When faced with personal tragedy we have two basis choices. We can let the tragedy and the resulting loss consume us and leave us bitter, angry, hurt and unable to move forward. Or we can move through the grief, begin to heal and recognize that our greatest gifts can come from our personal pain.
Stephanie Poplar believes that the pain of losing her grandmother and her sister on the same day in 1998 and the loss of her newborn daughter the day she was born in 2001 was preparing her to take on the challenge of helping others deal with their personal pain. She began to assist those who lost loved ones and especially those who were dealing with the added burden of not having money for funeral expenses.
In January 2003, while helping a woman who had just lost her son, Stephanie received the confirmation she needed that this was her life work. She founded WE CARE BALTIMORE, Inc. that same month.
WE CARE BALTIMORE, Inc. is a non-profit organization whose goal is to connect those in the community with resources that will help them maintain or become self-sufficient despite a traumatic experience. They provide a holistic approach to problem-solving and collaborate with other organizations to reduce barriers that individuals may face. Some of their programs include:
Employment and Networking Services, WE CARE Expo—An Annual Job & Health Fair, Workshops on Resume Writing & Career Readiness, Support Services to Employers (Via Job Posting Service, Prescreening, Staff Development Training), Job Placement, Financial Services, Burial Assistance for the Uninsured, CPR Certification Training, First Aid Certification Training, and Life Insurance 101 Workshop.
And Empowerment Programs:
Y.I.E.L.D. (for 10–17 year olds), P.R.O.J.E.C.T. G.I.R.L., and Give Birth
to Your Purpose Empowerment Conference.
With two offices in Baltimore and one in Prince Georges County they are expanding
their services to the comm unity.
Stephanie holds an A.A. in General Studies from Villa Julie College as well
as a B.A. in Government & Public Policy and an M.A. in Legal, Ethical &
Historical Studies, both from the University of Baltimore. She is a licensed
real estate agent as well as a licensed life insurance agent.
She is also the co-host of A Woman’s Journey to Wellness and Success, a weekly radio talk program on WOLB 1010 AM from 2–2:30 PM every Friday. The purpose of the radio show is to build a support network that will uplift the community and provide individuals with the necessary resources and tools that will help them grow spiritually, get in shape physically, expand economically, and be successful on this journey we call, “LIFE”. The hosts have adopted the seven guiding principles of Kwanzaa and, in the spirit of unity, they empower the community. It is through sharing their stories, providing educational forums, seminars, and being a voice in the community that they address the ills and offer working solutions to change conditions.
Stephanie and her co-hosts end each show by saying the following:
It is a new day...
Don’t let opposition knock you
It’s a new day...
Don’t let fear deter you
It’s a new day...
Don’t let pride, rob you
Today, is your day to embrace the journey we call “life”.
It’s a new day
That just about sums it all up!!
