As the owner of West Englewood’s Tina’s Treasures Childcare, she takes great pride in providing quality day care for neighborhood children and acting as a teacher and positive role model while their parents are at work.
“I wanted to be the person who not only changed these kids’ lives, but helped change their parents’ lives as well,” she says. “I understand where this community comes from. I have not always had a home or a car. I was on public assistance. The issues they’re dealing with now, I can tell them that it’s going to get better.”
Tina also volunteers her time as a mentor for local community college students as part of One Million Degrees, an organization dedicated to providing comprehensive support to low-income, highly motivated community college students to help them succeed in school, in work, and in life.
And on top of all this, she is intent on helping beautify her neighborhood. She purchased a lot across the street from her home as part of Chicago’s $1 Large Lot program, and uses it to promote healthy living and community love by hosting dance, healthy eating, yoga, and art activities.
Tina is an active member of the Resident Association of Greater Englewood (R.A.G.E.) and was named the organization’s 2016 Member of the Year in recognition of her tireless efforts and extraordinary commitment to Greater Englewood.
“I decided I was going to be a beacon of light on my block. Whatever the situation is, you don’t have to be what your parents are. I’m a testament to that. I’m a witness to that. I don’t care what your circumstances are today. If you get up tomorrow, you have an opportunity to change your life.”
This is #EnglewoodRising.
