Born in Baton Rouge, Lousiana and raised in Cabrini Green, Toni Williams has always been grateful to the youth center and church she belonged to as a child. Early on she realized how important it is to make positive, healthy decisions – that every decision has a ripple effect on your life.
"As a result, I promised myself that I would one day give back and help the youth," Toni said.
Currently a resident of Northwest Indiana, Williams is working on her Master's Degree in Special Education K-12 and Elementary Education K-6 while also taking care of her two daughters and working for AmeriCorps as a Liv.True mentor.
Liv.True is a mentoring program that supplements after-school programs with weekly sessions regarding positive youth development including: character building, life-skills, relationship education, as well as how to avoidance of high risk behavior skills and boundary setting. Liv.True works with various local organizations, such as Boys & Girls Club, YMCAs, and after school programs in different schools.
"As someone who has been mentored, I wanted to give back, so I joined AmeriCorps as a way to serve my community and, in particular, the youth of my community," Williams said.
When she first interviewed for the position, she was nervous, unsure that she was equipped with the right knowledge and skills to work with the youth on this level.
"As I thought about it, I realized that God would not put any more on me than I could handle. This is what I wanted to do; to make a difference in the lives of the youth," Toni said.
She quickly accepted the job offer and hasn't looked back.
"The light started to shine, and I began opening up, and I am grateful because when I see that students, and watch them react to the lessons we present, I know that it was meant to be. In other words, I want to educate, empower, equip, and encourage these kids to be the best that they can be, and to set realistic goals and reach their full potential," she said.
Working with a variety of programs that serve grades 5-12, each weekly meeting follows a particular format that includes interactive lessons, role playing and tutoring. Along with other volunteers at the site, Williams helps students with any homework problems they might have, and talks about any hot-topic issues these students might be facing such as, drugs or peer pressure.
"We have observed that the parents are grateful to have the Liv.True program and value a trusted mentor discussing these topics with their child," Williams said.
Williams also volunteers at the Salvation Army in East Chicago and at Merrillville Intermediate when they need help with their events. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, watching classic films, and shooting pool, but her favorite thing to do in her free time is have "Private Party" time with her daughters. During this time, the three prepare a meal and then crawl into Williams' bed where they eat and watch a good movie or cartoon together.
Despite her busy schedule with work, volunteering and furthering her education, Toni Williams remains dedicated to her daughters and her mission to help the youths in her community. "I cam from a background where some might have considered me to be a candidate for high-risk behavior. However, it was through the grace of God and various mentors that I did not become just another statistic. As a result, I would like to lead the youth that I mentor by being an example, to help them make healthy choices, and ultimately Liv.True."