursue an education at Del Tech Community College where she earned her Associates in Applied Science Degree in Human Services Technology and continued on to Wilmington University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Behavioral Science. Pastor Slaughter started out as a young girl attending Wesley Chapel UME Church in Lincoln, DE. It was here that she agreed to attend a Seminary class, guided by her late grandmother, Daisey Daniels, and fell in love with preaching, teaching, and singing the Gospel.  As Pastor Slaughter grew in the things of God, she joined Christ’s Church in Harbeson, DE where Rev. Martha Tankard is the Presiding Pastor.  Rev. Tankard saw the gift of God in her life and ordained her as an Evangelist and Pastor Slaughter also served as her Armor-Bearer. It was during this season that Pastor Slaughter began to be developed in the Prophetic calling on her life, and she served faithfully here for about ten (10) years.  In addition to serving in various capacities of leadership throughout the years, Pastor Slaughter served under the direction and guidance of Pastor Edward C. Parker of Old Welcome Full Gospel Holiness Church, located in Ellendale, DE, where she served for many years as an Evangelist, Youth Sunday School Teacher, and Treasurer.  Pastor Slaughter then went on to serve under the tutelage of Apostle Ivory Hopkins (Founder/Overseer) and Bishop Leven Bailey (Pastor) of Pilgrim’s Ministry of Deliverance located in Georgetown, DE, where she served for ten (10) years as an Evangelist, Choir Director, Praise Team Leader, and Youth Sunday School Teacher. It was here that Pastor Slaughter was trained and gained extensive insight and walked in the Prophetic and Deliverance Ministries. Following years of preparation, God released Pastor Slaughter to embark upon her own ministry.  She was ordained as Pastor of Kingdom Restoration Ministries, Inc on October 10, 2015, by her former Pastor, Bishop James G. Hazzard.  She has devoted her life to God in true worship and desires to be used to motivate, inspire, and restore the Body of Christ to serve God in Spirit and in truth, by up-building His Kingdom in the earth.  Pastor Slaughter can be heard preaching and teaching God’s Holy Word every 1st & 3rd Sunday on Face Book Live at 2:30 pm, every other Sunday at 11:30 am, and every Wednesday night, teaching Bible Study at from 7-8pm. Pastor Slaughter has an anointing that allows her to minister to those who are in need of healing of the mind, body, and soul, and can often be heard saying, “Keep It 100”, because she believes, and knows firsthand, that only thru “Keeping It 100”, with God, ourselves, and others, can we receive the healing, guidance, deliverance, peace, and FREEDOM, that God has for us.  She is supported in her ministry by her husband, Elder Joseph L Slaughter, and is the mother of 3 children, and 11 grandchildren. Her ultimate desire is to see people fully embrace God’s love and to walk in victory and power while experiencing the fullness of God’s promises." 

We discuss with our guest Rev. Dr. Lori Banfield an overview on the topic of Mental Illness/Mental Health Condition. Rev. Dr. Lori Banfield is the Executive Director for Redemption Housing where you can read her in-depth bio by accessing this link https://redemptionhousing.org/about-us/leadership/Please feel free to email info@itsnothowyoustartbuthowyoufinish.com for comments, questions, etc. 

We discuss with our guest Rev. Dr. Helena Fontes what does it mean to value who you are? Rev. Dr. Helena Fontes is the founder and Chief Executive Director for the New View Institute which is a non-profit 501 ( c ) (3) organization that delivers programming through counsel, training, psycho-educational groups, the arts, and spiritual support for both perpetrators, and survivors of domestic violence as stated from the New View Institute's website at https://www.newviewinstitute.org/staffPlease feel free to email info@itsnothowyoustartbuthowyoufinish.com for comments, questions, etc. 

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!"