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ENSPIRE MAGAZINE WS20
During a time like the age of COVID-19 , there are some financial factors to consider if high school graduates plan to go off to college . With many families facing setbacks with job unemployment , fewer working hours , and the potential to put themselves at risk of having COVID-19 , there are some considerable hardships that many rising freshmen have gone through since the start of the pandemic .
The 88 Blessings charity was founded by Hurns ’ mother , Wilson , as a foundation to offer advice , resources , and a support system to single parents . The goal is to build a community that offers advice , resources , and a support system to re-focus their energy , solve their financial problems , or grow a business to provide for their families .
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Hurns and his mother have genuinely been a helping hand to single parents and their families during these difficult times . Wilson took the time to discuss 88 Blessings and the S . O . A . R . Movement with ENSPIRE about how they had to adjust to helping those in need , and how they plan to move forward with 88 Blessings and the S . O . A . R . initiative in the future .
With these uncertain times weighing heavy on their hearts and minds , NFL Miami Dolphins Wide Receiver Allen Hurns along with his mother , Erica Wilson , used their charity 88 Blessings to help local students impacted by COVID-19 .
“ I know it ’ s a difficult time right now and we ’ ve all been affected some sort of way dealing with this pandemic . Just talking to my mom , it ’ s something that ’ s been heavy on her heart and mind . We will be launching the S . O . A . R Movement . We will be helping senior graduates in high school that ’ s going off to college ,” said Hurns in a video message sent to Action News Jax .
Founder Wilson wanted 88 Blessings to send a clear message to single working parents that they have others to lean on for help financially and emotionally . “ Single parents are not alone , although it may feel that way . Society sends out messages that you must have done something wrong to be the position that you ’ re in and you have to deal with that alone .”
Wilson has persevered through her struggles as a single mother of two sons , and now shares her story and offers advice and support to others who are in need as the CEO , Founder , and driving force of 88 Blessings .
Could you tell us a little more about the S . O . A . R Movement and what moment inspired you to create this initiative to help seniors affected by the coronavirus pandemic ?
Well , I started the 88 Blessings S . O . A . R . Movement because I was looking at the TV one day , and I noticed some of the students were saying how sad they were about not being able to graduate , walk across the stage or any of the senior activities that a senior experiences once they get ready to graduate high school . What made me start it and what made it so near and dear to me is because I was a high school dropout . I didn ’ t get a chance to do any
S . O . A . R . stands for High School SENIORS will OVERCOME by ARISING from HARDSHIPS and becoming RESILIENT , according to 88 Blessings .
The S . O . A . R Movement was created to encourage local high school seniors to stay resilient while offering hope during these uncertain times . 17 college-bound high school seniors were chosen and provided care packages by 88 Blessings , including comforter sets , bookbags , school supplies , water bottles , masks , and shoes .
Among the S . O . A . R High ’ s Class of 2020 was Westley Neal Jr ., Laci Menard , Mauria Hopton , KaNaya Boldin , Caniyah Jones , Kali Holsinger , GerJuan T . Brown , Alancea Gonzalez , Eriq Mannie , Deandre Spencer , Anaiyah Shipman , Heaven Lewis , Jailynn Youmas , Victoria Sanders , Derrick Hall Jr ., Jadah Ferguson , and Kareem Getzen Jr .