We had the good fortune of connecting with Evelyn Layne and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Evelyn, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
The inspiration for Layne’s Den Inc. came from wanting to carry on the legacy of my grandparents, Deacon Evelyn & Tyree Layne Jr. and my uncle Tyrone Layne. In addition to paying homage to their legacy the platform I created allotted me the opportunity to carry on a piece of my paternal grandmother’s legacy, Mary Clinkscale “Lizzie”, my first cousins Kirkteashe “Tia” Jordan, Clarington D Faucette & godson Mi’Quarius Alexander.

I woke up one day in the middle of so many things going on in the world and just realized how lost the newer generation is and how the generations after them will have such a hard time at something “normal”. Rioting everywhere, buildings burning, streets painted and a whole lot of noise being made but no REAL help being given nor real solutions. It made my heart sad! It made me remember all the lessons, guidance, unconditional love & sternness that each of my grandparents and uncle held. It’s like GOD lit a match inside my heart and there it was, my purpose, my passion and it was to carry on the legacy of those named above and to be the VOICE that carried on after GOD had called each of them home! They worked HARD to provide for their families & others without judgement! They each made their own impact on the Little Rock, AR community & beyond. Helping teen & single parents with their children & life skills, helping to educate, praying for and loving on anyone in their path. Those are the things the upcoming generations need! That is what is missing. The WARM HEARTBEAT that fills up the holes in life! That PUSH others BEYOND the barriers of life!

Another inspiration for me would be the future of my own children who were now older and heading out into a society that was equipped to make them fail! But it wasn’t as much about the failure as it was the people in place to reach down and help them pull themselves back up! YES, THEY HAVE GOD, but the barriers set around them is what worried me most! So, I had to at least do SOMETHING! Something that would matter, something HEARD! It was my desire to create a space where their generation and those coming have an outlet & a person out front willing to pour into them as the elders poured into us!

Long story short when asked why I created Layne’s Den Inc. and am still here 3 years later I have a simple response, #BecauseGODSaidSO #InObedience #BETheHELPYouWhatToSEE #LessTalkingMoreWalking

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Layne’s Den Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to “Love on communities with the love of GOD”. We provide services & programs for teen parents, offenders, homeless, hospice nursing home patients & more. We also provide an annual scholarship and have a troubled youth outreach.

One thing we are PROUD of that sets us aside from others is the minimal application offered to those in need. Another is our broad mission, loving on communities with the love of GOD”. Our mission says it all, what we have to offer is genuine, nonjudgemental, loving and caring. We are not just the help, what you find in Layne’s Den Inc. is a FAMILY!

The road to Layne’s Den Inc. has not been an easy road to travel, however, it has been worth every step taken, every LESSON learned. The setbacks became lessons, the steps increased & the stride grows longer daily! All of it has helped thrust me forward. Overcoming challenges in business and personally there is the same goal: KEEP PRESSING FORWARD! LET GOD LEAD! TRUST HIS WILL! What should be WILL BE! That is the same I teach my children! Keep your chin tilted UPWARD! Thats where the help comes from. That is what we were always taught.

We want the world to know that we are HERE, we are ready to HELP & we have so many things to OFFER! I am Evelyn, the Founder of Layne’s Den Inc. and our mission is to love on communities with the love of GOD! Why you ask? – #BecauseGODSaidSO

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
So, if my best friend was visiting the area, I would have to add the following things to the itinerary:

Grandscape Area – Movies, Shopping, Exhibits, Concerts, Bars & other Activities

Legacy West – Bars, Entertainment, Restaurants, Shopping & other activities.

SO much to offer at both of the areas above that you could visit each one on multiple days.

Little Elm Beach, The PGA Golf entertainment section

Great food spots are all around! Check the Grandscape & Legacy West food places.

Jets Pizza – Good pizza and option that may not be available where they are from and its GOOOD!

Leo’s Brunch House – Definitely have to bring them by our favorite spot. GREAT FOOD & SERVICE!

There is a TON of different things that the area and the metroplex has to offer.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate my shout out to my grandparents, Deacon Evelyn & Tyree Layne Jr., Mary Elizabeth Clinkscale “Lizzie” & my uncle Tyrone Layne. It is because of each of them I am the woman I am TODAY!

I would also like to shoutout to all of the volunteers, board members & consistent donors! To say that I APPRECIATE each of you is an understatement. What is Layne’s Den without each of YOU!

To my family, #TheFiveFab, THANK YOU for your understanding as I travel a path GOD created! For allowing me to share the love that I have for you daily to each and every other person who crosses my path! Even when we are running around giving out school supplies but hadn’t got yours yet, fill in the gifts under trees in others home before making an attempt to add gifts under our tree. Thanks for sharing ME and thanks for being HUMBLE and NEVER allowing me to travel this journey alone!!!! LOVE YOU GUYS!

Website: https://www.laynesden.com

Instagram: @laynesden

Twitter: @laynesden

Facebook: @laynesden

Youtube: @laynesden

Other: Contact Information – phone: (800) 374-1511 email: info@laynesden.com

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