Meet Melanie Crawford | Non-Profit Owner

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

Hi Melanie, what inspires you?
My inspiration come from my own life experiences! My son is one of my biggest inspirations because he is the reason I started my non-profit organization. I had my son at 16 years old and I was not ready. I thought all the things I dreamed of had came to a halt. It took time but I bossed up and just let my obstacles become my inspiration. Legacy Youth Outreach is a resource for not only teen mothers but for anyone in urban areas who is in need of a resource. As I grow older I have also gained new inspirations. My friends and family inspire me by keeping me motivated and encouraged to keep going; along with watching them grow their businesses as well. The future generation, including my son is a inspiration because they are the future and I could too learn so many things from them and I pray I am a inspiration to them. Last but not least God is the biggest inspiration because my non-profit is not just a business its a calling; a purpose, that I’m thankful to have found and fulfill at a young age.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Legacy Youth Outreach is a 501c3 nonprofit in Dallas that mission is to provide programs to youth in areas of pregnancy prevention, education and mentorship to prepare them for post-secondary success. Since March 2018, we have hosted donation drives and different community events. I started LYO because a non-profit was always my long term goal and I was 26 years old and thought it was time to turn my dream to a reality. I always wanted to give back along with being a resource for youth in any type of situation, but specializing in post secondary success and pregnancy prevention. I was a teen mother from Pleasant Grove, who didn’t haven’t any resources within my community and didn’t even know a organization I could go to. So I wanted to be “that organization” for this new generation. I am most proud of how many people I have reached in different ways throughout the years. From the families we have helped financially through the pandemic, to the homeless people we have met and shared their stories. We were able to do a black owned pop up shop and showcase small local black owned business and we have had a host of volunteers and supporters that we have gained along the way. Professionally, I am still growing. I don’t have a nonprofit mentor to look up to right now so I am figuring things out as I go. I am learning more about funding and grants to support my nonprofit and how to get to the next level to reach more people. This road has been shaky running this nonprofit being a mom, still working a regular 9 to 5, running a side business and trying to find a mentor to lead me. But God. No matter what obstacles come about God always provide everything we need. We always have resources to come our way and we meet like minded individuals who want to give to the cause. I have learned to be patient and give things time to grow. We have huge visions and we and we want all our dreams to come true, quick and fast instead of living in the moment and letting things go the the process. Everyone book will be written differently but yours is written especially for you. When your serving your purpose you won’t ever stay tired for long; trust the process. Legacy Youth Outreach will be the next nonprofit to change the urban community in Dallas. We will be the resource for not only youth, but for everyone in need. I don’t do this for the popularity but because I’m serving my purpose. Stay on the look out for our upcoming Art Expo, our new education service “Make Learning Lit Again” and our mentoring program, as well as community events.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
A week of fun! Sunday- Light of the World Church of Christ (to hear some of the best singing) Feed the Homeless w/ LYO Sunday FunDay in Uptown at Tacos & Tequila with DJ Trap Monday- Go grab some Val’s Cheesecake Tuesday- Go to the Grove and have Lil V’s BBQ on Loop 12 and Snowcone shop in front of Bruton Bazaar Wednesday- Lets go upscale and check out Yardbird Southern Bar in the Park District Thursday – South Dallas D&L Snowcone Shop Drinks from Glorias.. We getting LIT! Friday- Ride around Dallas.. Stop by Oak Cliff and get a Burger from Bojack on Bonnieview Strawberry Desert from Fantazy Dream Jarz in the Grove. Nightlife- SideCare Social in Addison (my brother Reggie is the bartender) Saturday- Go down Marsalis to Tha Alkaline hour to get a seamoss smoothie and have good vibes. Red Claw in Arlington for some Crab Legs Southside Steaks and Cakes

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Shoutout to my co director Dorrel Willis! Legacy Youth Outreach wouldn’t exist without him. He believed in it, helped develop it and still sees the future in it. He is a great mentor, business partner and friend. He have a drive in him for success and stay motivated to achieve it all. He is a overall great role model to not only his own children but to all young men.

Website: http://legacyyouthoutreach.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legacyyouthoutreach/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LegacyYouthOutreach/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0y_2AzBZT4