“God created a path for my vision.” – Erica Wilson
88 Blessings has been a successful and thriving organization for the youth and single mothers during the challenging times of their lives. While being a minister, author, and founder of 88 Blessings, Erica Wilson has overcome many trials and tribulations as a single mother. Erica has surpassed many adversities through the motivation and strength of her mother and the love and support of her sons; Allen Hurns, current WR of the Miami Dolphins and Daryl Wilson, current Vice President of 88 Blessings, Inc. Her determination and vision for helping the community led to 88 Blessings, an organization dedicated to providing single parents and families with the love, support, and motivation needed to succeed beyond the stigmas and statistics. Erica refused to be told that she will never make it out or amount to anything; therefore, she took the same negative comments and turned them into positive affirmations and community work. This positivity was pushed toward many others including 17 high school students who are currently sponsored through the S.O.A.R movement program.
Pictured here is Erica Wilson and her son Allen Hurns
What is the S.O.A.R movement?
“High School Seniors Will Overcome adversity by Arising from hardships and becoming Resilient,” (S.O.A.R), was created to help provide high school seniors with guidance and resources needed to become “Established for more than over 40-50 years.” Erica discussed how this is one of the major programs under 88 Blessings that was developed in 2020 as a crisis response during the COVID-19 pandemic. Erica mentioned that although the organization provides care packages for the college-bound students, it requires more than that. Erica furthered mentioned that the 17 students require a plethora of resources that will help them meet basic needs and much more.
“We have an intake officer that reaches out to the students and refer them to needed resources … We have an open-door policy and want to be available at any time when those we are working with needs us, we do not want them to feel alone.” Clearly, 88 Blessings is a Call-to-Action organization, and is much needed in the community and beyond. As a bonus, a little nugget that Ms. Erica would like to share with the students and others is to “Keep God first and have faith that everything will come out ok.” Ms. Erica then mentioned that it is important to live life out loud for others because how do you expect them to feel safe and have a space to feel connected with no one to relate to? Having a connection and safe space is essential when working with various people and their situations. Ms. Erica discussed how some of the adversities that she has witnessed range from being homeless to experiencing sexual and mental abuse.
Through these traumas, Ms. Erica knew that people within her community and further would need a mentor and minister. Although a friend to some and a stranger to many, Ms. Erica developed a relationship with others that fostered positivity and trust that would not require something in return. It means the world to Ms. Erica and her team that they can put a smile on a face and provide for others when they feel down and hopeless.
Lastly, Ms. Erica discussed how her son’s support is priceless and surreal and that with God’s vision and her faith, she can pay everything forward and continue blessing others.
To become a member, donate, or continue the support and mission for 88 Blessings, follow them on IG: @88blessingsinc, FB: @88 Blessings Inc., Twitter: @88BlessingsInc, and http://88blessings.org.
You can also reach 88 Blessings HQ in Florida at 904-290-3588 in North Florida and 954-628-5878 in South Florida.
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