Page 11 - Florida Sentinel 4-15-16 Edition

Local
Grandmother’s Inspiration Guides Woman To Help Children
BY LEON B. CREWS Sentinel Staff Writer
Imagine being 11-years- old, and having to assume the responsibilities of an adult. That’s what happened to Katrease James.
With her mother suffering from substance abuse prob- lems, Ms. James found her- self caring for her blind grandmother.
“Can you imagine being 11 and driving a car? That’s what I did. I’d take my grand- mother to and from church every week.
“At the age of 15, I became a mother, and that put even more responsibilities on my plate. But, I learned from it all to be a strong woman and never forget what my grand- mother had taught me.”
Today, Ms. James is the founder and operator of Fan- nie J’s Feeding Table.
Named in honor of her grandmother, Ms. James said she assumed the task of feeding those in need more than 10 years ago, and that’s when she began to pay spe- cial attention to the children.
“Today’s children need
KATREASE JAMES
guidance and something to look forward to that will give them security in adulthood.
“I think it’s important for a child to have a healthy meal every day, so with Fannie J’s Feeding Table, I try to pro- vide them with that.”
Ms. James said her foun- dation gives the underprivi- leged child hope and lets them know that someone cares enough to help moti- vate, and show them a differ- ent way of life.
“Regardless of a child’s sit- uation at home, in the com- munity, or at school, as long as they are committed,
driven and determined to do something with their life, it can be done by staying fo- cused and believing in them- selves.
“The concept of the feed- ing table is used for ideas to be created, setting future goals in life, discipline, studying, bringing families together through hard times, giving instructions on differ- ent situations and circum- stances that a child may face in life, how to deal with those situations and circumstances by learning how to pray and believing in God.”
Ms. James said it was that spiritual foundation that she cherishes the most, and it was her grandmother who gave it to her.
“My grandmother gave me a strong spiritual foundation, but even with that, growing up I went through periods of hopelessness. Putting God first brought me through all of that and then some.”
To learn more about Fan- nie J’s Feeding Table, visit their website at www.Fan- nieJsFeeding Table.com, or call (813) 361-8041.
FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2016 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY PAGE 11-A