The Feeding Dreams program is a celebration of everyday heroes who are doing extraordinary things to improve their communities. The Feeding Dreams grassroots community initiative recognizes AfricanAmericans who are selflessly volunteering to improve their neighborhoods.
The program is underwritten by General Mills brands. It is a multicultural community relations initiative funded by General Mills and supported by several brands, such as Honey Nut Cheerios and Betty Crocker instant potatoes.
General Mills has created several multicultural initiatives that celebrate the diversity of our consumers. In addition to Feeding Dreams, which recognizes African-American everyday heroes, General Mills also has Que Rica Vida, a Hispanic initiative that reaches Latinas, their families and communities.
In its third year. Feeding Dreams has expanded from three cities in 2008 to four cities in 2009. Now we have expanded the program to include 10 cities. Because it's a community giving and recognition initiative for the African-American community, General Mills is focusing on areas of the country that have a vibrant African-American population. As we complete the 2010 Feeding Dreams program, we'll determine how we can build an even more successful program in 2011!
The Chicago Defender is proud to partner with General Mills' Feeding Dreams program to identify African American mothers who invest their time, energy and talents to make improvements at the local level. Their compassion for their neighbors is paired with a deep-rooted passion for creating healthier communities; and their service initiatives range from youth mentoring to volunteer training to creating support networks for troubled individuals. Following are the Chicago area winners of this program.
TRACY WTLHOlTE
Tracy Wilhoite, for recognition for her outstanding dedication to her family, her friends, and community.
Tracy Wilhoite has been a dedicated mother and wife for the majority of her life. She married Dean Wilhoite at the young age of sixteen. Despite her teenage pregnancy and childbirth she graduated from high school at the top of her class and was accepted into Northeastern University. Tracy decided that it would be best to dedicate her time to raising her child rather than attempt to juggle a full course load and child rearing.
Her choice to put her family first has resulted in eight delightful children, three of which have graduated from competitive and rigorous academic programs. Currently all three of those children are considering or in the process of applying to graduate programs of their choice. She also currently has two children in college, and one child in high school.
The challenges that Tracy faced as a disadvantaged mother raising eight children inspired her decision to serve the undeserved community. She wanted to assist women in making the best decisions for their children, and she wanted to provide access to the best of care for young mothers and children. Tracy completed her associate's degree, and obtained her breast-feeding and doula certifications so that she could do just that.
Tracy has dedicated her career to providing young disadvantaged mothers with the knowledge, and resources necessary to ensure a healthy start for their children. She has made herself available to her clients 24/7, often traveling to homes and hospitals on public transportation at all times of night and day to provide them with the specialized care that is so often out of their reach.
She has focused on improving the health of her community by teaching mothers the benefits of breast-feeding. She took it upon herself to make sure that all mothers knew what birth options were available to them, and she made it her top priority to be at each of her client's birth to rally on their behalf.
As Tracy's children grew and became more independent she used her time to focus on furtiiering her education so that she could make a larger impact on her community. She obtained her RN in 201 1 and is currently seeking a position as a nurse in a hospital in one of Chicago's undeserved communities.
Tracy's unrelenting dedication to others, her work within the health field, and her kind and generous nature make her an ideal recipient of General Mills Feeding Dreams Award.
DIANE LATTKER,
Diane Latiker, founder of the non-profit Kids of the Block, hopes that those who walk or drive by the growing stone memorial at 1 1627 S. Michigan Ave. get the message: "It's one simple set of words - we're losing a whole generation."
Once a licensed cosmetologist who enjoyed participating in activities with her youngest daughter and her daughter's friends, Latiker has now expanded her outreach and impacted hundreds of young peoples' lives by doing many of the same things.
K.O.B. started seven years ago in her home when her mother, an evangelist, saw something in Latiker that she could not "Diane why don't you do something with those kids. They like you and respect you," she recalled her mother asking several years ago. "I didn't want to do it and I prayed about it," Latiker told the Defender.
Eventually she made the move to the streets in July of 2003 where she spoke with about 10 youths on the block. She noticed that many had many issues with school and home life, and violence. She invited them in her home. This awareness led to discovering the teens' passions and assisting them in reaching thengoals. "I asked them what they wanted to do with themselves, what was their passion," she said. She went on to list their dreams, which ranged from singer-rapper to doctor and lawyer.
"We definitely had an impact on the school system with the young people because [now] they go to school and a lot of them went back to school that were not in school. We had 10 college students for the first time," she said proudly. "Just opening our doors is impacting lives; we know we've made an impact on those young people and this community."
K.O.B. started with 10 youths and has grown to 300. The organization offers mentoring, sports and out-of-state trips, among other services. While Latiker receives local funding from various sources, additional funding is sorely needed, she said, adding another challenge is the violence that draws those seeking help back into the streets.
"When we have made one step [forward], violence happens [which forces us two steps back]. We're trying to take young people away from the thought pattern that it takes violence to solve a problem," she said.
Join us Saturday, October 29, 2011 at The Chicago Defender Health Fair, Charles A. Hayes Center, 4859 South Wabash at 1:00 p.m. when we honor these extraordinary women for their unselfish contributions to their communities. Each woman will receive prizes from General Mills "Feeding Dreams" program as well as a donation to their favorite charity.
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