B . A . Y . A . Celebrates Self-Confidence and Empowerment
You are beautiful . Who doesn ’ t love to hear those words ? B . A . Y . A . ( Beautiful As You Are ) a nonprofit organization was founded by Tanisha ( Tish ) Frederick who , as a mother , watched her own daughter struggle with feelings of lack of self-worth , bullying , and self-harm Feeling that the system was failing her daughter , Tish went from a frustrated mom to inspired and creating a new way to help her daughter . “ We just started doing fun , interactive activities to teach her how to cope with stress . It eventually turned into three volumes of curriculum , various journals , and building an actual brick and mortar location ,” said Tish .
What she quickly discovered was that B . A . Y . A was a movement that needed to be shared with young girls everywhere .
B . A . Y . A .’ s mission is to build better leaders , entrepreneurs , and servants with high self-esteem and purpose . “ We do a big bake sale that helps give kids ownership of their business , and we also do leadership development courses where we bring in actual John Maxwell instructors . All of our other core curriculum is self-esteem building activities ,” explained Tish .
Tish also stresses the importance of serving your fellow neighbor and community with the girls she leads . “ When you ’ re serving , you realize ‘ well , maybe my life isn ’ t that bad .’ Someone else might have it worse than you do . I can help make you feel good , but if I teach you the core values on how to really love yourself on your own , that will make a bigger difference .”
B . A . Y . A . is moving across the nation , being used in over 30 schools , various community centers , child-based group organizations , and church groups . It is malleable and can be tailored to fit the needs of different groups .
Tish ’ s dream is to help as many young women as possible . While Tanisha ’ s daughter was the first success story , there are many more . After speaking with Tish , it ’ s easy to capture her passion for this program and her love for every person that walks through her door . “ I believe
people are gifted in certain things and I really feel like I ’ m walking in what I ’ m called to do ,” she said .
Volunteers are always welcome to share their time , talents , and donations for a worthy cause . B . A . Y . A . is truly a place where all are welcome to let their hearts be healed , lifted , and inspired .
HELP OUT
B . A . Y . A .
Bayacorp . org ( 502 ) 209-9384 tish . frederick @ bayacorp . org
POWERED BY SAMTEC CARES
20 EXTOL | FALL 2023