WELCOME TO 2nd WIND MENTORING PROJECT..."The Substance of Hope; the Foundation for Positive Change!"

The 2nd Wind Mentoring Project is a multifaceted endeavor established in response to what many people would agree is a desperate need for guidance and redirection among our young people.  Our Mission is to penetrate and positively change an apparently widespread culture of indifference impacting the lives of "at-risk" youth, young adults, and their families.  We do this through unconventional methods of mentoring designed to develop RESILIENCE, build AWARENESS, and impart HOPE; all of which is driven by conscientious ACTION.

Ultimately, our Mission culminates in this thought: Everyone will experience challenges and setbacks in life! However, the question is do you have what it takes to not only meet life's challenges, but press forward in the face of opposition when circumstances seem impossible?
 
One thing is for sure:
In seemingly impossible matters, indifference is not an option; it offers nothing! Billy Preston said it best: "Nothing from nothing leaves nothing!" Facing the impossible definitely demands more! It demands that "SOMETHING" inside that goes beyond our natural inclination and abilities. Facing what seems impossible demands that we turn inward to find and activate RESILIENCE, AWARENESS, HOPE, and ACTION... the ingredients we pour into the hearts and minds of our young people, our 2nd Wind Mentees, to ensure they know when, where, and how  to harness their innate power...their SUPERPOWER, known as their Second Wind!
RESILIENCE, AWARENESS,  HOPE, and ACTION...the things of which our "second wind is made; those things that carry us to the finish line!

 

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2nd Wind Mentoring Project...WHY NOW?

While concern for our youth inspired the development of "2nd Wind Mentoring Project," it was several, more concrete observations that prompted us to redefine and expand the average concept of mentoring (see "Our Program" below).  These observations are statistics that project a greater than 30% high school drop-out rate in several school districts across the nation over the next 12 months; a national unemployment rate among young adults beyond 18%; and a general mindset that glorifies gang affiliation and drug trafficking as an attractive alternative to gainful employment.  Though these facts and self-destructing statistical-driven projections are alarming, predictions into the future are even more staggering, suggesting that our children's children will inherit a society in peril if "something" does not change. This is why the 2nd Wind Mentors and Partners are beyond saying "Something has to be done;" instead, they are saying "We are ready to do something!" ...and that "something" is an intentional program that activates, and in many cases reactivates one's will to succeed... again, that's the proverbial "2nd wind!"

The various facets of the 2nd Wind Mentoring Project combine to create a broad, yet competent and compelling program. Several key components of our mentoring methods are summarized below;  I encourage you to continue reading for a comprehensive overview of our effort. If you have further questions, or you know someone who would benefit from involvement in the 2nd Wind Mentoring Project, please let us know!  You may send an email to 2ndwindmentoring@gmail.com, or call my personal cell at (214)412-5557. Likewise, if you or an acquaintance is interested in becoming a member of our 2nd Wind Community of MENTORS and PARTNERS  we want to hear from you as well! (Please see "Our Mentors & Partners" below.)
We look forward to welcoming you to the 2nd WIND EXPERIENCE! 

Sincerely, 

Trish Hodge-Washington

Founder & Executive Director, 2nd Wind Mentoring Project

What is a 2nd Wind?

The phrase "second wind" has become a common cliche often used to refer to one's extended, and often uncommon endurance. However, have you ever considered the facts of this phrase?

A "second wind"  is a phenomenon known in distance running (and sports in general) whereby an athlete who is too out of breath or too tired to continue the race suddenly finds the strength to press on at top performance with less exertion. The feeling may be similar to a "runner's high", the most obvious difference being that the runner's high occurs after the race is over. Some scientists believe the "second wind" to the be the result of the body finding the proper balance of oxygen to counteract the buildup of lactic acid in the muscle. Others claim "second winds" are due to endorphin production. Whatever the science behind this miracle, the phrase "second wind" has come to be used as a metaphor for continuing in a challenging experience with renewed energy past the point believed possible or reasonable due to extreme mental/emotional exhaustion or physical fatigue.  

The application of this definition to the concept governing the 2nd Wind Mentoring Project is obvious. Consider the following: 
  • distance running = life's journey
  • out of breath = mental, emotional, and yes, even physical exhaustion!
  • too tired to continue = the weight of despair and hopelessness
  • suddenly finds strength = activation of Resilience, Awareness, and Hope 
  • top performance with less exertion = progression and productivity with well-managed stress 
  • proper balance of "oxygen" = stress management balanced with general life management (see our 2nd Wind "Oxygen Tank")
TAKE NOTE: If we take the underlined italicized word from each bold type segment highlighted above, we will find the "ingredients" required for that proverbial "2nd wind"... "ingredients" that guide our activities and efforts in programming:
RUNNING...BREATH...CONTINUE... STRENGTH...TOP PERFORMANCE... BALANCE!

To the right of the "equal sign" (=) in each highlighted segment above are the concerns we seek to address in our programming:

LIFE'S JOURNEY...MENTAL, EMOTIONAL, and PHYSICAL EXHAUSTION...DESPAIR  and HOPELESSNESS...ACTIVATION of RESILIENCE, AWARENESS, and HOPE...PROGRESSION and PRODUCTIVITY with WELL MANAGED STRESS...STRESS MANAGEMENT BALANCED with GENERAL LIFE  MANAGEMENT

As previously stated, the Mission of 2nd Wind Mentoring Project is to develop Resilience, build Awareness, and impart Hope in our Mentees. As these three concepts are at the center of our Mission, accordingly, our programming teaches our members how to take ACTION to address and recover from life's challenges with these "3 Pillars of 2nd Wind" ...challenges from which NO ONE is exempt! After all, Resilience, Awareness, and Hope are what constitute the renewed sense of strength and endurance needed to get through challenging times... and this phenomenon IS your "2nd Wind." 

"2nd WIND"...WHAT'S IN A NAME?

The name and "family-centered focus" of the 2nd Wind Mentoring Project was inspired by the plight of a desperate mom fighting to save her 18-year-old son from the daily perils of peer influence, and his own feelings of hopelessness related to deception and extreme disappointment in a familial relationship. In a conversation with close friends, she shared her concerns over her son's feelings of despair and her struggle to restore his hope. She recounted reaching out to a pastor and a law enforcement official in her community for counsel and intervention. To her surprise, they acted immediately assuring her she was not alone in her fight. She said their genuine concern left her with an overwhelming sense of HOPE and RELIEF that renewed her strength and gave her a "2nd WIND" in her battle for her son's life! Therein lies our inspiration...hence the name,"2nd Wind Mentoring Project!"

I am that MOM described above! I was in a whirlwind of mental chaos and  confusion in my fight for my son, but giving up on his recovery from feelings of rejection and poor choices was NOT an option! I saw firsthand the devastating impact of negative peer pressure. However, my son's deepest despair was caused by a father-son relationship that went from trust to trauma. This is one of the many reasons 2nd Wind Mentoring Projects' "unconventional" methods of mentoring focuses on the parent-child relationship.

I am happy to report my son is progressing beyond expectations in his emotional healing and recovery as he refuses to be denied his destiny!  Like my son, I got my 2nd wind, and I am committed to sharing the knowledge, wisdom, and resources I have gained to build RESILIENCE, increase AWARENESS, and impart HOPE in the lives of families we are blessed to touch through this endeavor called "2nd Wind Mentoring Project!"

I'm excited about the prospect of partnering with you in this effort to breathe new life into families that thought they were down for the count. Please read further, then prayerfully consider joining me as we inspire others to take that proverbial 2nd WIND...

Trish Hodge-Washington, 2nd Wind Mentoring Founder & Executive Director

NEW FEATURE..."The Oxygen Tank"

PARENTS...breathe in...exhale...then take your 2nd Wind!  It's "OXYGEN!" The 2nd Wind OXYGEN TANK is where you --our 2nd Wind Parents and Caregivers-- wil receive the OXYGEN (information, counsel & practical advice) you need to continue pressing forward.  Click on Subgroups, then Subgroups Directory to join the OXYGEN TANK...or you may click here


COMING SOON..."CPR" ("Critical Parent Revival") This is specialized attention for the parent who's having a difficult time catching his/her 2nd Wind. Keep checking back for details...

President Obama's call to Mentorship

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OUR PROGRAM

Most mentoring programs target one area of personal improvement at a time; however, 2nd Wind addresses several practical issues simultaneously, including self-discovery; social development; academic achievement; college readiness; career exploration/counseling; political and social awareness; and community involvement.  We believe offering guidance, support, and resources in these areas is the most comprehensive approach to self-motivated, life-long achievement.

As previously mentioned, our methods of mentoring are quite unconventional. So, what are these unconventional methods of mentoring? Our methods involve collaborative group activities based in various forms of active learning, including action learning, adventure learning, experiential learning, free-choice learning, cooperative learning, service-learning, and situated learning.  Through these intentional methods, we have developed an intense program of self-discovery, historical investigation, social awareness, diversity appreciation, academic accountability, and familial enrichment!  We believe offering our members a "one-stop" concept advances our Mission exponentially and unapologetically! 

Among our many offerings are several creative, yet practical programs, activities, and curriculum, including:

  • "STRAIT Talk" [pronounced "straight talk"] -- "Sobering Truths, Real Answers & Intriguing Testimonies" (life lessons through conversations with survivors and "overcomers")
  • "WORC" [pronounced "work"] -- "World Of Reality Check" (real-world" experiences)
  • "DreamWork" -- "The Dream: Then & Now!" (empowerment through historical knowledge,  culture awareness, heritage, and 
  • "RAK" [pronounced "rack"] -- "Random Acts of Kindness" (development of character & compassion) 
  • "AAAIM" -- [pronounced "aim"] -- "Academic Accountability & Achievement through Intervention & Management " (academic accountability and support)
  • "Community Connection" (partnerships with civic entities, law enforcement agencies, wellness-support agencies, nursing/rehab facilities) 
  • "MaPPs" [pronounced "maps"] -- "Mentors and Parents Planning Sessions"   (planning and parent empowerment sessions)
  • "Face2Face" [pronouced "face-to-face"] -- "Family Action Communication & Exchange" (family intervention)
  • "PACT" [pronounced "pact"] -- "Parent and Child Together" (parent-child relationship reinforcement)
Each of these components -- and much more -- combine to offer a comprehensive, cohesive, and compelling program that reaches beyond improvement to EMPOWERMENT. 

Impacting issues fundamental to self-empowerment is 2nd Wind's Mission, however, we don't stop there!  We also seek to impact influences...specifically, those influences closest to our participants.  Many young people would identity friends and "clicks" (another word for gang) as their closest associations, however, our target is the mentees' most effectual and fundamental influence: the family.  One of our many objectives is to surround every 2nd Wind mentee with a reliable support system... ideally, that starts with the family.  

The 2nd Wind Community is determined to make a lasting difference in the lives of each member. We take a "No Non-Sense" approach to personal empowerment and achievement; and we are firm in our resolve that as long as we are allowed to participate in an individual's journey to a more productive life, failure is not an option!  After all, our goal is to empower our mentees to realize an exponential rate of success beyond personal achievement by duplicating our efforts through the mentoring of others in need...it is a LEGACY of HOPE that will SAVE LIVES for generations to come! 

More about "STRAIT Talk"

The definition of "strait" says it all! In this definition, you'll find STRAIT Talk's PURPOSE (passageway to connection); EXPECTATIONS (to address matters of difficulty, distress, or need); RESTRICTIONS (strict requirement and/or principles).


strait (noun) 1. Often, straits. ( used with a singular verb ) a narrow passage of water connecting two large bodies of water. 2. Often, straits. a position of difficulty, distress, or need: Ill and penniless, he was in sad straits indeed. 3. a narrow passage or area. 4. an isthmus 5. narrow: Strait is the gate. 6. affording little space; confined in area. 7. strict, as in requirements or principles.


Wide is the road to destruction...choose the narrow STRAIT way! ~Trish Hodge~

More about "WORC"

The 2nd Wind "WORC Program" ("World Of Reality Check") provides young people, ages 13 to 19, a glimpse into the "real world" through an engaging, yet TRANSFORMING experience. WORC is a "world within a world" concept that challenges our youth to literally navigate "real life" experiences with little or no guidance, except for the kindness of "strangers"...just like REAL LIFE! Participants literally step across a threshold into a world that requires them to draw from every life lesson ever taught and nugget of wisdom ever shared by their parents, relatives, and/or people who have guided and influenced their young lives, both up close and from afar. For those who complete the exercise, the outcome is literally life changing!

"WORK" for our Kids!

Along with WORC for teens and young adults, 2nd Wind offers the "WORK Project" ("World Of Real Knowledge") for children and pre-teens. This program targets children, ages 8 to 12, and prepares their young minds for "real-life" experiences. Through a series of interactive projects, real-world challenges, and social experiments, participants develop practical life-skills, including critical thinking, sound decision-making; positive social engagement; and even familial appreciation. The program prepares them for the inevitable transition into the unpredictable teen experience, then finally adulthood!

OUR MENTORS & PARTNERS

2nd Wind is driven by the unwavering commitment of men and women who are passionate about the welfare of "at-risk" children, youth, and young adults...they are our MENTORS and PARTNERS.  Our MENTORS are private citizens, educational and medical professionals, and other fields experts who work directly with the 2W Members (mentees and their families) to guide the mentees and advise the parents.  Our PARTNERS are companies, agencies, local retailers, and churches that support our efforts by providing resources, funding, and even employment opportunities for our mentees.  These individuals and organizations comprise what we refer to as our 2nd Wind Community.  Through their volunteerism and support we are able to offer guidance and assistance beyond the average mentoring program, while also surrounding our participants with a reliable support system; practical examples of productive living; and tangible role models from every walk of life. Our 2nd Wind Community is ready to work on our mentees' behalf.  Again, the 2nd Wind Community members do not say "Something has to be done;" instead, they say, "We are ready to do that something, WHATEVER needs to be done." 

This "something" may take many forms, including subtle, yet sincere expressions of concern through an affirming pat on the back; or a passing glance that says, "You can do it!" Gestures so simple can literally inspire HOPE; nonetheless, our research reveals that most of our youth are in need of "something" more...they are in need of a much deeper commitment.  This is why the proverbial "something" mentioned above is literally a pledge by 2nd Wind Mentors and Partners to not only seek to fulfill the more obvious and practical needs of our mentees, but they also seek to discover and develop the apparent, though often untapped potential in our young people.  

Our efforts defined by our deeper commitment can be summed up in one phrase:  Intervention through Access.  We recognize that our mentees require access to mentors who are committed to helping them sort through wrong choices; establish and enforce boundaries...all while modeling the rewards of accountability.  Our young people need access to tangible opportunities, including education and jobs. They need a 2nd Wind Partner who is willing to take a chance on molding an otherwise undesirable candidate for employment.  Whether employment opportunities or a listening ear at a "cross-road," our mentees need access to a caring role model who will firmly and sincerely say, "I believe in you!" Such is the substance of HOPE, and the foundation for POSITIVE CHANGE! 

No one would argue the fact that mentoring can be an enormous challenge, requiring a personal investment of one's time, talent, resources, and yes...one's heart! Nonetheless, 2nd Wind Mentors and Partners would declare there is nothing more gratifying than knowing you are a catalyst for change in a life once thought beyond hope! It is a great investment...but we guarantee your investment will yield returns that will last a life-time!

If the 2nd Wind Community described above illustrates your interest in the plight of our young people, please email your contact information (name, phone #, and email address) to Trish Hodge at 2ndwindmentoring@gmail.com. Be sure to state your intent (mentoring or partnership); and briefly explain in 100 words or less why you are interest becoming a member of the 2nd Wind Community.  You may also leave your information on the 2nd Wind Voice Message Center (Trish's cell) (214)412-5557. 

We look forward to hearing from you! 

FAMILY INVOLVEMENT

Our 2nd Wind partnerships are much of the strength behind our success; however, our most critical partnerships are those we establish with our families.  As we seek to empower our participants to achieve their greatest potential, we acknowledge that family influences are often major contributors to their progress.  Therefore, we do not simply propose family involvement, we facilitate the process through structured activities and candid discussions (small group, informational forums, etc.).  Families are also encouraged to confront obvious obstacles, as well as examine underlying issues that subtly compromise the mentee's progress.  When necessary, individual counseling and "guided reconciliation" is made available.  2nd Wind's mission is to empower our mentees to become self-motivated achievers despite difficult circumstances; still, our goal is to eradicate matters wherever possible....particularly those rooted in familial relationships.  After all, it is proven that the greatest contributing factor to one's potential for success starts within the family.

"THE VILLAGE"

Our vision for our 2nd Wind Community (mentors & partners) and our families is an enduring alliance and unyielding cooperation that sets the standard for the modern-day "village."  Sound familiar?  It undoubtedly brings to mind the well-known African proverb "It takes a village to raise a child."  This very popular adage poignantly depicts the heart of our mentoring efforts, however, we have expanded that ideal to convey an even broader endeavor: If it takes a village to raise a child, it takes that same village to sustain the child.  We firmly believe "village support" is fundamental to the achievement of everyone, from the very young child to the "young adult child."  After all, positive change often hinges on a positive and supportive environment.  Our family support/involvement component, combined with the efforts of the 2W Community makes that  "environment" a staple of our program...it is what we call the "Village Experience".

Trish's Mothering Results

Watch on provider

Attachment.

I'm a "Heart to Heart" Mother!


(Extraverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Judging)

Expressive and warm, I am adept at talking about personal concerns, both my children.s and my own.

What's your mothering personality type? Take the MotherStyles quiz at FamilyEducation.com!


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A WORD ABOUT OUR "GROUPSITE"...

You are currently viewing the "front page" of our 2nd Wind Groupsite, a centralized location for a "virtual 2W gathering." The 2nd Wind Groupsite is a private, safe and comfortable environment where we will enjoy special features and comprehensive tools customized specifically to enhance the efficiency of our communication, while meeting many of our administrative needs. 


So, what exactly is a "groupsite?" Groupsites are a new class of websites that empower people to come together and make things happen. Groupsites are powered by CollectiveX and combine the most useful features of traditional websites, blogs, collaboration software and social networks. This site is a meeting place that provides members of 2nd Wind Mentoring with a shared calendar, discussion forums, member profiles, photo gallery, file storage and more.


With all the site has to offer, the most important feature is the privacy and confidentiality the site provides. With this in mind, it is important to know that the 2nd Wind Groupsite is for MEMBERS ONLY...PUBLIC ACCESS DENIED! This simply means no one may go beyond our front page without permission or an invitation.  Because public access is absolutely prohibited, you can be certain that ALL content -- including information you may post on the site about personal contacts and resources -- is viewed only by 2W Members.  Just as we are protective of our group information and documents, we are also protective of our members' privacy. Therefore, please know that anyone found abusing the information provided on the groupsite will be immediately dismissed. I encourage ALL members to report any suspicious activity and/or concerns.


If you're interested in more information about 2nd Wind, send your request to thodge@k104fm.com. If you are a member of 2nd Wind and are requesting access to our groupsite, CLICK on the "Join" button in the top right corner of this page. Your participation in the 2nd Wind Community is literally just a a click away.


Best regards!


Trish Hodge-Washington


2nd Wind Founder & Executive Director

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