Confidence Club helps build and mold the youth of today forthe future of tomorrow

By Sabrina Bates

"We have the tools and resources to help our youth. They are not only our future; they are our today."

Those are the words of Sharice Wallace - the founder of Confidence Club. The Confidence Club is a local organization who desires to aid our youth into transformation of the best versions of themselves. Wallace said she was prompted to establish a program to engage, enrich and guide our striving youth after speaking to passionate parents regarding issues our children face on a daily basis.

Her initial vision was to hold weekly meetings exclusive to girls for a duration of two to three months at the local library. The training would consist of building the young ladies' character, by the way of improving good mannerisms, teaching life skills and strengthening their gifts and talents. Essentially, the main objective was to teach the soft skill of confidence because it's imperative for the healthy development of every child.

Aformal crowning ceremony would symbolize the completion of the confidence training program.

Wallace recalls this was her trajectory of how the program would be implemented, but not God's idea. When the boys also showed up for the sessions, everything had to be reconstructed, which was a blessing in disguise. This was nearly a year ago.

"Thanks to a great village anchor in our community, we had the privilege of utilizing her beautiful studio filled with mirrors. It was the perfect place to carry out confidence-boosting exercises," Wallace shared.

"The idea was for the children to look at themselves in the mirror and give themselves words of affirmation. I wanted them to see they were more than just a conqueror. Some of them didn't want to look at themselves in the mirror though," Wallace shared. She realized that the end goal may change as they all started laying a foundation, one brick at a time. The group of about 10 children, from ages 7 to 16, have evolved since they became a member of the Confidence Club. Wallace said some started with the program, but it isn't for everybody.

"Every child is unique and intelligent in their own way. Therefore, the Confidence Club may not be beneficial for all, but we would like to be of service for those who genuinely

desire the confidence apprenticeship," she

Wallace said some of those beginning foundations were very basic in naturelearning how to respect themselves and

"People are going to treat you how you treat yourself," she noted. Another message was how to walk into a room with confidence and how to compliment others. The group even learned how to pray. They started with one word prayers that grew into conversations with God.

Another session centered on focus exercises. Wallace explained every child needs tailored discipline and other other trusted individuals to help parents to construct a well-trained child. The Bible confirms the training of a child is essential for their success. She said the group gets outside and when they are inside, there is an emphasis on reading. She said she considers herself "old school," therefore the children are out helping with gardens and getting fresh air. Wallace emphasizes how sometimes we don't let children just be kids; they're involved in adult situations they don't need to be in and can't just be kids.

The Confidence Club has organized a lemonade stand, a garage sale and participates in history lessons, such as learning about the Easom School. She said they enjoyed the parade put on by the organization trying to keep the school's history alive.

They are rewarded for their efforts and hard work. The money they've earned has helped offset small trips, such as a movie night to see "Sing 2," which has a confidence theme. The Confidence Club members have visited the aquatic center and splash pad.

"These children were hand-picked by God," Wallace said. She added that some of the parents have come to her almost in tears to talk about how much confidence their children have gained since being a part of the volunteer organization.

"I hear people say all of the time that there are no opportunities for our youth. That just isn't true. There are opportunities everywhere that children can be a part of. We just need to be serious about getting them there. We've got to take the opportunity to reach out to them," Wallace said.

She said there was a time when she took a break from the Club, "but the Lord said 'keep going. This wasn't your plan, but my plan.'"

"Children wrestle with demons too," she added.

Wallace said the group members treat each other like siblings and they have become great helpers, looking out for one another.

"Iron sharpens iron," she noted. She continues to watch them evolve and build even more confidence and character.

On a personal level, Wallace and her husband, Demetrius, just expanded their family to include a five-month-old. Although the couple has two daughters of their own, the recent fostering of a son has added a piece of Heaven. She said her husband lights up as they already share that father-son bond.

"This was definitely of God. God's fingerprints were seen in various ways during the process. I've always had a desire in my heart to adopt since I was in junior high," Wallace shared.

The desire became more and more intense in the last few years, but the loss of their/her father, Terry Calhoun, confirmed more than she ever could have imagined.

"When God said it was time, I opened up my computer and He walked me through the application," she added. Aspeaker from online training was from Dayton, Ohio, the location of their/her father's memorial service. While in orientation, the couple was required to read about different stories and one of the characters shared the same name as her husband. There were more than she could say. The signs were almost overwhelming.

"It takes so much fasting, discernment, discovery and connecting with God. We have our own confidence children - Demetria and Kameya Wallace - we are obligated and responsible for focusing on their needs first. Charity starts at home. Your first ministry is to tend to your household," Wallace said. While trying to balance her own flesh and blood, another gift from God and a group of children who look to her for confidence, Wallace said God helps get her through whatever she is facing.

Her personal goal is to become a transformational speaker for the "minuses and the masses." She wants to travel to prisons and spread the message of fulfilling one's destiny in life.

While Wallace gives glory to God in her daily life, she also credited her family and their strength and everlasting faith in her.

"The world will tell you that you can't do something, but my family always supported me," she said. She acknowledged her late father; her mother, Sharon Calhoun and sister, Shaterian Calhoun.

Wallace also credits the instrumental work of the volunteers, mothers and fathers of the Confidence Club, who help make the impact of the program successful in the lives of local children. Stay tuned for the next season of Wallace's life and the children who are inspired by the Confidence Club.