Meet Nicole Mayfield of You Matter Too in Northwest

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Mayfield.

Nicole, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I created “You Matter Too” in November of 2017 after becoming fed up with seeing my social media timeline inundated with stories about children committing suicide because of being bullied. I am where I am today because God put compassion in my heart to reach out to kids that were/are victims of bullying to show them that they are special, loved, needed, belonged and that someone cares about them. I wanted to help build their self-esteem and confidence no matter what negativity and mean things the bullies made them believe about themselves that isn’t the truth.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has been smooth so far. The only struggle that I do face is having the funding to do what I would like on a bigger scale. I currently fund all of the events, activities, etc., from my pocket, Not complaining because God has blessed me, but would like to help more kids.

We’d love to hear more about your organization.
You Matter Too is a non-profit anti-bullying organization that seeks out youth that has been or is being bullied and I have a one on one experience with them to make them feel special. I take them on mini shopping excursions, to get makeovers, support school and outside events, I make a big deal out of their birthdays and take them out for lunch or dinner and shower them with gifts, We also give them the opportunity to share their story on video during our healing table hour, which in turn helps others who are dealing with bullying cope and reach out for help.

I am most proud of the newfound confidence and self-esteem in the youth that I have reached out to and blessed to have this experience. To see smiles on faces where sadness lived. To hear them acknowledge that they know they are somebody great and no longer walk around with their heads down or isolate themselves.

We are set apart from others because we not only focus on the victims, but we seek the bullies to help find the solution to their bullying problem. We know that bullying is a learned behavior and/or other underlying issues cause a person to behave in such a manner. We feel that it is important to get the bully some help as well. We have a program set up that if the bully completes the program there is an incentive if we notice that their behavior has been corrected.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
God deserves all the credit! I also thank my collaborative partners who share the same passion for our youth as I do. I thank my family, friends and strangers who support what we are doing. They have helped by given a donation here and there as well as continued prayer.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.youmattertoo2017.org
• Phone: 623-229-9292
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @youmattertoo2017
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/youmattertoo2017

Image Credit:
Photo credits: Joshua Mayfield & Kim Muhammad

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