Christmas in July Health and Resource Fair | Tanya Watkins
Bringing Hope and Resources to Chicago's Englewood Community: Tanya Watkins and the Christmas in July Health and Resource Fair
As a devoted mother of two, a passionate advocate, and a community leader, Tanya has dedicated her life to making a difference in the lives of others. Tanya's journey of community service began in 2007 when she started volunteering with various organizations. However, it was her experience at a group home for young teens and their children that deeply touched her heart. Having been adopted herself, she felt a strong connection with these teens, realizing that she could have easily found herself in a similar situation. Motivated by a different vision and a desire to expose teen moms to opportunities beyond their environment, Tanya set out to create something meaningful — thus, Why We Care was born. While Why We Care’s core programs center around supporting teen moms, Tanya has since hosted various events to support the rest of the community as well.
Inspired by the realization that people require assistance and resources throughout the year, Tanya and her team created the Christmas in July Health and Resource Fair. This event seeks to break away from the traditional mindset of giving only during the holiday season. By leveraging the concept of "Christmas in July," they aim to provide not only donations but also essential resources such as health services, job opportunities, and access to healthy food options to the members of the Englewood community. The event will take place in the downtown area near a prominent community college and is expected to attract over 150 attendees from the community.
Tanya and her team have been tirelessly reaching out to local businesses and organizations to ensure the event’s success. Companies like Walmart have pledged to send volunteers for crowd control during the event. Companies that have second-chance programs have agreed to speak with community members about potential job opportunities and what they will need to prepare for a job interview. Tanya hopes that this will not only provide opportunities for employment but also motivate individuals to overcome obstacles, fostering a belief in their own potential. The Chicago Veteran’s Forum will have a resource booth to provide information about different resources available to veterans and their families. The Commonwealth Edison (ComEd), Chicago’s electricity provider, will provide shower head and weatherization items to households. Lastly health services such as blood pressure screenings and physical examinations for students will also be available at the event.
While the exposure to various resources, opportunities and the donations will support the community, the significance of this event really lies in its potential to restore hope within the Englewood community. As one of the most impoverished areas in Chicago, the community often faces neglect and misunderstanding. Tanya's work aims to remind individuals that they are not forgotten and that there are people who genuinely care and want to help.
Tanya's experiences volunteering her time has left a lasting impact on her and the community members she serves. Through her personal involvement, she has witnessed the transformative power of her work, which drives her desire to do more and expand the reach of Why We Care. Tanya envisions taking her nonprofit nationwide, establishing branches in different cities to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most. Additionally, she would like to expand the Christmas in July Health and Resource Fair to different neighborhoods in Chicago starting next year to increase the impact of her work.
In addition to her role in Why We Care, Tanya's dedication extends to her position at a community college, managing grants that support students from low-income communities. Furthermore, she runs her own company, WWC Inc., where she assists entrepreneurs in starting their businesses, provides CFO services, and helps them secure grants.
While Tanya dedicates herself tirelessly to making a difference, she also understands the importance of self-care and cherishing moments with her family. Taking time off to travel and visit wineries, she embraces the joy of exploration and relaxation.
