Tamye Diaferio-Longoria, the founder of Paying it Forward NWI, is a lifelong Chicagoland resident and knows firsthand what it's like to need to rely on the community to help "Pay it Forward". Life was rough right from the beginning: Tamye's mother had severe mental health issues and decided it was best to give her up as a baby to live with her godmother. However, at the early age of five, she found herself involved in an emotional custody battle between her mother and the godmother she'd come to know as family. Her godmother won and this case set the precedent in the state of Illinois for nonbiological individuals to become legal guardians. This was a huge win that allowed Tamye to grow up safely - she's been changing lives since she was a child! The tribulations didn't end there though. Tamye is the definition of a survivor in adulthood as well; having lived through domestic violence, homelessness, and chronic illnesses - and knows what it's like to need a shoulder to lean on. She is empathetic and kindhearted, having been through her own rollercoaster of life, as well as beyond generous; the type of person who would give you the shirt off her own back. In July 2013, she was helping so many people in her community, that she realized she could no longer do it alone and needed to scale her endeavors. She created Paying It Forward: a charity to help connect locals who are struggling with locals who want to help. This started a movement and has only continued to grow. The social media group she created to help others has since expanded into a full-scale nonprofit organization that has helped over 100,000 people over the past 11yrs. She and her team have been able to help supply local families with necessities, safe havens, and a helping hand. In her spare time, she sings, writes and mentors children and teens in her community. She is also an ordained minister and actively involved in her community not just thru her nonprofit organization but also through the church. Since her work has begun in 2013 she has been the recipient of a NBC 5 Making a Difference Award, United Way Heart of the Community Award Sar award, A Martin Luther King Award, a NWIIWA Nominee Award. Has had articled written about her work and Paying It Forward in all local major newspapers as well as was featured in both the February and March edition of Recognized Magazine and first edition of Respect for Life Magazine
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