Our Story
Welcome to the heart of I Am Legacy PTCA, where the journey towards generational excellence began. It’s a story of resilience, compassion, and the unbreakable spirit of community.
In the heart of Albany, Georgia, a group of dedicated individuals came together with a shared vision – to uplift families, nurture young minds, and break the cycle of generational poverty. Thus, I Am Legacy PTCA was born, not just as an organization but as a testament to the power of collective action.
Our story unfolds in the neighborhoods we serve, where parents, teachers, mentors, and volunteers realized that change starts within our communities. It’s a story of parents who dared to dream bigger for their children, teachers who went the extra mile, and neighbors who offered a helping hand. It’s a tale of countless late-night meetings, community gatherings, and the relentless pursuit of a brighter future for our youth.
We believe that every child deserves a fair shot at success, no matter where they come from. It’s this belief that fuels our programs, drives our passion, and keeps us committed to our mission of eradicating generational poverty. We’ve seen firsthand the transformative power of education, mentorship, and community support.
Our story is about the countless success stories that have emerged from our programs. It’s about young minds discovering their potential, parents gaining financial independence, and communities thriving as a result. We’ve witnessed individuals who were once in need become our most ardent advocates, standing as a testament to the lasting impact of our work.
As you explore our story, we invite you to become a part of it. Together, we can continue this journey towards generational excellence, breaking down barriers and building brighter futures for our children.
Our Founder
Evangela Childs
Life has a way of teaching us valuable lessons, often through challenges we never expected. My journey has been a testament to resilience, faith, and the incredible power of community.
I began life as a fighter, born prematurely and facing an uphill battle from day one. The foster care system became my childhood reality, with its uncertainties and feelings of abandonment shaping my early years. As a teenager, I grappled with peer pressures and doubts about my worth, but a spark of determination within me refused to be extinguished.
Adulthood brought its own trials, from business setbacks to entrepreneurial struggles, but I clung to my vision of a brighter future for myself and the communities I wanted to serve. Faith in God’s providence, genuine friendships, and the indomitable human spirit sustained me through life’s twists and turns.
Today, as the driving force behind the Parent Teacher Community Association (PTCA), I’ve channeled my passion, experiences, and unwavering determination into a mission of generational excellence. My goal is clear: to provide parents, teachers, and community stakeholders with the tools, resources, and opportunities needed to overcome systemic inequities and achieve generational wellness.
My life’s journey has taught me that adversity can be a powerful teacher, and setbacks are often opportunities for growth. It’s through PTCA that I hope to inspire others to embrace their own journeys, overcome adversity, and create a positive impact in their communities.
In the face of uncertainty, my heart remains open, and I continue to find solace in the presence of God. I am grateful for the love of genuine friends and the unwavering support I’ve received along the way.
As I walk this path with faith and determination, I am committed to leaving behind a legacy of generational excellence, empowering individuals to believe in their own potential, and fostering a brighter future for themselves and their communities. Together, we can create a ripple effect of positive change, where no obstacle is insurmountable, and where generational wellness becomes a reality.
My story is one that I hope reminds everyone that we all have the power to overcome, to inspire, and to make a lasting impact on the world.
Are you ready to join me in this journey of generational excellence?
Advisory Board
Karla, a dedicated Nurse Educator, Life Enhancement Coach, Author, and fervent advocate for self-love
and self-care, is on a mission to provide a safe and nurturing haven where women can embark on their journeys of self-discovery and personal growth. She proudly wears the hat of Founder at The Born Educators Academy Inc, a global nonprofit dedicated whose aim is to ignite critical conversations,
education and action that centers on Black women’s total wellness.
With a sterling reputation as a reliable and ethical healthcare provider, Karla excels in maintaining her composure and taking effective action during moments of crisis. She finds immense joy in facilitating group sessions, educational seminars, and collaborating seamlessly within multidisciplinary teams. As a true creative spirit, she constantly seeks innovative ways to empower communities to live life to the fullest.
Karla’s life experiences have shaped her into a woman who understands the unique challenges that Black women face as they juggle the roles of mothers, professionals, and individuals. She has triumphed over her own adversities, conquered inner demons, and turned her mistakes into invaluable lessons.
Today, she’s committed to empowering other women by generously sharing her wisdom, knowledge, and skills through Conversations and other resources. Her impressive journey includes roles as a nurse manager/educator and charge nurse at esteemed institutions such as Clark Atlanta University Student Health Center, AID ATLANTA. Karla’s knack for developing and implementing policies and procedures has empowered students and staff on her teams to provide educational programs and services across diverse settings. Her fiscal acumen shines through her successful management of budgets, federal grants, and resources. Karla’s influence extends beyond the healthcare realm; she has cultivated enduring cross-sectoral collaborations and partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies, as well as community organizations. Her leadership prowess shines as she instructs, coordinates educational activities for varied audiences and organizes community events. Notably, in the past she has orchestrated an annual women’s conference, taking a holistic approach to enhance Black Women’s Wellness.
Joanna Jackson is more than a dedicated professional; she’s a force of inspiration and a passionate advocate for maternal mental health. Hailing from her native Albany, Georgia, she has lived a life filled with challenges, including her own personal journey through maternal mental health crisis. Her own experiences have fueled her advocacy, making her a fierce supporter of empowering mothers to seek the resources they need for rehabilitation and a better life. As a mother of three teenage girls, Joanna’s journey started early as a teen mother. She’s lived through the unique struggles that come with such a responsibility, and this firsthand knowledge has made her an empathetic and devoted advocate for maternal mental health support.
Her own experiences serve as a testament to the strength and resilience that mothers possess in the face of adversity. Joanna’s dedication extends to her role as a community organizer, where her love for advocating and organizing around social justice issues shines through. She is a master at networking and connecting families to vital resources, and she’s always willing to lend a helping hand. Joanna also has years of experience in leadership roles, Joanna is a seasoned community organizer and outreach coordinator. She has a track record of successfully managing various projects across a wide range of issues, from energy efficiency to social justice. Her results-oriented approach, combined with creative problem-solving and strong relationship-building skills, makes her a valuable asset to any organization.
In addition to her impressive work history, Joanna is also a dedicated volunteer. She currently serves as a board member for the Georgia Prevention & Care Council (GPACC) Guide, Inc., providing leadership and advancing the council’s work to benefit the community. She has been a long-standing volunteer and broker for Parent to Parent (P2P) of Georgia’s Navigator Project, where she trains parents to serve as volunteer representatives. Furthermore, Joanna’s commitment to maternal mental health and perinatal support is noteworthy. She is a Maternal Mental Health Specialist with the Healthy Mother’s Healthy Babies Coalition Pilot Program. She is also undergoing training as a Community-Based Perinatal Navigator with the Morehouse School Of Medicine Center for Maternal Health Equity, showcasing her dedication to improving the health and well-being of mothers and families.
Joanna’s involvement in various professional associations, fellowships, and certifications, including The Ladies of Hope Ministries Pathways 4 Equity Career Fellowship and the Partnership for Southern Equity’s Just Energy Academy, exemplify her commitment to personal growth and community development. In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Joanna has received multiple accreditations and awards, including being honored as a Rural Leader by Rural Leader Magazine in 2021. Her passion for making a positive impact on her community shines through her extensive body of work. Joanna Jackson’s unwavering dedication to social services, community advocacy, and maternal health makes her a dynamic force for positive change. Joanna’s commitment to her community led her to establish The Guardian Parent Support Services, an organization that stands as a beacon of hope for families from all walks of life. Her advocacy and support are driven by the real needs of the families she serves, and she’s a source of unwavering encouragement for parents.
Her message is clear: times may get hard, but she knows that parents are their children’s first advocates, and giving up is not an option. Even amidst her busy and impactful life, Joanna knows the value of spare moments. She finds solace and joy in listening to Oldie Goldies, connecting with the past through music. And, when she’s not advocating or organizing, she’s savoring quality time with her family, especially her grandson and her beloved dog. Joanna Jackson’s life story is a testament to resilience, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to maternal mental health and community support. She’s a beacon of hope, a fierce advocate, and a reminder that in the face of adversity, mothers are unyielding advocates for their children.