Today we’d like to introduce you to Tyra Moore.
Hi Tyra, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I founded A Girl Like Me Inc. with a deeply personal motivation. At just 14 years old, I found myself facing the challenges of teenage motherhood. It was a difficult journey, one that I felt I had to face alone. The news of my pregnancy came as a shock to everyone, including my own mother, who discovered it only a few days before I gave birth.
The day my daughter was born, we learned that she was a girl. I vividly remember my mother shedding tears while sharing the news with our family, friends, and community members. The overwhelming show of support during that time filled our home with baby items, making it nearly impossible to enter. This outpouring of love and assistance lasted for about two years, providing invaluable help for my child and me.
Inspired by the kindness and generosity we received, I made a personal promise to myself that I would one day pay it forward. Today, in 2019, I am honored to provide teenage and young mothers, up to the age of 25, with essential resources such as diapers, wipes, baby food, clothing, and more – all completely free of charge. Additionally, I am proud to offer feminine products to mothers, girls, and teens in need.
But our support doesn’t stop there. We believe in nurturing and empowering young minds, which is why we offer a mentoring program for girls, teens, and teen mothers every Saturday. This program aims to provide guidance, support, and encouragement to the incredible young individuals we serve.
It is my passion and purpose to ensure that no girl or young woman facing similar circumstances feels alone, scared, or without the resources they need to thrive. Through A Girl Like Me Inc., I am dedicated to creating a community where every young mother and girl knows that they are loved, supported, and equipped to overcome any obstacle.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The journey of A Girl Like Me Inc. has been filled with both triumphs and challenges. As a relatively new organization, we have faced the obstacle of securing funding to support our mission. Providing an adequate supply of diapers and wipes for families, as well as finding dedicated team members, has been an ongoing struggle.
However, amidst these challenges, we have experienced many positive moments. Our organization has been fortunate to have the support of amazing volunteers who selflessly give their time to make a difference. We have also received generous grants and donations from the community, which have helped us expand our reach and impact.
Furthermore, we are proud to have been recognized with awards for our efforts. These acknowledgments serve as a reminder that our work is making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve. The ultimate reward, however, comes from witnessing the smiles and happiness on the faces of the families we have helped. Knowing that we have provided them with essential items, resources, and a compassionate ear to listen to their stories brings us immeasurable joy.
Despite the challenges we have faced, the positive outcomes and the impact we have made on the lives of these families continue to fuel our determination and passion. With the continued support of our community, A Girl Like Me Inc. will persist in our mission to bring hope, resources, and support to young mothers and girls in need.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about A Girl Like Me Inc?
A Girl Like Me Inc. is a nonprofit organization, registered as a 501(c)3, located in Detroit, MI. We initially started as a small grassroots effort, relying on donations, t-shirt sales, and personal investments for funding.
Our organization is dedicated to providing essential support and resources to at-risk, low-income teenage girls (ages 11-17) and young mothers (up to 25 years old) who may lack the family or friend support within their community. We strive to empower these young individuals with the education, mentoring, resources, and basic needs necessary to make informed decisions about their reproductive health and future.
I am incredibly grateful to have shared my personal story of becoming a teen mom at the age of 14. The impact of my story has been profound, as it has encouraged more girls and teens to come forward and seek the help they need. While becoming a teen mom is not the goal, I am dedicated to accompanying and guiding these girls and teens, equipping them with the tools, knowledge, and necessary items to provide for themselves and their babies.
What were you like growing up?
During my childhood, I was an energetic and mischievous child. I seemed to always find myself in trouble, constantly hearing my name being called out. Unfortunately, bullying was also a recurring part of my life. Whether it was from girls in my neighborhood or at school, I endured a lot of negativity, which took a toll on my self-esteem. All I wanted was to fit in and feel accepted by others.
As a teenager, I faced similar challenges. Desperate for attention and acceptance, I found myself drawn to the first boy who showed me the kind of attention I craved. Tragically, this relationship resulted in a pregnancy at the age of 14, bringing me face-to-face with a whole new set of struggles. Throughout the pregnancy and even afterwards, I experienced feelings of deep sadness, contemplated suicide, and believed that my life had come to an end. These thoughts were fueled by hurtful words from those closest to me, further diminishing my sense of self-worth.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://agirllikemeinc.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agirllikemeinc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AGirlLikeMeInc?_rdc=1&_rdr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/mwlite/in/tyra-moore-1956561b6
