The Harvest

Summer 2021

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Greetings From the Founder & Executive Director

“Summer has a flavor like no other. Always fresh and simmered in sunshine.” ~ Oprah Winfrey


As Fertile Ground breaks for the summer, I am reminded of just how special this season really is. For me, it is a time to reflect, refresh, and refocus. I hope that you take some time this summer to read a good book, binge-watch your favorite shows, spend time outdoors, and love on your family and friends. After more than a year of virtual meetings and staying inside to protect ourselves and our loved ones, we are looking forward to the many empowering and impactful learning experiences we have planned for our members this upcoming school year. With input from our members, mentors, parents, and Board members, we have curated a most MEMORABLE schedule of events for 2021-22!


On behalf of myself and our Board of Directors, we would like to wish you a happy and safe summer!

Fertile Ground Mentor Spotlight

Name: Miranda Penn

Role: Mentor and Parent of FG member


How many years have you been a part of FG? 2


What do you like most about being a mentor with FG?

I love really having an opportunity to pour into a young person and help create a village they can feel both seen and safe in. FG specifically has wonderful events for the girls and it’s very organized as a whole.


What has been your most memorable experience or event?

I love our in person meetings and how the girls gather in the circle and say something nice about the person next to them and what they learned. I love how engaging that is and it pushes them out of their comfort zone. Powerful!


How do you think Fertile Ground has impacted your daughter's life?

I think it’s helped her be more self -aware and has helped plant the seeds of always being in a position to give back to others.


What would you say to other parents who may be contemplating their daughters joining our program?

I would tell other parents considering the program to look around at other programs and do your research but the main point for me is this organization has been around for so many years and has helped so many young ladies who are now happy, whole and successful. This program is creating the next generation of entrepreneurs, givers, mentors and scholars.

Fertile Ground Mentee Spotlight

Name: Raiden

Grade: 9th


What Inspired you to join Fertile Ground?

The girls and the mentors. They are all so supportive and I love being around them. I am happy that I can call them friends.


What do you like most about being a part of the program?

I love being able to go on amazing and fun trips with everyone. Like all the college tours that we went on. Georgia State college was one of my favorites. We could do so many things on campus because it was so big.


What’s been your favorite activity so far this year?

My favorite activity this year was the virtual Paint and Snack Party! I was able to see how creative my Fertile Ground sisters are and I realized what I am capable of doing too.


What would you say to other girls who may be considering joining Fertile Ground?

I would tell them to totally join! You will make amazing friends along the way and learn so much from the mentors and your Fertile Ground sisters. It's amazing to be able to go out and do something and meet new people.

Fertile Ground Sponsor Spotlight

Name: L. Gregory Dorsey

Occupation: Founder and CEO of Live More Daily (LMD)


What inspired you to launch Live More Daily?

Body, Mind, and Spirit connecting and not compartmentalizing them led Live More Daily to come into fruition.


Why do you think it's important to give back to the community?

Giving back is a statute of reaping and sowing and in order to reap a harvest you must sow (give back). Also, there’s an awesome feeling when you’re able to give.


If you could share one nugget of wisdom with our Fertile Ground members, what would it be?

Nothing is impossible with consistency and dedication you can conquer anything!


As a Board member, what is your hope for Fertile Ground?

That other girls and young woman across this nation and beyond can experience what Fertile Ground has to offer.

Workshop Facilitator and FG Partner

Name: Ms. Tess Goins of JaTess Jewels


What inspired you to launch JaTess Jewels?

I was inspired by my mothers love for Arts and crafts. She was always making and creating something when I was a little girl.


Why do you think it's important to give back to the community? Giving back to the community is important to me because my community is the foundation of who I am and I know I can touch so many, and hopefully have a positive Domino effect.


If you could share one nugget of wisdom with our Fertile Ground members about entrepreneurship and the art of jewelry making, what would it be?

That there are ABSOLUTELY NO RULES WHEN IT COMES TO ART! And always, always remember that time is extremely important when pricing your craft. Consider the time and expertise you put into your products and be fair to YOU!

Event Highlights

Fertile Ground is proud to offer young women experiences that can impact them for many years to come. Check out these event photo highlights that show off the Girl Takeover!


Events:

  • Jazzy Jewelry
  • The Talk
  • Level UP: Financial Literacy Workshop
  • 1st Annual Fun Run

Upcoming Events

August 2021

  • 8/14 ~ Fertile Ground Meet and Greet 12:00 -1:30 PM
  • 8/14 ~ Welcome Back Mixer (Returning Members and Parents Meeting) 2:00 - 3:00 PM
  • 8/28 ~ Fertile Ground Homecoming Event 7:30 - 9:30 PM


Stay tuned for more information.

Let's Rock!

The Fertile Ground program is not possible without the generous financial support of our donors. Every tax-deductible financial gift makes a significant impact in advancing Fertile Ground’s mission to nurture the lives of young women while serving the communities in which we live. Please sow a seed today at www.fgmentoring.org donate.


As our program grows, so does our need for committed professionals to help support our mission. Join us by serving in one of the following life-fulfilling roles: program volunteer, mentor or board member!


Visit www.fgmentoring.org or email us at fgmentoring@gmail.com to learn more and submit an application!

Fertile Ground NEYW, Inc.

Fertile Ground's mission is to deliver a high quality mentoring program that supports young women in developing positive self-images and inspires them to be extraordinary individuals.


Founded in September 2003, Fertile Ground, NEYW, Inc. began its program with ten fifth grade girls and eight committed teachers serving as mentors in partnership with Nesbit Elementary in Gwinnett County, Georgia. With the focus of developing future leaders at an early age, bi-monthly meetings were held in the media center with topics ranging from developing positive self-esteem and goal setting to effective money management.