Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lora Williams. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Lora, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
My journey to finding purpose began with the challenging experiences of my childhood and teenage years. Growing up in a poor community, I faced the realities of a broken home, which eventually led me into the foster care system for a period. These experiences shaped my understanding of hardship, resilience, and the importance of community. As I grew in my faith, I began to see my past as a catalyst for change, not just for myself but for others in need.
This perspective led me to connect with Chicktime, a movement dedicated to empowering women to break the cycle of child abuse. Chicktime’s mission resonates deeply with me: we believe that by showing children unconditional love and support, we can heal their wounds and help prevent the perpetuation of abuse. I found a profound sense of fulfillment volunteering in children’s homes and shelters, where simply being present and offering kindness has the potential to change lives.
Through my work with Chicktime and later with the local Job Corps, I realized that focusing on others’ healing was also a pathway to my own. These experiences not only brought me healing but also allowed me to discover a purpose that has become my life’s work: to support, mentor, and empower youth facing adversity.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
As the Program Director and Founder of Treasured Protégé, I have the privilege of working alongside an incredible team and board to support youth transitioning from foster care into adulthood. Through our Protégé Sanctuary program, we provide a safe and nurturing environment where these young adults can thrive. We focus on offering essential resources like housing, personalized case management, mentorship, and life skills training. Our goal is to empower our protégés to develop confidence, resilience, and the practical tools they need to succeed independently.
What excites me most about this work is witnessing our protégés set and pursue their goals with courage. Watching them conquer their fears, make decisions for themselves, and realize they have a support system that believes in them is incredibly rewarding. Every step they take is a testament to their strength and determination, and knowing we’re there to support them through every part of their journey is truly special.
For those interested in supporting our mission, we have some exciting developments underway. We’re expanding our services to reach more youth and offering new programs to address a wider range of life skills, educational support, and career readiness initiatives. We’re always looking for dedicated individuals and partners to join us, whether through volunteering, donations, or simply spreading the word about our mission to break the cycle and give these young adults the foundation they deserve.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, three qualities that were most impactful in my journey are faith, humility, and a commitment to the process. Each of these elements has shaped not only my career but also my personal growth.
Faith has been the foundation of my journey. It’s given me hope and a sense of purpose, especially during challenging times. For anyone starting their journey, I’d encourage you to find something that grounds you, whether that’s faith, family, or a personal passion. Having a strong anchor will help you stay steady when things get tough.
Humility has allowed me to continuously learn and grow. The work I do involves helping others, and I know that there’s always more to learn from those around me. Being open to feedback and acknowledging that I don’t have all the answers has been essential. For those beginning their journey, staying humble and being willing to learn from others—even in areas where you feel confident—can open doors to growth you may never expect.
Commitment to the Process has taught me patience and resilience. The journey of learning and preparation takes time, and there are no shortcuts. For anyone in the early stages, my biggest advice is not to expect quick results. Growth is a journey, and every stage prepares you for the next. Embrace the learning process and remember that the challenges you face are part of building your character and strength.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Absolutely, we’re always open to partnerships and collaborations with individuals and organizations who share our mission of supporting youth transitioning out of foster care. At Treasured Protégé, we believe that having a community of support is essential to helping these young adults thrive. We’re looking for partners who are interested in donating or sponsoring specific needs for our residents in the Protégé Sanctuary home.
Some of our most pressing needs include essentials like auto repair, insurance, vehicle registration support, bus and trolley passes, food cards, medical and dental assistance, and professional attire for job interviews. For young mothers in our program, we also welcome donations of baby items, access to mental health services, and healthcare support for needs that may not be covered by insurance.
If you’re reading this and feel called to make a difference, whether through donations, in-kind support, or services, we’d love to connect with you. You can reach us through our website at ttprotege.org, where you can learn more about our mission and the various ways to get involved. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of these remarkable young adults as they take their next steps forward.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ttprotege.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/treasured_protege/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ttprotege501c3
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lora-williams-rn-founder-0b6ab05/
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
