Placing a focus on the overall well being of the mind, body, and spirit, of women, Lorraine Bailey-Carter, founder of The Women’s Challenge, has a genuine need to give back to those who need it most.
Beginning The Women’s Challenge in 2009, the program creates innovative ways for women to become healthier, not only physically, but financially, mentally and socially as well.
“This is my life. I’m a giver and a nurturer,” said Carter, when asked what keeps her passion for helping others alive. “I feel like God has allowed me to experience different obstacles so I can be a vessel to be used by someone else.”
Sponsoring forums on diet and nutrition, beauty and spiritual empowerment, Carter believes that women are always first to put themselves last, often running themselves down physically before even stopping to take care of themselves.
Reaching out to “all women of all cultures of creation,” Carter says that her inspiration for needing to help women stems from the fact that “issues come to everyone, specifically to women because as we mature we become caregivers.”
With her own mother passing when she was twelve, and the loss of her father at 16, Carter has truly lived through trials that most would find hard to overcome. A single mother by age 21, Carter’s ability to help women in similar difficult situations is one key reason she has excelled in providing guidance to women across all race lines through her programming.
Taking up issues such as better father-daughter relationships, The Women’s Challenge pushes to the forefront the importance of male figures in the lives of young girls through Daddy and Me Tea sessions. During these meetings, young girls experience quality time with the man serving as role model in their lives, whether it be a father, a brother or a mentor with a vested interest in seeing a child grow with support.
With 23 percent of all American children living with a mother in a single parent home, now more than ever young African American girls need the special connection to an appropriate male figure providing much needed guidance.
“He is the first man she bonds with, the first man she knows. He is the measuring rod that she uses to compare any and all men that come after him. It is a sacred bond that is to be treasured and guarded,” said Harold Fisher, emcee for the initial Daddy and Me Tea in a press release.
“We use the term ‘Dad’ as every young girl may not have a biological father in the home. We do not want to exclude anyone. A favorite teacher may be that special ‘Dad’ in her life,” said Carter. “He believes in her; he nurtures her to be the best that she can be, helps her find her strength.”
The organization also partners with sororities in the area as well as local musicians to host formal galas, meant to empower women and highlight their positions in the community.
For more information on The Women’s Challenge, please visit www.womenschallenge.net or email LORRAINE@WomensChallenge.net
