Our Mothers’ Village is a community organization that helps support mothers who have lost children due to senseless violence or drug over dose. Our main goal is to provide a platform for mothers to bring awareness by telling their stories.
Our Mission
We are mothers joining together to bring awareness to senseless violence and drug abuse happening in our communities. We believe this can be accomplished by community outreach programs, education and counseling. As the saying goes, “it takes a village”.
President/Co-Founder
Lacandria Washington
My name is Lacandria (Candie) Washington. I was born and raised in Fort Pierce FL, a small south FL town where everyone knows everyone. I’m the youngest of six siblings, one boy and five girls. Most of my teachers had already taught my older sisters so by time I was in their class they were already familiar with me. The teachers would refer to us as “the Washington girls”. I always enjoyed school. I looked forward to attending every day, school was my safe place. I made sure I studied hard, so the work was generally easy.
Growing up during the crack cocaine epidemic was very challenging. Many of my close family members were affected by it including my parents. The crack cocaine epidemic was a new problem for our community, and we all had to learn how to deal with it. During that time, simply walking to school posed a danger. We witnessed many drug transactions near our schools until new laws were introduced, which gave more jail time in school zones.
As a child I wanted a career in community service. Initially I desired to be in law enforcement until one day at the doctor’s office I noticed the medical assistant performing her job duties and that’s when I fell in love with healthcare. After high school my sister Latarsha and I moved to Orlando where we attended technical schools and I earned my CMA, CNA, and HHA. I then started my career as a certified Medal Assistant at a local clinic. After my six-year career at the clinic I joined the hospital in 2006 in supply chain management. Also earning my AS degree in Business Management.
June 2018 we lost my nephew Jerrelle Smith to an accidental drug overdose, he was only twenty-four years old. At the time of his death, Jerrelle was serving a prison sentence but never made it home alive. Two weeks after losing my nephew our mom died of kidney failure along with other illnesses after battling a drug addiction for over thirty years. June 2020 we received the tragic news that my niece Cashmere Infinity Gibson was the victim of gun violence, she was also only twenty-four years old. After receiving the tragic news my sister Latarsha and I decided we could do more to help our communities. Our main goal is to build a platform for mothers that has lost children to drug overdose and senseless violence to speak out and tell their stories and begin walking the long path of healing. It is our earnest hope that others who have been affected will be touched and partner with us to help with our mission. We encourage all those who need support to reach out to us and together become the heartbeat of community spirit. As the saying going “It takes a Village”.
Executive Director/Co-Founder
Latarsha Lewis
My name is Latarsha Lewis. I was born and raised in a small town off the southeast of FL. Growing up in Fort Pierce taught me a lot about being neighborly and caring for our community. I’m the second to the youngest of six siblings, four older sisters, my brother the second oldest and my youngest sister Lacandria. I attended Saint Lucie County public schools and made many lifelong friends. We didn’t have much growing up, but we understood that living a productive life was more important than material possessions.
Growing up in a big family unit helped me appreciate the love and protection that is received from family. We lived in a small house growing up. My brother always had his own room, so my sisters and I shared a room. As children we enjoyed playing outside for long periods of time. We would explore the neighborhood and play with the other kids in the neighborhood. During the crack cocaine epidemic many things changed. Crime in our communities had drastically increased and it was no longer safe to play outside. This was a new problem for our elected officials and community leaders, we all had to learn how to deal with this new issue that ravished our families and communities.
At the end of my senor year in high school I learned I was pregnant. Giving birth to Cashmere changed my life for the better. I no longer just taught of myself, but I first thought of her in every decision I made. Although I was a single parent having a strong support system in my sisters and mom made things easier for me.
My sister Lacandria and I move to Orlando after she graduated from high school. Moving from a small town to a big city was very exciting for us. We started working to support ourselves while attending technical schools.
Ceana was born when Cashmere was ten years old. Cashmere was the perfect big sister. She was always teaching her little sister different things and surrounded her with love. As a parent, I’m dedicated and committed, to inspire, educate, and encourage the youth in our communities. Also, to help improve the lives of all children in our communities.
June 2018, we lost my nephew Jerrelle Smith to an accidental drug overdose, he was only twenty-four years old. At the time of his death, Jerrelle was serving a prison sentence but never made it home alive. Two weeks after losing my nephew our mom died of kidney failure along with other illnesses after battling a drug addiction for over thirty years. June 2020, we received the tragic news that my daughter Cashmere Infinity Gibson was the victim of gun violence, she was also only twenty-four years old. After receiving the tragic news my sister Lacandria and I decided we could do more to help our communities. Our main goal is to build a platform for mothers that has lost children to drug overdose and senseless violence to speak out and tell their stories and begin walking the long path of healing.
