LAFRANCE MCCULLOUGH, FOUNDER, Certified Life Coach
As a young girl growing up in Chicago, IL, LaFrance understood the true meaning of poverty. Living on the 14th floor of the State Way Gardens high rise projects, she could never imagine what her life would be like in the future. She witnessed a lot as a child thinking there was no way out of this bad situation. LaFrance’s parents did everything they could to provide for three children under poor circumstances. In the early 80s, her parents decided to move to Jackson, MI trying to provide a better life for their children. However things begin to take a turn for the worse. Her family was ripped apart by drugs which resulted in their unfortunate placement in foster care. At the tender age of 11, LaFrance and her sister of 9, were separated while their brother, 16 years of age, was incarcerated. Years and years going by, bouncing from home to home, was very hard and staying emotionally strong was even more difficult. Feelings of abandonment consumed the children as they struggled to find a sense of belonging.
LaFrance has overcome obstacles and continues to stay motivated and inspired by raising her three children. She understands that raising her children to be the best they can be is so important. Teaching them to have self-confidence, being a positive leader, turning a blind eye to all negativity, and with dedication, they are ALL destined to do great things in life.
LaFrance participated in the Task Force for Youth Aging out of Foster Care, by DHS. She proudly and voluntarily dedicated her time to this project. She was able to help create a survey of questions that would assist with better understanding the needs associated with youth aging out of foster care. LaFrance has also spent her personal time mentoring youth to help them understand the value of having and wanting a better life. LaFrance was asked by Dr. Charles Corley, Professor at MSU, to speak to his Criminal Justice class that was focusing on the Juvenile Justice Treatment program. She was able to discuss the difficulties and obstacles many foster youth face, which leads to a tremendous amount of issues within the criminal justice system. LaFrance was honored to be able to share such an important part of her life. For the last ten years she has been employed with the State of Michigan and currently works for LARA under the Bureau of Community Health Systems. She has many years of experience in the customer service and human relations field from prior professional and personal experiences.
As the founder of GWP, LaFrance has always felt the need to give back to the community as much as possible. Her decision to mentor and work with local foster agencies only exemplifies her life story. It is her personal goal to change the mindset of distraught foster children into believing they can become successful despite the hardships they have endured. In the near future, LaFrance plans to become certified in human services to better meet the needs of the underprivileged, and is also working towards becoming a certified life coach.
LaFrance has overcome obstacles and continues to stay motivated and inspired by raising her three children. She understands that raising her children to be the best they can be is so important. Teaching them to have self-confidence, being a positive leader, turning a blind eye to all negativity, and with dedication, they are ALL destined to do great things in life.
LaFrance participated in the Task Force for Youth Aging out of Foster Care, by DHS. She proudly and voluntarily dedicated her time to this project. She was able to help create a survey of questions that would assist with better understanding the needs associated with youth aging out of foster care. LaFrance has also spent her personal time mentoring youth to help them understand the value of having and wanting a better life. LaFrance was asked by Dr. Charles Corley, Professor at MSU, to speak to his Criminal Justice class that was focusing on the Juvenile Justice Treatment program. She was able to discuss the difficulties and obstacles many foster youth face, which leads to a tremendous amount of issues within the criminal justice system. LaFrance was honored to be able to share such an important part of her life. For the last ten years she has been employed with the State of Michigan and currently works for LARA under the Bureau of Community Health Systems. She has many years of experience in the customer service and human relations field from prior professional and personal experiences.
As the founder of GWP, LaFrance has always felt the need to give back to the community as much as possible. Her decision to mentor and work with local foster agencies only exemplifies her life story. It is her personal goal to change the mindset of distraught foster children into believing they can become successful despite the hardships they have endured. In the near future, LaFrance plans to become certified in human services to better meet the needs of the underprivileged, and is also working towards becoming a certified life coach.
rechelle KENDRICK, SHRM-CP
Growing up in a single parent home had its ups and downs. Her mother was stern and did not tolerate inappropriate behavior. Consequently, ReChelle ran away only to realize there was no place like home and her rebellious attitude simply had to go. She quickly began to realize that no one could replace her mother's love; rather it was substituted by her grandmother or her father. Nonetheless, her mother continued to shower her with love, discipline and encouragement. This structured upbringing has made ReChelle a mature, responsible adult and is one of the reasons she believes others can become successful although they may have come from an untraditional home setting. Each of us has the option to make a situation in our lives better or worse; it all depends on the mindset we possess. ReChelle continues to encourage others to tackle small obstacles and plan for the future. Her area of expertise within GWP is employment preparation, computer training, professional etiquette and preparing individuals to become successful in all endeavors.
ReChelle has been dedicated to giving back to the community for over ten years by volunteering. She has given uncountable hours assisting with the local mobile food pantry. ReChelle has also dedicated hours helping first time homeowners build their homes through Habitat for Humanity/Lansing, Inc. Further, she enjoyed helping The Art Alley (Reo Town) in the early development stages with website design and volunteering at the gallery showcasing art and taking inquiries from art lovers.
Throughout the years ReChelle has continued making lateral moves since her first co-op job in 1994. Currently working in state government has given her an increase knowledge of social barriers and the importance of unity within the community. Prior to this tenure she worked at Loomis Law Firm for six years as a legal secretary and has given numerous hours as a temporary contractor to MESSA, Michigan Department of Community Health, and the Lansing Police Department. Working for nonprofit, government and for profit organizations has given her a well-rounded perception of the employment workforce and the expectations of potential employers.
Recently she has accomplished a goal of becoming a part time instructor at Lansing Community College. ReChelle has also earned her certified professional certificate from the Society of Human Resource Management in 2020. She strives to become certified in MS Office Suite as she continues to empower her community towards professionalism and self-sufficiency.
ReChelle has been dedicated to giving back to the community for over ten years by volunteering. She has given uncountable hours assisting with the local mobile food pantry. ReChelle has also dedicated hours helping first time homeowners build their homes through Habitat for Humanity/Lansing, Inc. Further, she enjoyed helping The Art Alley (Reo Town) in the early development stages with website design and volunteering at the gallery showcasing art and taking inquiries from art lovers.
Throughout the years ReChelle has continued making lateral moves since her first co-op job in 1994. Currently working in state government has given her an increase knowledge of social barriers and the importance of unity within the community. Prior to this tenure she worked at Loomis Law Firm for six years as a legal secretary and has given numerous hours as a temporary contractor to MESSA, Michigan Department of Community Health, and the Lansing Police Department. Working for nonprofit, government and for profit organizations has given her a well-rounded perception of the employment workforce and the expectations of potential employers.
Recently she has accomplished a goal of becoming a part time instructor at Lansing Community College. ReChelle has also earned her certified professional certificate from the Society of Human Resource Management in 2020. She strives to become certified in MS Office Suite as she continues to empower her community towards professionalism and self-sufficiency.
RACHEL BLACK, CSM
Rachel has such a powerful kindred spirit. She brings years of wisdom with respect to marriage, raising four children and just the hard knocks of life, but always having a positive outlook. Having overcome obstacles that could have made her life turn for the worse, she decided to love herself as her family continue growing in a positive manner. She made a vow to not let her past dictate her future. A past that involves physical abuse, a past that involves making all the wrong decisions with the wrong men. Fortunately, it wasn’t too late for her to continuing growing closer to God and being able to hear Him say, “You need to change some things in your life”, and that meant leaving Chicago to provide a better life for her children.
Encompassing a 26-year career with the Accident Fund, Rachel's background includes her expertise in information technology from Lansing Community College and Help Desk Institute (HDI) as well as being a Certified ScrumMaster. She truly enjoys her current position as a project analyst and the day-to-day challenge gives her the opportunity to display her management skills. Rachel also has some background in substance abuse treatment counseling while she attended Malcolm X College on the west side of Chicago. Although becoming a certified clinician was never accomplished, her on-hands experience working at substance and alcohol abuse treatment centers is valuable. Some of her volunteer experience include Volunteers of America, Habitat for Humanity, and most recently Eve's House. She is also a member of the National Association for Professional Women.
Encompassing a 26-year career with the Accident Fund, Rachel's background includes her expertise in information technology from Lansing Community College and Help Desk Institute (HDI) as well as being a Certified ScrumMaster. She truly enjoys her current position as a project analyst and the day-to-day challenge gives her the opportunity to display her management skills. Rachel also has some background in substance abuse treatment counseling while she attended Malcolm X College on the west side of Chicago. Although becoming a certified clinician was never accomplished, her on-hands experience working at substance and alcohol abuse treatment centers is valuable. Some of her volunteer experience include Volunteers of America, Habitat for Humanity, and most recently Eve's House. She is also a member of the National Association for Professional Women.
Everyone has a different path or journey in life. GWP wants to help guide you to your destiny. We look forward to sharing our life stories in hopes that something we shared can help along the way. GWP is here to touch the hearts and minds of as many women, men and young adults as possible!!!!!