Compton native Joshulyn Syler has not always had an easy life. She was homeless at one point in her life and struggled to find somewhere to call her own.
Yet, Joshulyn is now at a better point in her life and has decided to help others who may be facing residential hardships as well. Joshulyn has started a non-profit for herself that specializes in not only helping the homeless community in not only looking good but feeling good about themselves as well by simply doing their hair for free.
“I came up with the concept of my non-profit from just trying to figure out what I really wanted to do with my life as far as career choices and what my calling and purpose is here on earth until my time is up,” she said.
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The non-profit has helped many of the participants find themselves again along with their self-esteem. “I don’t have nothing, but I’m doing this because I know some of these women can’t see past their eyelids,” Joshulyn said.
She added that she also started the program after seeing first-hand how some services regarding the housing in our state were taking a long time to help others. This includes Joshulyn herself as she waited months to not only to get an apartment, but also even waiting to receive furniture. Her program not only helps women, but men as well.
“I helped a guy with his retwists. He had a job interview, and I said, ‘You can’t go like that,’ so I hooked him up and did his retwists,” Joshulyn said. She even helps those who may be going through hard times due to bringing a new life in the world.
“I helped a couple who had a baby. I made baked chicken and asparagus and gave it to them, so they don’t have to worry about anything but taking care of the baby,” Joshulyn said.
“I didn’t want to do anything that would take away from being able to service and uplift people that can’t see past maybe a trying time in their life.” She has also helped mothers and families who may have simply had not the best luck in life.
“Examples of families that I have worked with would be families with three or more children that feel overwhelmed and just giving them the comfort of one less thing to worry about,” Joshulyn said.
“Or what about the disabled/elderly who are unable to travel out and receive services. These happen to be my most favorite because a lot of people don’t have the knowledge nor patience to perform basic tasks to help those in need.”
Joshulyn is currently studying to receive her AA in Sociology due to her having a big heart to help her community as well.
“Naturally, I have been a nurturer and encourager to many, starting with myself. So, it was easy to decide to do what I’ve already been doing for years and now I can truly put all of my heart into it,” Joshulyn said.
She finds her clients by speaking with those systems and programs that are already involved in the homeless community. “I attend many different resource programs, and I participate in groups and case management referrals,” noted Joshulyn.
She hopes that, with the community’s help, her nonprofit will grow in to a bigger operation that has a deep impact in changing the lives of others for better.
“The end goal of my nonprofit is to eventually become a successful company that helps shelter families within the homeless system and provide services,” Joshulyn said, “including, but not limited to: self-awareness and empowerment, mental health services, transitional housing and support services into permanent housing with furniture funds to help take the stress of moving and getting setup into the new home, mental health services, food pantry and resource workshop and aftercare even after being situated.”
When asked why she does what she does to help others out, she feels it is simply her duty to help others shine as bright as they could.
“If not me, then who,” Syler said.