SUFFOLK, Va. — What is your purpose in life?
It's a question that seems straightforward, often asked casually or pondered in moments of self-reflection. Finding the answer, however, can be a complex and deeply personal journey.
Shaconda Griffin said she discovered her calling in life when she became a youth advisor at her church, finding joy and fulfillment in mentorship. Through her role, she said she guided people through their personal struggles, helped them build confidence, and encouraged them to set goals for their future.
"I had a passion for working with kids... and just helping them be the productive men and women that God has designed them to be," Griffin said. "But as a female, I knew that my greater passion was for young ladies."
That passion, she said, is the driving force behind her career choices, leading her to dedicate herself to roles that empower and uplift young people and women.
"I am currently a licensed clinical social worker," Griffin said. "I used to be a foster care social worker. I used to provide in-home counseling for youth."
It also shaped the way Griffin chose to impact her community, guiding her to create initiatives that focus on empowerment, personal growth, and advocacy for underrepresented women and youth.
"I want to, you know, be a resource for the young girls," Griffin said. "I want to be someone that's a bridge between, you know, parent and school, just a safe space for them."
In 2019, Griffin officially launched Created for a Purpose, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to empowering young people and women to discover their unique strengths and pursue their dreams with confidence.
"Our goal, our mission, is just to help people identify their purpose and to just live purpose-driven lives," Griffin said. "I felt like I didn't identify my purpose until a very late age. And so, for me, I wanted to help young people identify their purpose early, because it will allow them to like, you know, stray away from distractions as they get older and, kind of, peer pressure, and all kinds of, you know, negative feelers."
The nonprofit provides essential life guidance in life for girls ages 11-17 through its free mentorship program, Ladies with a Purpose. The program pairs girls with dedicated mentors who help them navigate the challenges of their youth and teach them valuable life skills.
"When you have a mentor, not only does it start at a young age, but the goal for mentorship is to continue as you become a young adult and adult, and you'll have this lifelong partner," Griffin said. "We offer individual mentoring. We offer group mentoring. The young ladies also engage in community service activities as well as extra-curricular activities."
Griffin also works to strengthen the bond between mothers and their daughters through workshops and events, like the Mommy & Me: Miss Purpose Pageant and the Mommy & Me: Sneaker & Tea, that create opportunities for connection, communication and growth. She and her team of volunteers organize sessions that focus on building trust, improving communication, and navigating the unique dynamics of the mother-daughter relationship.
"It allows them to just be the women that they are supposed to be," Griffin said. "We also have different speakers form the community to come out to teach the young ladies and the moms, you know, just how to be a better me."
The objective is to empower every participant to discover their unique path. Programs are designed to celebrate each person's strengths and encourage them to embrace their true selves, breaking free from personal doubts.
"My goal is to just make sure that everyone feels as if they are destined for something," Griffin said. "I'm shaping these young girls to be strong, independent, self-empowered women. And once they get to that point, they're [going to] impact somebody, whether it's the job, their first job, whether it's in school, or going to college, and so forth. So, I'm starting with them now, but they're [going to] carry that for a lifetime."
Griffin emphasized that when people uncover their gifts and talents, it's more than just a personal revelation-- they have the power to not only change their lives but positively impact those around them.
"When you feel like you have a purpose, then you're able to give, you know, give back. You're able to believe in yourself when you know that there's something at the end of the road," Griffin said. "It's affecting the whole community."
You can support Created for a Purpose, Inc. by donating or volunteering.
The nonprofit especially needs more mentors, preferably at least 21 years old, for the Ladies with a Purpose program.
This year, we're at 20 young ladies," Griffin. "And I started with 5 mentors. And this year, we're at 13. And so, we're growing each year."
Girls ages 11-17 are also invited to sign up for Ladies with a Purpose. Click here to contact Created for a Purpose, Inc.
"We're a small nonprofit and we have some ways to go, but I feel like what we're doing in the community is making a difference," Griffin said. "It's not about the quantity, it's about the quality. And I feel like we provide quality services to our young girls. That's why our young ladies keep coming back. And we're [going to] continue to keep making a difference and keep making an impact with who we have and who's interested in us, and I enjoy each and every day."