Today we’d like to introduce you to Gernica Johnson.
Gernica, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Yes, I’ve always been passionate about children. Growing up with five siblings, two cousins and being raised by a working grandmother who was an educator for Compton Unified School District for sixty plus years. I originally wanted to be a school teacher, but then decided the classroom is not the only way to encourage and enlighten young people. Today I believe the young people need us more than ever and it’s important that they are surrounded by individuals who can uplift, inspire and make their lives less complicated. They say you never know what someones going through and I feel that message is more for a child. You never know what a child is going through because they can not fully express themselves. I’ve worked for countless child cares, after school programs and even was a tutor for children. Throughout my experience with working with child cares and after school programs, I then developed the idea of Kids On A Gerney. A program that makes learning fun, active and encouraging. I no longer wanted to work for someone. I thought hey if they can do so, so can I.
I then reached out to a couple of friends and shared my ideas and thoughts of what I wanted to do. We then planned a meeting and came up with a way to launch Kids On A Gerney as well as meet their goals. This became a great opportunity that benefitted not just Kids On A Gerney but their brands and business too. We came up with an Event and named it ” I Declare Fun Carnival” which was a kids day party. It was a major success and over 100 guest attended.
After the event, I felt so confident and determined about Kids On A Gerney, about the impact it will make on the young people and the difference that I can help them become.
Since the event, I’ve collaborated with numerous child and education-focused nonprofit organizations to bring families together for lively community events, activities, and outings.
I’m married and a mother of two active boys, I continue to strive and be a positive role model in their lives as well as other children lives too.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No, It hasn’t been a smooth road, I’ll say its been a fair road. I say this because in the beginning I thought everything will go peachy because of how my first event was such a success. I planned a halloween event and had to cancel it. Because I canceled that one event, I discouraged myself. So maybe for two straight months, I was in a slump. I then went to support a colleague event and networked with some amazing individuals who encouraged me to continue on and follow my dreams. Who also said if I don’t work for it don’t expect no one else to. I’ve then found ways to stay encouraged and continue to push through no matter what. So fair road because you get what you put in.
Please tell us about Kids On A Gerney.
Kids On A Gerney is on a mission to explore new horizons and make connections along the way.
Kids On A Gerney has a mission that encourages an open and safe environment for the community through the fundamentals of outdoor team building.
Kids On A Gerney is a kids activities club that caters to the youth. We promote creativity, encouragement, adventure, and positivity that will empower our little people to be great.
Our goal is to nurture their growing expanding minds as well as give them the creativity, playful education needed to succeed in their future journeys into elementary, middle school, and even Collage.
As a company, I am most proud of how much of a positive impact we make on the children and the community. What sets us apart from others is that we do the things we do out of pure genuineness and to make a positive difference in a little persons life.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Honestly, started this program sooner. I had this idea for quite sometime and I kept saying I’ll start when I save this amount of money or I’ll start once I’ve completed this degree, or I’ll start when my boys reach this age. When truthfully, I should have not let those types of thoughts delay me from my dream and to help others. When all I needed to start was motivation and encouragement. It goes a mighty long way.
Pricing:
- Our events are free nine times out of ten. If a event cost it will be displayed on Kids On A Gerney website prior to announcing.
- We raise money to help fund or sponsor a child for trips, events and activities. All donations are accepted and can be made through our website.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kidsonagerney.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/kidsonagerney?igshid=6advmjisvj
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/kidsonagerney/
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