At W.I.N. Baltimore, we are driven by the unwavering belief that art serves as the essential bridge to self-discovery, empowerment, resilience, strength, self-belief, self-sustainability, and a profound connection to our cultural roots.
Our mission is to guide and inspire the youth of our community to discover their unique voices and unleash their creative potential, echoing their stories and experiences loudly through the arts. Through this process, we are dedicated to reshaping the trajectory of public health and black wealth projections, ensuring that every young person we serve has the opportunity to not only express themselves through arts, but also contribute to the well-being and economic prosperity of our community.
The impact of W.I.N. is far-reaching. Founder Paris Samone's action in adopting a 15-year-old from Greenmount West underscores our dedication to transforming lives. Our initiatives have prevented suicides among 20 Baltimore teens and propelled many towards successful futures. We've guided over 600 individuals through adversity, empowering them to become class leaders and achieve academic milestones.
W.I.N.'s programs are thoughtfully designed and executed in collaboration with schools, community centers, and organizations. These engaging programs have provided a platform for over 600 youth to explore diverse artistic skills like henna, pyrography, cooking, and custom cakes. Additionally, we foster safe spaces through Art As Public Health, bridging the gap between Art and Public Health. At an Art As event I create environments of trust and feeling. MY leadership teachings nurture critical thinking and emotional expression, ensuring a secure environment for growth and development THROUGH THE ARTS!
Furthermore, our active role in mediating family trauma and providing healing spaces underlines our commitment to holistic development. With a vision for a dedicated space, we're poised to expand our collaborations and positively impact even more young lives in Baltimore.
Meet Paris Samone - A black native woman, an intentional mother, a birth worker, a multidimensional artist, a medicine woman, a baker, a mediator, a youth communications developer, and coordinator, advocate and experienced community leader.
She was born and raised in East Baltimore and faced many challenges as a youth being born through her mom at the young age of 13. She soon grew to be the elder of 3 brothers, often left to raise them alone.
Paris Samone began her art journey as an escape from reality, one of the art forms was doodling in her room, which she later learned was henna designs. She became a young mom at the age of 16 looking for connection and an escape. Soon after, she became a single mother due to Baltimore's gun violence.
She is an example of resilience and hope for youth in similar situations. Paris worked hard to grow and provide for her son. She had to shelve her arts for a while to survive but they made their way back to her.
Despite these obstacles, she found her passion within the arts and community leadership. Paris has dedicated her life to empowering youth and giving back to her community. Paris Samone brings all of her art forms, which evolved into, Acrylic, Pyrography, Henna, plant-based cooking, crystal jewelry, hair styling, wall murals, custom cake baking, fashion styling, etc.. These arts took her from being a lonely child, into the workforce as a Mentor, Youth Coordinator and Program Director in Baltimore and surrounding areas.
Paris has dedicated her life to her own healing and growth, her children, empowering youth and giving back to her community. She has volunteered her time and resources to help create positive change in her hometown. Through her creative works, volunteer efforts and leadership, she has become an inspiration to many. Now after much healing of herself, healing and rebuilding with her mom through therapy, many trainings including becoming a MD licensed non-profit consultant and a fellow of the 2023' Johns Hopkins Bunting Neighborhood Leadership Program she has created this organization W.I.N. (What I Needed) to continue connecting and inspiring on a larger scale.
Join us in transforming lives and shaping brighter futures for our youth! Your donation helps provide essential resources, mentorship, and empowering programs through art, leadership, and entrepreneurship. Together, we can break barriers, cultivate resilience, and empower the next generation.
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