Brightpoint Brightpoint
When we experience wellbeing, we’re better equipped to contribute to our communities. But there are times when life’s storms wear us down, and all of us can use a little help. It’s in these stormy moments that Brightpoint provides a guiding light.
LaQueisha Brown grew up in a family that endured financial hardships. At 16 years old, she had her first child and began working as a vocational high-school intern for Brightpoint Head Start. Through Brightpoint, LaQueisha received emotional support as she became a new parent, skills training through her first internship, and eventually, access to financial tools to start her own business.
LaQueisha’s unique journey — with resources and support every step of the way from Brightpoint and its many programs — offered her the tools, connections, and resources to give her family a better financial foundation than she had growing up. She says her personal vision aligns well with Brightpoint’s: a world without poverty in which all people have access to opportunities and are treated with dignity.
“I may have started as an intern for just one of the many Brightpoint programs but as the years went by, I was fortunate enough to learn about all of the available resources and support programs Brightpoint can offer,” shares LaQueisha. “My hope is that others in need of help will see a bit of themselves or relate their own personal struggles to a small piece of my journey and know there is hope, support, and solutions working alongside Brightpoint for them, too.”
The Journey
LaQueisha’s journey was unique to her needs. Brightpoint became a valuable and important partner with her as she gained parenting skills, pursued higher education, became an entrepreneur, advanced in her career, and now serves in a leadership role on the Brightpoint board of directors.
“I knew my personal journey wasn’t just about hard work – that wasn’t the answer to everything,” shares LaQueisha. “Through the years, I’ve had support in one way or another from Brightpoint programs beyond Head Start including Early Head Start, utility assistance, child care assistance, financial classes, and a small business loan from Brightpoint Development Fund that allowed me to open my own catering business. Working to reach flexible and attainable goals together was an incredible feeling.”
Finding Solutions
The message to people who may have an immediate or temporary need for support is simple, says LaQueisha. Brightpoint provides the right resources, knowledgeable guidance, and a dignity-affirming process to help people move through a difficult and sometimes confusing network of assistance to get the help they need.
“Many people feel as though they don’t know how to get help or where to turn and pride can be a big factor,” LaQueisha says. “I want everyone to know that Brightpoint listens to an individual’s unique needs and values their questions – we are an active partner in overcoming obstacles. We will help find solutions and connection to resources as simply and efficiently as possible. It’s all about finding a solution for today’s problem but letting people know Brightpoint has so many other programs that can help them both today, tomorrow, and in the future.”
When LaQueisha says “we” she means that in a truly active and engaged sense. She’s a part of the Brightpoint board of directors and is committed to making sure the Brightpoint message reaches those in need, so they are aware of and understand there is help offering simple, flexible, and attainable solutions.
Giving Back To Community
“I wanted to stay connected to the Brightpoint mission and vision to be an advocate for families and individuals who are going through similar things that I experienced,” LaQueisha shares. “I’ve been an intern, an educator, a parent, an extensive Brightpoint program user, and now my work on the board allows me to continue to make an impact within the community I live and work.”
Beyond reaching those in direct need of Brightpoint’s many services, LaQueisha says that focusing on making sure the business and economic community is informed on how Brightpoint can support and partner with them is a priority for her.
“Community initiatives and partnerships are crucial to Brightpoint and to our local and regional thriving neighborhoods and communities,” says LaQueisha. “Ultimately, it allows for a direct impact on all those that Brightpoint serves. It really circles back around to getting the word out. Personally, I’m thankful I was an intern that was already familiar with Brightpoint and all it could offer me for support. I want to make sure those that aren’t as ‘in the know’ as I was, understand that support is here for them — don’t be afraid to ask.”