Stephanie

When I’m not writing and singing, I’m counseling, mentoring and inspiring others to greatness. I have set my sites on fulfilling God's plan and destiny for my life which is to open up a Starting Over center for homeless women and children. I plan to call the program Zoë House.

The program would be establised to provide transitional housing, spiritual enrichment and career training for six (6) underprivileged females dealing with homelessness, domestic abuse, and self-esteem issues. The program is for single females and mothers with one child between the ages of 0 and 18.

The goal of the program is to assist clients in personal development and vocational pursuits—thus increasing employment potential and opportunities to move from negative conditions and/or relationships to independent, self-sufficient lifestyles.

I'm here primarily to generate some interest for the music; the music will then fund the vision. The other reason I’m here is to share my ministry with men and women who are going through. Because there is so much happening in these last and evil days, and because there is so much evil in the world and because there is so many suffering (especially women and children) I believe that God has ordained me to minister and bring comfort to people who are hurting!

One of the most amazing things, at lease to me, is that I started making music right out of college. I never had any formal music training outside of John Schwam's piano book #1 (you music lovers should know what that one is). I don't play any instruments nor do I read music. Yet, God has allowed me to make beautiful music using modern technology!

HOW DID I GET STARTED?

I started singing at the Zion Baptist Church of Coatesville, Pa. Mom made us all sing (3 sis, 2 bros) with the church choir. Although many of the members welcomed our fresh, young voices, some gave us the evil eye when we tried to breathe new life into old hymns. During my teen years, I sang with the William Reeves Chorale Ensemble, McCaskey Senior High School Glee Club and participated in a lot of community events.

You could say that, as a teen, I was very much involved in the community. I was voted “Teen of the Week” by the Lancaster New Era (local paper), “Girl of the Year” by the Lancaster Recreation Commission, and asked to represent the Local Elks as “Miss Elkdom” in Bethlehem, Pa.

Also, I hold a B.A. Degree in Sociology/Criminal Justice and was inducted into the National Sociological Honor Society for holding a “B” average in my major. I substituted at the Lancaster Career and Technology School; and all the students I tutored experienced, on average, a 12% increase in their overall grade.

One of my favorite quotes, "A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle," embodies the whole of my existence. If I can help somebody as I pass along, then my living is not in vain.