November 10, 2021 | Episode 64
Shawn & Brian are joined by Jeniece Stewart & Thomas Dortch as they discuss having a blended family that includes both special needs & a nonprofit born out of love to serve siblings of those with special needs.
Jeniece Stewart is the true definition of a strong woman that never gave up! She lives by the motto that “I Am Enough.” The best part of her story is that it is only getting better. Her passion for womanhood, motherhood, and entrepreneurship exudes with every move she makes. She also has found her calling to serve those individuals and families in the special needs community.
She was raised in an extremely religious household and spent years looking for love in all the wrong places. She has experienced teen pregnancy, teen marriage, divorce, domestic violence, sexual assault and homelessness as a single mother. Being diagnosed with postpartum depression and not seeking adequate care, it took years to unlearn the belief that prayer was the sole key to a healthy mental state and it takes a lot of effort and commitment.
Jeniece Stewart was born in Stone Mountain, Georgia and graduated from Shiloh High School. She is a wife, mother of seven. Her passion and service was discovered early on. This passion began with her second oldest son, Christian Garcia, who has autism and epilepsy. She not only saw the need to advocate for the autism and epilepsy community, but for the entire family in the special needs community. This when she formed Special Needs Siblings, Inc. Special Needs Siblings is a nonprofit committed to raising awareness, support and resources for the siblings of disabled individuals. She continues to lead this charge and this has led to her evolution.
She is now a public speaker, writer and blogger who fights for both the special needs and minority communities. Two years ago she created JL! Marketing which has a focus on helping non-profits grow. She created this Company along with her loving husband, Thomas Dortch III. They continue this mission to connect underserved communities and organizations with platforms to use their voice.
Thomas “Trey” Dortch III, it is this is a survivor that continues to fight for himself and others. Depression and substance abuse are a part of his journey but that does not define him. Trey is defined by his character and passion. He battled with depression as young as 12 years old and substance abuse started before even graduating high school. Trey’s passion begins with helping those that have gone through the same struggles he has faced. The need to address mental health and substance abuse crises remains a global priority. Trey is dedicated to making a change!
Thomas W. Dortch, III is a lifetime member of the NAACP. He is a board member of the Andrew & Walter Young YMCA, a trustee of The Fulton-Dekalb Hospital Authority, a board member of the 100 Black Men of Atlanta, and member of the Omega Xi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Psi business fraternity. Most importantly he is a proud father of seven.
Websites:
https://specialneedssiblings.com/
https://theprimetheory.com/
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