Candice Nelson
Happy Wednesday, Golden Divas & Divos!
Let’s talk about runaway teens and homelessness today at Club Fifty. The world is filled with many homeless people in America, and youth homelessness is rising. It is considered a ‘Hidden Population!’ Sadly, some of us tend to look the other way, and then some are making a difference in this indifferent world. The number of young people living alone on the streets appears to be growing across the United States. However, many communities are stepping up their efforts to help; they are superseding early with services specifically geared toward the needs of our youths.
Young homeless people are at risk for a host of troubles with long-lasting impacts, including substance abuse, mental health problems, physical abuse, and sexual exploitation. Many get caught up in the criminal justice system. Up to 40 percent of homeless youth are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender.
DID YOU KNOW?
Homelessness for at-risk youths is the nation’s invisible homeless population, and it is typically defined as unaccompanied young people ages 12 and older who do not have a permanent place to stay. Most of them live in shelters, on the streets, in cars or vacant buildings, motels, or are “couch surfing” or living in other unstable circumstances and often trading sex for a place to sleep. There is a common misconception that alcohol and drug abuse are the root causes of homelessness. However, this is rarely the case. In most situations, multiple factors are at play—my guest will delve into some of the reasons teens are homeless further in this interview. Youth homelessness is often underreported and extremely difficult to track.
Divas and Divos click on the link below to see Candice Nelson Anthony Adams House’s interview with ABC7 News. This video is a little distorted but the story is phenomenal.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN A INDIFFERENT WORLD!
Recently I saw a beautiful golden diva on ABC7 news, and to be honest, I was enthralled by her delivery about the Anthony Adams House. My curiosity led me to continue watching her interview to see what was all of the talk about the AAH. Well, let me tell you, it was worth the watch. My heart was so heavy after watching this interview, yet it was so full of love for what she was doing in her community. The topic was weighted; however, this interview was so uplifting. This golden diva is turning things around for so many young people. She has stepped out on faith and stepped up to the challenge to make a difference in her community.Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
As you can imagine, the wheels in my head were spinning to meet this golden diva. Her dedication and selfless acts of kindness to her calling to give runaway teens a haven out in the streets, along with her backstory, and you’ll know how I love backstories. They bring it all together. So, of course, this blew me away. Divas and divos, get ready for this feel-good story. To know that someone has not forgotten about our youth and is willing to do something to help them is priceless! I am honored to include this golden diva in the Club Fifty Circle of Sisterhood. There’s nothing like a woman who has a purpose and a mission in life and is ready to give back, fulfilling her God-given assignment. Coming ‘Full Circle with Eyes wide Opened’ with her sleeves rolled up and her ears and heart opened to the needs of the youths in the streets!
Welcome to Club Fifty Candice Nelson. Thank you for being a beacon for so many youths.
Heavy is the head that wears the crown! But don’t worry, a true Queen wears and represents it well!
MEET CANDICE NELSON
Heavy is the head that wears the crown! But don’t worry, a true Queen wears and represents it well!
Candice Nelson, Founder, and CEO of Anthony Adams House Inc., has over 26 years of experience working with at-risk youth; Candice has enjoyed several positions, including working with not-for-profit, fundraising, and event planning. Candice also has an extensive background working in both Secondary and Post-Secondary Education. Candice is currently employed as a Community Educator for Franciscan Alliance, where she educates youth on creating positive relationships. Understanding the importance of Higher Education, Candice received her Bachelor of Arts from Columbia College Chicago, where she majored in Television Production. While attending Columbia College, Candice was signed to Lily’s Talent Agency, where she worked on several television series, independent projects, and movies that were filmed in Chicago. Candice continued her education, and in 2005, Candice received her Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resource Management and a Masters of Health and Human Services from Keller Graduate School. In addition to founding Anthony Adams House, Candice owns a real estate, nonmedical transport, and special events business, all under AAH Enterprise.
Candice also understands the importance of being active in the community. Candice has volunteered for many community events and coordinated several on her own, including a community bus trip to Washington DC for Barack Obama’s second inauguration and a “Meet and Greet” the candidates to educate students on the importance of voting. Candice also co-hosted the local television show “Keepin’ It Real”, an informational program for Indiana Black Expo that spotlighted small business owners in Michigan City. Candice is a lifelong resident of Michigan City, a grandmother, and has two children, Marcus, and Alante’. Candice is family-oriented and enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, and trying new restaurants. Divas and Divos click on the links below to see Candice Nelson Anthony Adams House’s interview with ABC7 News. This video is a little distorted. Divas and Divos before you get into the interview with Candice Nelson listen to the smooth sounds of Marvin Gaye’s ‘What’s Going On!’ She chose the song as her signature song for the interview because it just seemed to fit the mission and the cause. Enjoy!
IN CONVERSATION WITH CANDICE NELSON
C50: Candice, why did you decide to start a ‘non-for-profit’ for homeless and runaway teens under 18 in Michigan City, Indiana?
CN: From the ages of 15-17, I was a Runaway Youth. I started the organization to counsel and mentor youth and their families who may be experiencing hurdles and put services in place to prevent the youth from feeling like there’s no other option but to run away. Anthony Adams House hopes to be an outlet for the youth and their parents. I started the organization in Michigan City because this is my hometown.
C50: What type of shelter does the Anthony Adams House provide?
CN: Anthony Adams House provides Basic Center Services, which includes counseling, clothing, meals, transportation, laundry services, referrals to community providers, and any service required to meet the basic need of the youth. We also provide Emergency Shelter Services, including overnight care and referrals to host homes. We will begin our Transitional Housing program in the near future, which will allow the youth to reside at the shelter for two years.
C50: What is the mission behind AAH?
CN: The mission behind AAH is to provide a safe, stable, nurturing, home-like environment for Homeless and Runaway Youth.
C50: Can you tell us about the special programs that AAH offers?
CN: In addition to services for Runaway Youth, AAH offers financial assistance to assist families currently or in threat of becoming homeless. AAH offers assistance for past due rents and utilities, security deposits for rent and utilities, food vouchers, transportation, and referrals to community providers.
C50: Why did you name the shelter after your father?
CN: I named the shelter after my father, Anthony Adams, who passed away on June 4, 2015. During that difficult time in my life, it was the love that my father showed me and ensured me that everything would be ok. When my father passed, he left me a life insurance policy, and with that, I formed the organization in honor of him. The shelter site is in the neighborhood where he grew up in.
C50: What are some of the reasons a teen may decide to run away?
CN: Teen runaway for various reasons. Drug abuse, sexuality, abuse, basic needs not being met, financial struggles, and extreme conflict.
C50: Why is it important to have alternative housing for runaway or homeless teens?
CN: It is essential to have alternative housing for teens to keep them off the streets and create safe environments. In addition, it is important to understand the dangers and risks that homeless and runaway teens may face, such as trafficking, rape, drug use, and committing crimes to survive.
C50: Candice, tell us how your education, life, and work experience prepared you to open up the homeless shelter.
CN: I have worked with the youth and not-for-profits since 1996. My Master’s in Business Administration and Health and Human Services equipped me with the tools and knowledge to run the program effectively. Working in the not-for-profit field also helped me develop fundraising and grant writing skills. My history working with the youth in Michigan City has made it easier for me to build that relationship with the youth and their families. Most of the youth remember me from working at the Boys and Girls Club, and being able to share personal stories about running away makes it easier to communicate with the youth. They respect the fact that I’ve been there and can relate to what they are going through.
C50: What is the positive impact that having a shelter for at-risk youth can bring to the community?
CN: The positive impact that Anthony Adams House has in the Michigan City community is the investment in all youth and showing that the community is there for them. In addition, different providers within the community assist with the services Anthony Adams House provides. This shows the youth that we care.
C50: Tell us the purpose of your 1st Annual “Their Second Home” Fundraising Gala with a keynote speaker Fame boxer Sugar Ray Leonard that you recently had on May 6, 2022.
CN: The gala’s purpose was to bring awareness to the homeless and runaway youth population and raise funds for Anthony Adams House. Funds will be used for programming, staffing, and repairs to the shelter site. We chose Sugar Ray Leonard because he was Anthony Adam’s favorite boxer.
Wow, Golden Diva, this event was absolutely amazing! It was an unforgettable experience! Make sure you visit the Anthony Adams House website for more information.
Bonus Question
C50: How can you support the Anthony Adams House year-round?
CN: There are several ways to show your support for Anthony Adams House. If you know a youth currently experiencing homelessness or considering running away, please refer them to Anthony Adams House. The Runaway component is nationwide; at this time, the financial assistance is county-based. You can leave a review or show support on our Facebook page (Anthony Adams House) or Google. Or you can go to our website www.aa-house.org and make a donation; no donation is too small.
There you have it Golden Divas and Divos, another luminary shining bright. This beautiful diva is giving back to her community and is making sure our youths are well taken care of with a home away from home. Candice Nelson Club Fifty salutes you, ‘A Job Well Done!’
