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Ugly Sweater and Karaoke For a Cause Event

It’s that time of year, Family & Friends!

We can hardly wait to party with you for a worthy cause!
Come out to our Ugly Sweater and Karaoke For a Cause Event on Friday, December 21st, 2018 starting at 8:00 PM at Level Up Connection Event Space in, Laurelton, New York.

Ugly Sweater Karaoke For A Cause Event

Music will be provided by Connecticut’s own, DJ Ron C. ( @exodus_ron_c; on IG) The evening’s festivities will be hosted by #SurpriseTheStruggling’s Founder and Executive Director, Chaplain Dr. Jacquelyn Wilson.

 

There will food, drinks, raffles, and a prize for the ugliest sweater worn!  Tickets are $25 per person, available on our Eventbrite site Surprise The Struggling, Inc. All proceeds donated this evening will benefit Surprise The Struggling and our continued endeavors to aid homeless women and teen girls. If you are unable to make it, please feel free to make a donation on our website on our giving back page. No amount is too small!

We look forward to seeing you there!


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A Word From Our Executive Director, Dr. Jacquelyn Wilson

Nothing tops being entrusted with a facility housing 380 residents to do a surprise holiday dinner for the less fortunate. Thank you, for allowing us to do what we do. It takes a village and we are the VILLAGE. Thank you to all of our sponsors, donors, chiefs; it’s because of you, that we were able to make a difference. We meet the people where they are…PERIOD!

With every ounce of sincerity, thank you all from the bottom of my heart for making this year’s Gift Giving Extravaganza, the most amazing day in the history of #SurpriseTheStruggling™ (A Hashtag Movement for Homeless Women.) From my key Chief Ambassadors,  Thamicha Isaac, Ebony C Johnson, and Charlene Stewart for breathing into me when I was second-guessing. My event planner, Vanessa E-El, The Event Strategist—who delivers every year faithfully! My cake supplier CAKES BY COLEY. I adore you, Coco! To my DJ, Ron Cee of Exodus Entertainment. I love you! To my CLO, Ruthe McDonald who makes it all happen.  My photo lady, Delilah Peach Williams, love you, babe!

To the Ladies and Gentlemen who cooked/served/delivered from SPBC, POYED by Velvette,  Robin Devonish, Aja Webster Barton, Paulette Bailey, Cynthia Juhans, and my brother & the Doc, Bryant Pearson; thank you! To the director of Starbright Family Residence, Ms. R, for entrusting us with your residents! Also, to my sister Wanda Edwards, to my love, Essence Bembry, and her boys, APWorld & Fear the Fro, Atlanta Hawks, for donating the bags and shirts. To my Accountability partner, Eloquent Essentials for sponsoring gifts. To Dr. Natacha Chloe and my day one ambassador, Keisha Christie, for sponsoring always! Althea Webber Bates, Shawn Headley, Iesha Sekou, and EVERYONE who sent a monetary donation…I LOVE YOU! 

Tanisha Smith Franks, Luck Da Barber💜, my children, my family, and my GOD—we did it!!!! ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE WITH A TEAM! Looking forward to an even greater 2018!!!! LET’S DO THIS!!!

Warmest Regards,

 Dr. Wilson 

We meet the people where they are…PERIOD.

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Surprise The Struggling Receives Blessing Bags to Support Their Endeavors

December 9, 2017, New York—Surprise The Struggling was the honored recipient of over fifty Blessings Bags that was raised during a recent fundraiser.

Poyed By Velvette

Poyed By Velvette’s, B2BAB quarterly fundraiser chose Surprise The  Struggling for its winter fundraising initiative. Over forty women pledged to donate, purchase products, and raise funds to fill fifty large bags with items to help aid #STS mission in helping homeless women and teen girls globally. Among the many items donated to fill each bag was an array of toiletries, including items such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, sanitary and feminine products, lotions, soaps, body washes, socks, hair grooming and shaving kits, makeup bags, slippers, water, protein bars, detergent, flashlights, and a host of other items that would help those in need.

 

       Blessed 2 Be A Blessing 

 

Blessed to Be a Blessing “B2BAB” is a series of quarterly fundraiser initiatives by Poyed By Velvette, that support various causes by raising funds, collecting donated items and bringing awareness to issues that impact young girls, teenage girls, and women living in our communities.

The fifty bags donated to Surprise The Struggling enabled the organization to reach more homeless women and teen girls this Holiday season than anticipated. Immediately, #STS was able to reach out to some women in need, earlier than expected this Holiday season, due to the dedicated and philanthropic endeavors of Poyed by Velvette’s B2BAB initiative.

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December’s Women Awakening Women Tea Huddle to Feature Dr. Natacha Aurelien

First Wednesdays Women Awakening Women Tea Huddle

 

NEW YORK CITY, it’s going down!  Women Awakening Women Tea Huddle, sponsored by the Dr. Wilson Leadership Academy and The Tea Room in Brooklyn, is returning on December 6, 2017,  starting at 4 PM.  Our special guest speaker will be Doctor, CEO, and Author Chloe Natacha Aurelien.

The Tea Huddle is a safe space for sacred conversations over tea and a light meal for less fortunate and homeless women in our communities. If you would like to be a blessing and donate, no amount is too small, please visit our Giving Back page for the donate button. Or you may email surprisethestruggling@gmail.com We meet the people where they are…PERIOD!

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First Wednesdays Women Awakening Women Tea Huddle

What can be more invigorating than being able to come together for inspiration, encouragement, and fellowship? Not much!

Surprise The Struggling Inc. and Dr. Wilson Leadership Academy’s inaugural First Wednesday Tea Huddle is happening tomorrow night, November 1, 2017, 4PM-7PM, at The Tea Room located at 452 Pine Street (between Belmont & Pitkin), Brooklyn, New York.  All women are invited to come out and hear an inspiring word from dynamic speakers, while gathering with other women, sharing the same struggles, triumphs, and dreams—over a cup of tea.

First Wednesdays Women Awakening Women Tea Huddle

First Wednesdays Women Awakening Women Tea Huddle is a joint venture between Suprise The Struggling Inc. and Dr. Wilson Leadership Academy to bring assistance, awareness, and advice to less fortunate and homeless women and teen girls. You are invited to join Executive Director, Dr. Jacquelyn Wilson tomorrow night for sacred conversation, empowerment, inspiration, and support over a cup of tea and a warm meal.

Sponsored Dr. Wilson Leadership Academy and The Tea Room, #STSGlobal will be catering to the less fortunate and homeless women in the community. All in attendance will receive a blessing bag filled with essential items to help take care of the bare personal hygienic needs.  Joining the festivities for the inaugural First Wednesday are two dynamic speakers: Minister Wanda Edwards of Colors of Survival and Minister LaTonya Smiley of Eve’s Roses.

 
To DONATE, click on the donate button on the Giving Back Page or go here: http://bit.ly/STSWAWW

If you would like to contribute material items, such as food, toiletries, blessing bags, or a  check or money order; or if you need further information on becoming a SPONSOR of one or more Wednesdays, please email: Rue McDonald at, rue@surprisethestruggling.org.

No amount is too small. We’re blessed to be a blessing. We Meet The People Where They’re At…PERIOD!

Looking Forward To Seeing You!

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Celebrating Women’s History Month…Chandra Heath!

WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

#Surprisethestruggling

We are celebrating Women’s History Month! #SurpriseTheStruggling’s thirteenth highlight this month is the illustrious and inspiring Chandra Heath—another one of #SurpriseTheStruggling’s day one supporters. In fact, Chandra has been a supporter since the inception of our sister organization, The Stop Bullying Project®. She has been an avid supporter and friend of both organizations, giving selflessly of herself and making her an invaluable part of #STSGlobal success.

Ms. Chandra has been a great asset to #SurpriseTheStruggling; being an example of leadership in business and how to become an organization that sets its standards high for everyone involved. In addition to being a great supporter and embodiment of #STS mission, Ms. Chandra has been a wealth of knowledge, giving selflessly of herself.

Chandra Heath Businessperson Heath Tax Services 20 Years in Business

When thinking of women in history, Ms. Chandra is the kind of woman that comes to mind. It is not her business acumen—though it is stellar—but her thoughtfulness and kind heart and generosity that leaves such an indelible mark. It is her love of family and friends. Often times we hear, to know who a person is, then look at the friends in which they surround themselves. There is a constant stream of family and friends surrounding Ms. Chandra. They know as we know at #STS, it is the love and kindness and authenticity to she exudes that draws others in. It is inspiring.

Chandra Heath—Supporter, Friend, Champion, Businesswoman—is the owner of Heath Tax Services in Staten Island, New York. In business for more than 20 years with over 30 years of experience, Heath Tax Services was started in 1991 by Ronnie and Chandra Heath and quickly became one of the leading tax preparation firms in the area. Since then, they have expanded their services from just personal income tax preparation to include a range of financial and insurance services for both individuals and businesses.

They are committed to providing excellent service to their clients and feel it is extremely important to continuously educate and improve their professional expertise. They employ a staff that is actively involved in professional associations such as the National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP), American Payroll Association (APA), Independent Payroll Providers Associations (IPPA), National Association of Insurance, and Financial Advisors (NAIFA). They are also members of the New York and New Jersey chambers of commerce.

They have earned a reputation as a Tax Service company that combines high-quality service and customer satisfaction to meet individual needs. When you look to HeathTax of Staten Island NY to take care of your Tax Service needs, you can rest assured knowing that they are trusted professionals in the industry with many years of experience serving various customers in Staten Island, Richmond County, and the Tri-State area. www.heathtax.com FB https://www.facebook.com/Heathtax/ T @heathtax

We encourage you to get to know this inspiring woman of integrity. Be inspired by devotion and dedication. We salute you, Chandra Heath! We are inspired by your service and commitment. We are honored to have you be a part of the #SurpriseTheStruggling Family!
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Celebrating Women’s History Month…Linda Saar-rah Sumpter!

WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

#Surprisethestruggling

 

Our celebration ofWomen’s History Month continues! #SurpriseTheStruggling’s seventh highlight this month is the selfless jewel, Linda Saar-rah Sumpter—#SurpriseTheStruggling’s Diamond Ambassador from Philadelphia, PA. Are there any words to describe this jewel? To be able to summarize what she stands for and means to #STSGLOBAL? We do not think so but we are going to try our best. From the beginning, Ms. Linda has been true to her word and an invaluable supporter and Ambassador to our organization. She has selflessly given of her time and love to support, promote, and represent #SupriseTheStruggling and our mission. She, herself and her organization, has been a surprise to #STS. Countless times, we have retrieved the mail, and there was a package filled with beautiful purses and toiletries to aid us in our mission.

Ms. Linda has filled our hearts with courage, inspiration, and strength. She has been a mentor, a friend, a sister, a mother, a go-to for information. She is a wealth of knowledge and wisdom that cannot be obtained through books but only through life experiences, and she shares this with us every day. It is truly beyond our words to express the esteem in which we hold Ms. Linda. We are not only grateful for the day that our paths crossed, but honored and blessed to be in the presence of such greatness—a woman who is leaving an indelible mark on this world; creating a legacy worthy of generations to come. She is the epitome of strength and fortitude, earning her place as a woman in history that is raising the bar for all other women. Simply put—We LOVE Ms. Linda. Because of her, we are better human beings.

Linda Saar-rah Sumpter, Sister Prison Wives & Best Friends and Families

Linda Saar-rah Sumpter—mother, wife, sister, grandmother, aunt, friend, humanitarian, life-changer and so much more—is Founder of Sister Prison Wives Best Friends & Family (SPW-BFF), a 501c3 Nonprofit organization for children and families of loved ones where incarceration is in their lives. SPW-BFF are comprised of families across the country supporting and helping people connect and deal with loved ones who have been incarcerated, are presently in jail, or who are re-entering society from prison. Sister Prison Wives – Best Friends & Family was formed for the purposes of being a Charitable and Educational organization. Their aim is to conduct activities that will promote knowledge and awareness that there is someone missing in their homes. SPW-BFF is there to be a support system to those who have loved ones that are incarcerated, in jail, and in prison.

SPW-BFF is compassionate and is asks for assistance in helping wives, husbands, sisters, brother, best friends and family members during this challenging period of their lives. This affects us all! There is someone missing and SPW-BFF would like to be a vessel of encouragement to people who are in need; encouraging all to look at our family and friends with compassion, get inside of their skin, and see what the world looks like through their eyes.

Please visit their webpage for more information. Find out how you can assist them and donate to their mission. http://www.spw-bff.org

We implore you to get to know this jewel of a woman who is creating an astounding legacy for generations to come. We salute you, Linda Saar-rah Sumpter! We are blessed to have you be a part of the #SurpriseTheStruggling Family!
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Celebrating Women’s History Month…Velvette T. Mattison-Batson

WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

#Surprisethestruggling

Celebrating Women’s History Month, #SurpriseTheStruggling’s fourth highlight this month is the innovative and event mastermind behind POYED BY VELEVETTE, CEO Velvette T. Mattison-Batson, I.E.W.P—#STSGlobal’s number one event-planner extraordinaire and New York Ambassador. Our humble sister has been dedicated and driven when it comes to the mission of #SupriseTheStruggling. We extend our gratitude to Velvette for choosing to be a part of #STS.

Velvette has gone far and above when it comes to promoting the mission and message of our global #hashtag Campaign because she herself believes in the same principle and mission. Velvette and her organization, B2BAB (Blessed To Be A Blessing) supported the efforts of #SupriseTheStruggling at the third year Blessing Bag Fundraiser Brunch. The Blessing Bag fundraiser is a unique give back opportunity and female empowerment platform for women and young girls committed to aide in the fight against homelessness created by Velvette. Through this fundraiser, business owners and entrepreneurs collectively donated over 2,800 Sanitary/Toiletry items that were placed Blessing Bags to help homeless women and teen girls, not only here in America, but also in Haiti. We honor Velvette for the strides that she is making in the lives of young women, and women in general, not just in her community but also globally. She is a true champion for the people and deserves her place as a woman in history.

Velvette T. Mattison-Batson, I.E.W.P. POYED by Velvette, B2BAB

Velvette is the CEO and founder of POYED by Velvette— Pinking of YOU Events & Design. POYED by Velvette is an Event Catering, Designing, Management, Planning, and Staffing Business with a clear mission, to provide exemplary and comprehensive services for their clients. With over 15 years of experience and an exceptionally keen eye for details, they are successful in fulfilling the desires of their clients by listening intensively to what they want and focusing on exceeding their expectations. When you choose POYED by Velvette or your event or wedding, you are choosing excellence, professionalism, dedication, and a day free from worries—one of the best investments you will ever make. Be sure to visit POYED by Velvette at, http://poyed.org to learn more about POYED services and B2BAB initiatives.

We implore you to get to know the vibrant and dedicated woman who is making history every day through her work, service, and dedication. We salute you, Velvette T. Mattison-Batson! We are over the moon to have you be a part of the #SurpriseTheStruggling Family!
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Get Your Signature Dr. Wilson Inspirational Quote T-Shirt

There is another opportunity for you to support the movement and look fabulous while doing it! Purchase your signature Dr. Wilson Inspirational Quote T-Shirt today! “Queens Don’t Trip We Adjust Our Crowns Proceeds will benefit #SurpriseTheStruggling’s campaign movement to assist homeless women and teen girls receive the necessary hygienic assistance; helping them meet their needs each day.

“Queens Don’t Trip We Adjust Our Crowns” I Am Dr. Wilson

T-Shirts come in black or white, each sold for $25.00 S/H and tax included. You can click on the buy button on our page or click the following link: Dr. Wilson Signature T-Shirt
Your support goes a long way in helping countless homeless women and teen girls globally. With your continued assistance we can make a difference one life at a time. We meet the people where they are…PERIOD!