G.O.A.D. Member Profile - Doris Anderson

Doris Anderson is a widowed native Washingtonian who has resided in this area for her entire life.

Her friend, Mary Jo influenced her to become a member of G.O.A.D. and she has been a member since its inception.

Mentoring the younger generation due to some of the most recent incidents of violence and the direction that our youth are taking is what Doris is most interested in helping to make a difference. Engaging with that generation as a part of giving back to the community when they demonstrate that they have potential makes her automatically want to assist and be a part of the solution. Whenever she can help, Doris would like to because she is a believer in helping those who help themselves.

She has always loved and cherished interacting with her family. Dancing was one of the past times that Doris enjoyed in her younger years. Currently, she loves to travel and socialize with her Red Hat members, an international organization whose primary goal is to enjoy their remaining years with like-minded women.

Doris’ mother, Flora Molton is her role model. Ms. Flora adopted Doris even though she had to deal with her own disabilities. Although Ms. Molton was blind, she was very determined and rose to every opportunity to do odd jobs to make ends meet and support her family.

Speaking of family, family, good health, and empowerment are at the top of the most important things to Doris. She is most proud of herself and what she has been able to accomplish thus far in her life. Imitation of Life, based on the 1933 novel by Fannie Hurst is one of her favorite movies of all time.

Doris proudly admitted that she has read the book and watched it on television several times. To future generations, her message would convey them to love themselves and think about the consequences before they act or react.

G.O.A.D. Member Profile - Diane Beal-Tydings

Diane Beal-Tydings is from the D.C. Metropolitan area, currently living in Prince

George’s County. Diane is a Nurse by profession. She graduated from college in

1984 with 2 degrees in Nursing and Human Development. Diane also attended

Michigan State University where she was enrolled in their extension program for

Hospital Administration. She recently joined G.O.A.D. because of shared interest

in helping others and wanted to find a way to expand what she was already doing

relative to supporting those in need in the community.

Diane’s philosophy of giving is to give freely from the heart, and to advocate for

the needs of the community. Her hobbies are singing, dancing, traveling, and

reading.

Diane says her role model is Jesus. The three most important things in her life

are GOD, family life, and friendship. She is proud of her family and says it is

imperative to tell this generation to love one another.

Diane and her husband, Reginald Tydings, have 5 children and 8 grandchildren.

She says her kids all have the same heart for giving back to the community as she

does.

G.O.A.D. Member Profile - Mary Jo Blount

Mary Jo Blount was born and raised in Rock Hill, South Carolina. She was raised not only by a loving mother and father, but by elderly community friends, teachers, and church members.

After graduating from Emmett Scott High School, she attended Friendship Jr. College in Rock Hill, South Carolina. She moved to Washington, D. C. in 1965. She has been a resident of Prince Georges County for 47 years. From 1980 thru 1986, Mary Jo and her family lived in Connecticut and Puerto Rico. During these years, she worked and took courses at the University of Connecticut (UCON). From a formal agreement between the two colleges, she was granted her Bachelor of Science Degree in 1982 from Southeastern University.

Mary Jo has been a widow since the death of her husband in 2014. During their 42 years of marriage, she and her husband built a strong family foundation and support system for their 4 daughters. They proudly dedicated their lives providing care and stability to their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and 2 special God Children.

Mary Jo has played a significant role in the lives of her grandchildren. This is evidenced by her volunteering at their schools and assisting teachers with special projects and activities. She tutors students who need help and is a chauffeur for field trips and school outings. She is well known throughout the school and receives compliments and accolades because of her valuable contributions and participation in PTA meetings and her direct contact and communication with teachers.

Mary Jo began her career in the Federal Government in 1969. While working a full-time job, she continued to further her education attending Washington Technical Institute (now named University of the District of Columbia), Southeastern University, and UCON. She became involved in providing volunteer aid to the sick and shut-in. This experience influenced her desire to serve more actively in the community.

Mary Jo retired in 2011 from the Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). In her Federal Government career of 42 years, she worked as a Program Analyst where she provided support and oversight in budget development, strategic planning, personnel, and Equal Employment Opportunity.

After the dissolution of the D. C. Scotties nonprofit organization in 2014, and the loss of her husband, there was a void in her life. Mary Jo wanted to resume an active life. She began by reconnecting with community service groups in which she had diligently worked for 31 years. The membership in these organizations afford her an opportunity to continue to perform volunteer work by interacting more with people and continuing her involvement in fundraising efforts enabling scholarships for students in need.

Mary Jo has been a member of G.O.A.D. since December 2014. She presently serves as the Financial Secretary, a member of its Scholarship Committee, and recently served as a member on its Grant Committee. Mary Jo was instrumental in helping to obtain its nonprofit approval.

Mary Jo learned early in life to help others, to give back to her community, and to never forget her roots. In her early childhood, the church, community, and teachers extended help to her family and anyone in need of clothing, food, shelter, educational support, college, medical needs, and childcare. Neighbors were always there to aid and assist one another. Thus, this is the foundation that gives her the incentive to help others.

During her 31 years, as a member of the D.C. Scott-ites, Mary Jo served in several positions and was the Chairperson over its Scholarship Program. She organized annual fundraising events and activities. This allowed the organization to give scholarships annually to three students ranging from $150.00 per student in the beginning years to a final $1,500.00 per student in the latter years.

Mary Jo enjoys dancing, walking, watching TV and movies, traveling, socializing with friends, and listening to various genres of music, such as gospel, R & Blues, oldies but goodies, and Country Western. She enjoys working in her yard, organizing, and planning family holiday gatherings and special events.

Since her retirement, she has enjoyed devoting more time with her family, especially assisting in the rearing of her great-grandchildren, traveling with friends, and visiting elderly family members in North and South Carolina.

In her spare time, she enjoys reading the legacies of many of our great leaders. Also, she enjoys working as a volunteer at the Camp Spring Senior Activity Center where she assists with the registration of seniors for classes and activities and serves as a Chauffeur for seniors on Field Trips and outings.

Mary Jo’s role model is Mrs. Letha Blount. Mrs. Blount is not only Mary Jo’s mother-in Law, but she is her best friend, her confidant, and her social mentor. As a social mentor, she introduced Mary Jo to the interworking of putting together social events such as the “Annual American Classic Woman of the Year Pageant” and serving the homeless annually at Thanksgiving and Christmas Dinners.

The most important thing in Mary Jo’s life is her relationship with her family. Her second priority is to keep herself healthy as she continues to be self-sufficient and able to take care of herself mentally and physically with peace of mind.

Mary Jo is most proud of what she has learned and experienced working as a community activist for the D. C. Scotties. Her working knowledge and skills prepared her to be a valuable asset in helping G.O.A.D. obtain its nonprofit status.

In other areas, Mary Jo talks about several proud, happy moments in her life. One of the proudest times was her ability to gather her family together to provide Christmas to an elderly sick and shut-in friend of her mother. As a surprise to the senior lady who had no family, Mary Jo and her family visited the senior on Christmas morning. Mary Jo’s family presented the lady with lots of food and gifts. Her mother and their entire family spent hours with the senior. They sang Christmas carols and old gospel songs that uplifted everyone’s spirit. Today, she still remembers seeing the lady’s big bright smiling face. She knew that she was loved and that someone thought about her on Christmas Day and she was not alone. That was the best family gift that her family could give. Little did we know that this would be the last Christmas for my mother’s friend.

During the past year of families coping with COVID-19 and now the variant, Mary Jo is proud of how her daughter, Glenda engages her weekly day off work collecting and gathering food from food lines and pantries to give to elderly seniors who are unable to get food for themselves?

Mary Jo is also proud of her granddaughter, Danielle who is attending college to become a doctor. Her spirit is to help others. She says she is picking up some of her grandmother’s traits – working in the community and volunteering to help others. Mary Jo is also proud of her grandson, D’Angelo for going into the military to serve and protect our country who has just returned home from Japan safely.

Mary Jo would advise future generations to stay in school and obtain a good education. With an education, one gains knowledge and knowledge is a powerful tool to have.

G.O.A.D. Member Profile - Melanese Wynn

I have been in the DMV area all of my life. I was born and raised in Washington, D.C. My family relocated to Oxon Hill, MD, during my junior high years, where I resided until 1995. At that time, I moved to Camp Springs, MD, where I currently live. I have one daughter, who is 30 years old. She is developmentally delayed, ventilator-dependent, has various other medical conditions, and my life's joy.

My 36 years of employment with the Federal Government agency where I currently serve as a Lead Financial Management Specialist has been with the same agency.

I have been with G.O.A.D. since its inception. My reason for being one of the founders of the organization is because I saw it as an opportunity to give back to the community and inspire change. I am currently the Treasurer which includes overseeing all of the financial transactions to include tracking and documenting all incoming funds and approving all outgoing disbursements.

As a member of G.O.A.D, I lead our first successful Christmas toy distribution during COVID-19 which consisted of partnering with a friend who donated 72 toys that were delivered to 7 families. I have also assisted with Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets for families in need. My latest outreach effort is collecting dresses to enable young ladies the opportunity to attend high school proms with new or gently used gowns. I want to help our organization reach more communities and provide more outreach opportunities.

My focus on giving is not about how much you can or cannot provide but the act of giving. I always have a good feeling when I share because it ultimately allows someone less fortunate to have a small piece of happiness. Volunteering at food banks and community outreach events doesn’t take a lot of time. Doing so enriches the community and allows me to experience the impact that giving back has on the lives of others and the positive impact it has on me. The very act of giving and volunteering correlate to helping others, which is why I joined G.O.A.D. Assisting others fills me with a sense of purpose. I have been blessed in many ways and like to bless others whenever I can.

In my spare time, I enjoy reading, especially reading the Bible to my daughter. Gardening has become my favorite pastime in the summer months. I have grown greens, tomatoes, and eggplants, to name a few. Crafting is another hobby of mine. I especially enjoy creating floral arrangements.

My role model is my mother, Gwendolyn Wynn. Raising five children as a single parent was not easy, but I watched her do it successfully. I mirror my strength in raising my daughter off her actions.

My relationship with the Lord, our Savior is most important to me. The Bible has had the most significant impact on my life, guiding me in the day-to-day decisions that I make. I strive to be a better person and having the Bible as guidance is very important to the goal.

My daughter is the most important person in my life. Lastly, health and happiness and supporting my daughter and me. The most significant achievement in my life and the one that I am most proud of is my role as a mother—taking care of my daughter and seeing her smile when I enter her room, makes me very proud.

If I could leave one message for future generations, it would be “You have one life to live – live it with purpose, kindness, and happiness”.

G.O.A.D. Member Profile - Lawan Robinson

Meet Mrs. Lawan Robinson, a native Washingtonian who is proud to have started her career and cultivated her roots in the Capitol City. She now resides in Glenarden, Maryland.

Lawan has dedicated her time to her family, her role as a caretaker, her church, and her community. She has a Cinderella-like story that began in high school, where she met and married her husband of 48 years. From that union, she had one amazing daughter, two beautiful grandchildren, who call her "Honey" and one wonderful son-in-law. They live in Brooklyn, New York and she travels there as often as she can, to spend time with them.

Lawan's backstory is amazing. At a young age, she had a strong desire to join the Army, serving her country, and see the world. Unfortunately, she was too petite (height and weight). Still driven by her desire to serve, she turned to the Police Department, but with the same outcome. Finally, she turned to public service where she found her niche. In 2015, with 41 years of service under her belt, she retired from the Federal Government.

She has been a member of G.O.A.D. since its inception in November 2014, before, during, and after the organization transitioned to 501(c)(3) status in 2018. She was appointed as the first Parliamentarian and is currently dual-hatted as the organization's Secretary and Chairperson of the Scholarship Committee.

She joined G.O.A.D. to continue with her spirit of giving back, volunteering, and serving the community. She said, "she enjoys being part of an organization that consists of strong, passionate women, who are all like-minded and have a variety of talents to share; when you put all that talent together you can make a big difference in the community."

For her accomplishments in G.O.A.D., she was immensely proud when her committee distributed its first scholarship award in 2019. She remembers meeting the scholarship recipient, who was extremely appreciative to receive the award and could not stop expressing her gratitude. At that moment, she said, “I felt good because we provided an impactful opportunity to someone within the community. That brought tears to my eyes, and that is the feeling I am looking forward to each time we help someone.” Unfortunately, due to COVID, she was not able to meet the 2020 scholarship recipients, but she was excited to hear from them expressing their appreciation through other media. Her vision is to distribute more scholarships in larger amounts and to see G.O.A.D. become a household name, like some of the larger nonprofits.

Lawan believes that volunteering is an act of service and that you should always give back to others without expectations of anything in return. One word or action can change someone’s life. My former pastor said, you have because you give, you give because you have, and therefore you are never without. That stuck with me because I know personally how it feels to want something in life to better yourself, but your family does not have the resources to fulfill your dream. I am blessed and want to be a blessing to others.

In her spare time, she enjoys D.C. Hand Dancing, which is deeply rooted in the D.C. and DMV culture. It is her outlet for entertainment, socialization, exercise, reconnecting with old friends, and meeting new friends. Her other passion is shopping. She calls herself a Spaver, a person who saves while spending and is not cheap but penny-wise. She does not believe in paying the full price and will try to get the lowest price possible with or without a coupon. Lawan remembers shopping for 8 hours in a store that was having a liquidation sale. She would try to negotiate with the cashier for more discounts by asking if she could use their employee discount; sometimes it works and sometimes it does not. Lawan adds, “Why not? You have not because you ask not."

Lawan names her late Aunt Re, as her role model. She said, " I am who I am today because of her. She had a huge impact on my life and some family members say I have her personality. She was a single parent who had a positive and beautiful spirit, and who raised me along with her four children. She was fully committed to achieving her goals and determined to give her family the best out of life. She was a go-getter who had a caring heart to help others and family members. I watched her study for her GED and other classes to better herself in having a career. After all that hard work, she was able to get a job in the District Government. I learned from her that you are not a product of your environment and you can be anything your heart desires, as long as you work hard for it."

In thinking about her life, she believes that the 3 most important things are: (1) Well-being because it’s part of your existence and you can’t live without good health. (2) Family is what God has given us and you can’t give them back. They also provide love and support. (3) Friends are just as important or even more than family. They become your confidants, a shoulder to cry on, and are basically the family you choose.

“Honey” is most proud of her beautiful daughter and her accomplishments. "With God’s help she says, I have raised a beautiful young lady with a professional career, who is a loving wife, and a wonderful mother to her children. I see all the values and life lessons on which I raised her, and she is now applying the same to her children. That makes any mother proud!"

As for any messages to posterity, Madame Secretary says this; “Life is handed to you only once and it is up to you to make the best of it. Also, anything is possible as long as you have the right people there to support you."

G.O.A.D. Member Profile - Pat Nabinett

Pat is a native Washingtonian but has been a resident of P.G. County, Maryland since 1976. She spent 36 years working for the Federal Government, in the field of Human Resources. Happily retired, she splits her time among her various pursuits which include spending time with her family (two very independent, successful adult children and 6 grandchildren). She is an entrepreneur with multiple successful business ventures and she is deeply involved and committed to G.O.A.D.

Pat has been with G.O.A.D. since its inception in November 2014. She was one of the members who was instrumental in helping G.O.A.D. obtain its 501(c)(3) nonprofit status in 2018. Pat says she joined G.O.A.D. because she promised herself that she would devote time and energy to giving back and paying it forward when she was able to. She recounts that it touched her deeply when so many family members and friends supported her oldest granddaughter, Jada when she went to college. In the spirit of giving back, she now has the opportunity to help others, especially those who are described in G.O.A.D.’s mission statement. So, when a group of friends discussed getting together to do some positive things in the community, she said, "I'm in".

Pat dived right in and volunteered to be G.O.A.D.’s first Secretary. In that role she was able to use her “government skills," to help plan and organize G.O.A.D.’s nonprofit structure; document meetings and guidelines; and develop marketing tools to include the G.O.A.D. website, brochure, and newsletter.

Pat believes that each of us, especially those who are able, should give as much as they can, as often as they can. She says that giving isn’t always financial, it’s volunteering your time, skills, and energy.

As for her free time, she laughs and says “What free time?”. She adds that her hobbies/passions are music, traveling, swimming, dancing, reading motivational books, and spending quality time with family and friends.

When asked about a role model, Pat's response was very heartfelt. She said, "it was definitely her mother, Joan Middleton." She recounted that her mom sacrificed so much by being a stay-at-home mom until she and her 2 siblings were in high school. Her mom began working at the Senate Child and Development Center and attended classes after work. She received her GED in 2007. The Washington Post recognized Ms. Middleton in an article, as the oldest person to receive their degree that year. Her mom continued her education beyond that, receiving her Teaching Certificate and officially becoming a substitute teacher. Pat says that after she and her sisters retired, they struggled to convince their mother to do the same. Her mom eventually retired and is enjoying her retirement to this day. Pat credits her mother for having a tremendous impact on her and her sisters but also on her grandkids and the many children who attended the Center. So many of the children from over the years at the Center attended Ms. Middleton’s retirement celebration. Pat says she was told that not many employees get recognized in the Congressional Quarterly, but her Mom did! Pat said, that her mother and her late grandmother are the people who drive her to keep learning new things and to help others do the same.

When asked to identify the 3 most important things in her life Pat said, "faith, family, and freedom." As for the things that make her most proud, Pat is extremely proud of her children and grandchildren's accomplishments and the example they are setting for the next generation.

As for a book or movie that has impacted her life, she named Stephen Covey's book, 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.

And finally, as to her message for posterity, she quotes Whitney Young, "It's better to be prepared for an opportunity and not have one than to have an opportunity and not be prepared."

G.O.A.D. Member Profile - Dyone Mitchell

Meet Mrs. Dyone Mitchell, former president of G.O.A.D. from 2018 to 2020. She was also the President of the precursor organization to G.O.A.D., Women United with a Godly Purpose, from 2015 to 2018. She currently serves as Vice President of G.O.A.D., Co-Chair of the Sponsors and Donors Committee, Coordinator for G.O.A.D.’s social media efforts and a member of the Scholarship Committee.

Dyone is originally from Mobile Alabama and currently resides in Maryland. She has been a member of G.O.A.D. since its inception in 2014. She joined because of the like-minded women who are a part of the organization, who want to be a part of something bigger than themselves in terms of giving back to their local communities.

Dyone believes that with many, we can give much, and that as a small non-profit organization, G.O.A.D. is doing well but eventually she would like to see G.O.A.D. making a difference on a much larger scale. Dyone looks forward to working with G.O.A.D. in increasing the numbers of beneficiaries when it comes to feeding more families or giving more financial aid to college students, etc. She believes it would be great to have big company sponsors to help G.O.A.D. achieve this. She believes it is our Christian duty as neighbors and as fellow human beings to help those in need, especially those in need of basic necessities to survive. She believes that at some point, we all may need a hand-up if not necessarily a handout.

When asked about her role model, Dyone says, “I don’t have just one. My role models are all those who have gone thru adversity, race, and gender discrimination to fight for what is right and made positive change happen with style and grace. Right now, Michelle Obama and Ruth Bader Ginsberg come to mind from a list of many.”

Dyone says that the three most important things in her life are her family, friends, and good health; and that she’s most proud of her family members who are succeeding and doing positive things with their lives.

She has been happily married to Mr. Charles Mitchell for over 30 years and that union has blessed her with 2 stepchildren, 9 grandchildren and 3 great grand-children. She’s a career federal employee, a published author, a member of the Freestyle Dancers (for 20 years), a talented slam poet, and an actress. She enjoys reading novels, hand dancing and line dancing. Lately, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, she has limited her activities and enjoys being home and watching a good movie with her husband Mitch.

When asked about any books or movies that have had an impact on her life, she said “Without a doubt my book of devotions entitled “A Little God Time” has impacted my life like nothing else has. It has been the greatest gift that I have ever received and has played a part in strengthening my relationship with God. It has been my lifeline in this year of uncertainty."

Finally, Dyone has some advice for future generations, “Be careful how you represent yourself on social media because, like it or not, it will become representative of you and a lasting legacy for years to come.”

Our Organization

G.O.A.D. Officers & Members

* President—Pat Nabinett

* Vice President– Dyone Mitchell

* Treasurer—Melanese Wynn

* Secretary—Lawan Robinson

*Members*

Diane Beal-Tydings

Doris Anderson

Mary Jo Blount

OUR GOAL

G.O.A.D. Officers & Members

To see students be better prepared with the resources they need to be successful in school

EIN 82-4846899

G.O.A.D. Officers & Members

Non Discrimination Policy

G.O.A.D. does not and will not discriminate based on race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal or state law.

Giving Others A Dream

G.O.A.D. Member Profile - Doris Anderson

G.O.A.D. Member Profile - Diane Beal-Tydings

G.O.A.D. Member Profile - Mary Jo Blount

G.O.A.D. Member Profile - Melanese Wynn

G.O.A.D. Member Profile - Lawan Robinson

G.O.A.D. Member Profile - Pat Nabinett

G.O.A.D. Member Profile - Dyone Mitchell

Our Organization

G.O.A.D. Officers & Members

G.O.A.D. Officers & Members

G.O.A.D. Officers & Members

OUR GOAL

G.O.A.D. Officers & Members

G.O.A.D. Officers & Members

G.O.A.D. Officers & Members