Show Me the Way Foundation, Inc. Helps Atlanta Youth Fight Back!

Tashawnya Menefee founded Show Me the Way Foundation, Inc., which is a non-profit organization that provides mentoring and positive group activities for youth infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS and other terminal health issues. THE SMTWF's goal is to instill in youth: confidence, perseverance, and practical knowledge by uplifting their spirits, providing positive guidance and advice.

SMTWF, Inc. was founded in 2003 and continues to educate, empower and embrace youth on health related challenges such as HIV/AIDs, Sickle Cell, Cancer and Diabetes.

I was impressed with this 28-year-old wife, mother and business woman and wanted to learn a little bit more about her inspiration for starting this organization.

AC: Good afternoon Tashawnya, thanks so much for allowing Associated Content to get to know you up close and personal.

TM: No, Thank you for taking interest in myself and this wonderful organization.

AC: I know you were born in San Diego, California, but where did you actually grow up?

TM: Atlanta, GA in the projects called East Lake Meadows and the south west side of Atlanta with my grand parents in the summer.

AC: Tashawnya, I understand you currently work for the Department of Health and Human Services. Did working in this environment inspire you to start Show Me the Way Foundation, Inc.?

TM: Yes it did. I work for researchers in the TB department that look for ways of eliminated TB. Working here has totally given me a new out look on helping young people in the community.

AC: How do you find time to balance family, work and your charity work?

TM: God has given me sooo much energy to be able to handle everything important in my life. I wake up at 7am, get off of work at 5pm, pick up my daughter from daycare at 6:30pm and we're eating dinner at 7:30pm and I find myself up working Show me the way foundation until 3am in the morning! It truly is a challenge but nothing will stop me!

AC: Do you find that SMTWF is impacting your community positively?

TM: Yes I do...being a new organization in the community, the areas I'm providing services to seem very happy to have me there. The schools and community truly need change and positive help in the community. Show Me The Way foundation will strive to be a house hold name. The kids and teens really love the fact that we cater to a young group of people. We know the trends and cool things to do to stay connected with the youth.

AC: Tashawnya, does your organization have any upcoming seminars or events this year that you want to share with our readers.

TM: Yes we do. We are excited about our Runway "RED" Fashion Gala featuring celebrity kids taking place December 1, 2007 at the Americas Mart in downtown Atlanta, Ga.

Realizing now that HIV/AIDS epidemic exist

Educating our young generation that HIV does not care how much money, "bling", or how cute you are...it can happen to u!!!

Developing a plan as a community to help end the spread of HIV and eliminate Georgia from being the 9th highest state of carriers.

An unprecedented charity fashion show benefiting youth affected/infected by HIV/AIDS, the show will feature an impressive lineup of established as well as emerging children designers and their original collections.

AC: What other things are you passionate about?

TM: Just living life to the fullest! My grandparents instilled so much positive energy in me. I'm passionate about being happy, helping our youth and staying connected with positive sisters that are serious about what they want out of life! I'm passionate about doing what God has called me to do!

AC: I understand that you have received several awards including the "Good Work Effects Organization Award" from the CDC in 2004, how did that make you feel?

TM: It made me feel great! Being rewarded for your hard work is always soul satisfying.

AC: Tashawnya, you are a young woman that is doing great things in our community. Can you give our readers a website or email to contact you for more information about Show me the Way Foundation, Inc.

TM: I sure can. Log on to www.showmethewayfoundation.org or email Tmenefee@showmethewayfoundation.org

AC: Thanks so much for allowing Associated Content to take a closer look at you and your organization. I wish you well in all your future endeavors and I want you to know that your efforts are a blessing for many young people and their families.

TM: You're so very welcome!