Tammy: Hey friends, and welcome to Unmasking the Heart for Change. I'm your host, Tammy Winsted, and I'm so glad that you're here with me today. Today I get the honor of interviewing the greatest gift 2025 has given me, my newfound sister, Nicole Eskin.
She's the founder of the Daddy Lacy Project that serves the students and parents of the Blytheville School District. Nicole. Welcome to Unmasking the Heart for Change. I'm so excited to have you here today to share your heart, your mission, and the powerful work that you are doing behind the scenes at The Daddy Lacy Project.Before we dive in, give our listeners a quick snapshot of who you are.
Nicole: Well, my name once again is Nicole Eskin, and, I'm just a person that loves love. I love to help people. I love to build, encourage. I know this is what God called me to do, and I just believe I am the bridge back to our community.
Tammy: Yes, yes. I agree with that. Okay. Let's talk about your why and what called you to action. Can you take us back to the moment the Daddy Lacy project was born? What inspired the name, and the mission behind it?
Nicole: Well, and I'm gonna try to do this without crying. Okay. So I was in the eighth grade. And even with this story, it just take my mind back the way God, you know, accept us in. So I was in eighth grade and Mr. Lacy, he was my algebra, well he was algebra teacher, but not my teacher at the time. And he came in 'cause the students was acting up in class and he didn't wanna leave him. So he asked Ms. Cole, he was like, well, can I borrow one of your students to go to the office for me? And so he looked around and it's something how my mind can go back and see that. And he was like, can you go to the office for me? I was like, okay, sure. Never no more interactions or anything. So, ninth grade I end up in his class, so I'm just too tuck every time I think about it. He had a desk sitting beside his desk and, the other students there sit at the desk and everything. He was like, no, he's on. Don't sit right there, go on back. He talked real fast and, so one day I just took a chance. I sat there, nothing was said. So one of the students said, Uhuh, Mr. Lacy, that's not fair. She's sitting there. He said, hold on down. No, no, no, don't, don't worry about that. You know. So ever since then, we built a relationship. So ninth grade. So, throughout my years, 10th grade, 11th grade, ended up pregnant with my daughter. And, he didn't, you know, pushed me away, didn't throw me away or nothing. There when I had my son and then, I got married at 19. He walked me down the aisle. So not only was just a teacher, he took me in and his daughter, you know, as his daughter. So, that was a blessing. So, in 2000 and 15, he ended up going to the hospital and, had a situation to occur and, he passed in November. So one of the things that really stuck out with me, we was at the hospital, visiting him. It was a lot of people in the room, right. And, you know, you got different conversations going on. So I was just sitting on his bed and he was just talking, you know, sweet. Oh God, if anybody that, you know, whoever's listed this had Mr. Lacy, they know the experience, you know? So he said, Nicole, he said, do you need anything? I said, no, daddy, I'm fine. You know, never asked me anything. He said, it's okay. I just ask your mom, you know? And, he said, now, Nicole, how would be your father if you never asked me for anything? So that stuck with me because that's what God is saying to us. How can I be your father if you never asked me for anything? You know? So that's something that, you know, always just stuck with me. So as time went on, I reached out to his youngest daughter, Sonya Lacy. And I said, Sonya, I gotta do something in Daddy name. I had an old organization, it was called Daddy Diamonds, and we still doing the same thing. But I started mentoring young men too. So I was already thinking like a different name, you know? So this just happened right on time, so I told 'em, I asked them how they felt about it and they was like, sure.
So May of, 22 and I was laying on my couch and I was praying and I learned, you know, after praying, sit down in silences, you know, and I laid my head down on my couch. I could remember so well, and I just heard in my spirit the Daddy Lacy project. And so in May, I don't, I can't remember the day it was, but in 22, that's when we, Daddy Lacy Project was birthed. Wow.
Tammy: Wow. So let me ask you this. What gap or need in our community were you seeing that stirred something in you?
Nicole: The thing and this is one thing I can say I love when I hear people talking about negative, because I feel like, okay, what you think is negative, God can turn that thing around. So the negative talk.
That really pushed me and I, y'all know how I feel about Blytheville and about my babies at that school. So just a negative talk to say, you know what, when I'm not worrying about man, changing is God, who's gonna do the changing and however God gotta use me or whoever close to me or whoever help in this organization, we gonna see the change. Yes. Mm-hmm.
Tammy: I can attest to that. When we dropped off stuff at, the Blytheville Middle School, you were there to walk me around to the teachers and the kids just kept coming up to you. And if that isn't a testament to the difference you're making in this community, the change that you are and the radiant, you just. You're a blessing to our community. Thank you. Okay. So was there a personal story or turning point that made you say, I have to do something
Nicole: When I, like I've been mentoring the schools 12 years now, and when you see the different students now I tell anybody I love all my babies. My heart is at the A LE , where they'll consider student with behavior issues, and some of 'em, they're to really credit recovery, different things of that nature. But to see, and at this age, I know their parents. Some of 'em I seen and I know what their parents went through, right? So some of the parents trying the best that they can, but they just need that help and they need to be able to trust. So just seeing our students, especially, I did hair for 21 years, I'm cosmetologist it's been 25 years now, being licensed and just seeing the need. So when I see, young girls looking little. Rough. It's like, what can I do to be a help to them? Or if they're looking sad, what can I say to lift them up? When I see the young men, I'll be like, Hey, handsome. What? Just to see the smile on they face. So that's, that's what pushed me to say, you know what? Something gotta take place. Mm-hmm.
Tammy: Okay. How has your own upbringing or life experience shaped how you lead this organization?
Nicole: Well. A lot of people might not believe this, but I was very, very, when I say very shy, y'all, if I had to
Tammy: saying that,
Nicole: oh my God. Honey, If you ask my mama, I think she's getting frustrated with me. I said, now how I'm pregnant. 15, 16 years old and instead of not wanna order my own food, now look, I already done, did something that caused me to, but very shy and it could come from being the baby of the family. Wonderful sisters got one. Well I got one brother, but my mom, but I got a brother lives in England, but being raised in a household, wonderful siblings, just, I was shy, very shy. So, and I think that's another thing too, with certain students, especially ones that's shy. I draw a little bit more to them. 'cause like I tell people, if you didn't walk in those shoes, you don't know how to bring them out. They shell, so, like I said, very shy. You couldn't pay me to believe I'd be doing what I'm doing now. And even Miss Lacy, she, she'll look at me and she was like, my baby wouldn't even talk. And now I said, now I'm talking too much, mama. You know? And she just, she said, your daddy would be so proud of you. Just hearing those words. So a lot of it. I can say, and that's another reason with the school too, I struggled in reading , and still have my struggles today.
Nothing but the grace of God. And I love school. I love A N C, the help and support, but I know how it feel to read or be called on and just that shyness kicked in and then you feel like you not smart enough. So the different struggles, but really, get me so far as like being raised. My mama worked hard.
And when I tell y'all worked hard, I mean seven jobs and I ain't talking about this year there. I mean, at a time, this building that we in now, my mama cleaned up this building. Oh wow. And I was like eight, eight or nine right here at this building, helping her. Wow. So it just shows how God bring things. Yes. Around. So she worked hard. She did the best that she could for us. I had wonderful sisters to step in and help. I really, I didn't know we didn't have much, 'cause my mama did what she can do and we actually had a community, so I can't say that I ever felt or had a bad, rough childhood, my experience that. The table turned on me, I would say when I got pregnant at 15, thank God wonderful. Father, I didn't have the baby daddy. I, I'm glad I didn't have that, as we say the drama, but being at that age and missing out on that. Teenage life. So I jump in, 15 years old and boom, 16, I'm a mom. So I missed out on a few things in that area, you know? So that's what turns my mind to say what I missed out on or what I felt. I can't go back, but being a help to these teens, mothers now, or teen fathers, that's the blessed part of it. So overall, my childhood, I could say I had a good childhood, and just
Tammy: your life shaped you for where you're at right now. Yes. Because, your testimony has, you can reach so many. Mm-hmm. So many. A lot of kids, I was a kid that struggled to reading
Nicole: Mm-hmm.
Tammy: I say that all the time, like I was the kid that you wouldn't have. Said, we'll ever have two bachelor's degrees and own her own business. But God said, oh yes, no. No longer will she just do that. She will also host a podcast show.
Nicole: Yes, won't He do it?
Tammy: Won't He do it? All right. So you've already made such a beautiful impact on our community. Let's celebrate a few of your recent wins. Let's start with the Algebra Academy. What was the goal and what kind of transformation did you witness in those students?
Nicole: Well, as I stated before, Mr. Lacy was my algebra teacher. So when we was getting our, thoughts together and I put in our Google doc and I was like, Nikki, with the whole team. I was like, what do y'all think about doing tutoring for algebra? 'Cause, that's where, it birthed from. And, so Nikki Lacy is his oldest daughter and she was excited, like, yes. So Nikki and Lisa Andrews, they head the Algebra Academy. So this year been a little busy with this, my job and some, and schooling and, so she have, they have ran with it. So I had two parents to come to me and see how they seen their daughter's, scores improve and just the testimonies, of the, parents just bring a smile to my face. But Lisa and Nicole, they have worked really hard. They recently just had a banquet to celebrate and all the parents was there with them. So I wish I have had them here today. They've told you a little bit more, but it's been great. It's been great.
Tammy: So how many students do you normally have in that academy at a
Nicole: so we have, I think it was a. I think it was 12. 12 of 'em in which we opened for 25, but I think we had 12 to a attend.
Tammy: Okay.
Nicole: Mm-hmm.
Tammy: Okay. So you've also hosted parent meetings. What [00:11:00] made these meetings special and why is family engagement a key part of your work?
Nicole: Well, I enjoy the parent meetings, so , when I put it out there and we had 13 to come. Now the positive thing, we had 13 to come the. Well, I really can't say it's not. But the thing is, the parents, they already active, you know? So I wanted to do something different. So, I know when they came they thought, okay, just a regular meeting, talking about the school, how can you help? I said, Nope, that's not what we're gonna talk about. I wanna know how y'all doing. So they looked, so I had a paper and had a mirror on it, and it said, what do you see? So they had to write down what do they see in themselves? So I had one young man and every time I think about it, I get a little teary eyed. He was like, at the end I was like, anybody wanna share? And he was like, I'll share. And if y'all see him, a teddy bear, you look at him like he about to, just get somebody sweet as ever. And he said, Nicole, he said, just taking time out to think about myself. He was like, I'm over here about to cry. So my thing is when we're parents, we get so caught up in our children, our work and just everything in life and we forget about ourselves. So at those meetings, I want them to take a pause and I wanna ask, how is your mental health? How are you doing today? I might, everybody, well, for the ones that you know, be around, they know anytime I have to speak, I start off. If you happy and, you know, clap your hands. Mm-hmm. Because I like to take them back to their childhood place, to like, we still got that child in us, that joyous child, you know? Now we know some. Has some issues, but we trying to work them out of it, so it allows them to take the time and just to relax and to think. I tell 'em right now, you're not a mom, not a dad. You are you because you are important, so I wanna focus on you. So that way, whatever we talk about, I'm pouring into y'all and I want y'all to pour into your children and your children gonna pour, into others. So that's what stand out with me when it comes down to the, parent meetings.
Tammy: what I'm hearing from that is it's not about what we need from you. It's how can we serve you? Yes. How can we help
Nicole: you? Yes.
Tammy: What parent wouldn't wanna show up to that? Yes. So that, that is beautiful. Absolutely beautiful. Okay, so you do a lot of programs, but I have to say I love the Heart Behind the Lunch Buddy program. Can you tell us about it and share a favorite moment or a story from this initiative?
Nicole: Yes. So, Mrs. Pierce actually started the lunch break program, so this had to be in 2019 or 20, I can't remember. And so I just picked it up from there because they, she did have wonderful of her results. We have a lot of ministers, from the community, a lot of other people in other organizations. So I wanted to pick it up. So, we have, I have, I can really say a lot of men helping. Volunteering. Yes. So when them kids see them, just the smiles what get us. So like with me, which I kind of go anytime, to the school, but to have a child to run up to you. Not the one that you're sitting with, but they remember your face and run up to you. Can you sit with me too? Can you talk with me too? Can you come see me? So that right there that brings me joy. Yeah. So when I hear people, Nicole, you light these kids up. No, they light me up. Yeah. You know what I'm saying? So that's what, especially if you go to the, primary school, you will feel like Superwoman.
Tammy: I'm telling. Oh, that's where we were, honey. They, they love them from Nicole contact.
Nicole: I'm telling you. They, those babies there, then they come, Hey, Ms. Brown. Then they look at, I said, well, me and her kinda like, sister, they think we look so much alike. So just the smiles, you know, that's the rewarding part for me.
Tammy: So if someone wanted to participate in the Lunch Buddy Program, they could do so through your program, how long are you there? If they were to take their lunch, how long would they be standing there
Nicole: it's really up to them. If they wanna do one lunch shift, they can, if they wanna do all, I don't know if it'll still be three, but if they wanna do all the lunch shifts, it's up to them. But I gotta tell, even if they can just step in 15 minutes Right, that's fine. But if they wanna do a full lunch shift or do all the lunch shift, that'll be wonderful. Now they do, of course, have to have a background check, you know, all that. But they're welcome
Tammy: And that, so a full lunch would be 30 minutes. 30
Nicole: 30 minutes
Tammy: then if you wanna do all three, it'd be an hour and a half. Mm-hmm. Yes. Awesome. Okay. So what did you learn from launching these programs that surprised you or made you even more hopeful?
Nicole: I would say the teachers. Because they look like, I'm gonna show out with them too if I see them like they're having a rough day. Okay, what's going on? Beautiful. Come on. And I'll probably dance, do something crazy 'cause I can't dance, you know? But I can say seeing the teachers or hearing the testimonies of the teachers, how, so and so doing a good job of one, lady that worked at the school send me a text of a young man. She was like, look at our boy. He got some certificates. You know? So I would say to teachers, awesome. Mm-hmm.
Tammy: Awesome. Okay. So we both know the work doesn't ever stop, right. If anything, it's growing and we can say The Daddy Lacy Project is growing by leaps and bounds. Let's talk about what's coming ahead. This new school year, you and I are actually partnering together on a brand new project that we are excited about. Yes. So we are launching the Blytheville Youth Council this year tell us. What that is and the vision behind it.
Nicole: Well, I'm so glad as she stated that I was one of the best gifts. I would say the same thing for her. So, when you came to me with this idea, I was ready for it. Because anything to give these babies a voice. And that's what I truly believe. This will stand on letting these babies know that they are important.
I didn't, we didn't have this growing up and with me, if it was out there, I was too scared to even participate, you know? Okay. But, just letting our babies know they are a part of this community, because if we overlook the youth. When we get older, what we gonna have, you know? So just letting these babies know they have a voice. They, they can be present, and they can make decisions, they can turn our whole community around. Yes. Mm-hmm.
Tammy: The whole idea behind the youth council is empowering today's youth. Yes. And we do that by letting them have a voice at the table. Yes.
Nicole: Yes.
Tammy: Because their ideas far supersede ours.
Nicole: Mm-hmm.
Tammy: And their advancement in technology and what they can put out. Puts us to shame
Nicole: Yes. Yes.
Tammy: so why don't we have them at the table? Because they, they contribute, they deserve a place at the table. So what this youth council is designed to do is to give 'em that voice and teach them along the way how a business functions, how a nonprofit works. Because let's face it, these are our next business owners. These are our next nonprofit leaders. These are our next councilmen and women. Yes. So why not get them involved? We're gonna work with the ages 10th through 12th, so you can apply as you close out your ninth grade year, you'll be able to apply for 10th through 12th and those are the perfect age to plug 'em in somewhere and get 'em involved and hear their opinion. Yes, because it's probably ideas that we never dreamed
Nicole: Mm-hmm.
Tammy: Mm-hmm.
Nicole: I'm
Tammy: is it so important to get youth involved in civic leadership and community service at such a young age,
Nicole: I would say they would know how to contribute to the community. I know a lot of times, , what, just to think back when we had, when I was a part of Healing in the Hood and one of the ladies that was helping, she was like, you wanna make sure you train your mentees to be mentors. 'cause eventually y'all will be off the scene. Or like, now I can't, I don't have the time to do afterschool activities, but I know I can do what's. Within my range, especially during school hours, you know? So I think it's important to let them know that you can do this at this young age. 'cause once you get older, everything else will be able to flow with it. Yeah. And then that's how we keep the cycle going. Yeah. Training those mentees to be mentors.
Tammy: And we discussed that with this youth council, that eventually, as these kids graduate outta this program, we hope that they become leaders Yes. Of this program and take it further than what we could have ever thought. One of the things that I'm excited most about the youth Leadership Program is. As we plug these youth in and we get them understanding what goes into making community change, what goes into establishing, this project or like we're working with some projects in the schools, like how do those projects get started? I can't wait for the day that they start educating our adults. Yes. About how easy it is to get involved and make a change. Think about how the impact that makes, because a lot of times we think it's too hard. I've thought, oh, this is too hard. Whenever I heard about this youth council project, other , communities around Arkansas, and I started calling these other places and ask 'em how they were doing them. I thought. Why can't we start one here? So I, went to Mayor Melissa Logan, and she said, I would love to have that. I've been thinking about that. It's been on my desk. I said, okay, so let me take it off your desk and let me run with it and see what I can do. So I was praying, God, I can't do this by myself. I want a team. I like team, I like group think. I like to take it beyond just me. I'm only one person. I like to get others involved. So what can I do? You and I met at the Lion's group. And then you got up there and spoke about The Daddy Lacy Project. And the whole time I just felt like, oh God, I have met the one.
Yes, I have met the one. So I started talking to you about projects, like I wanted to celebrate the teachers that have improved the school from a F to C. So many people wanna focus on that F, F, F. Well, you know what? One of these schools went from an F to a C, so we're gonna talk about that and we're gonna celebrate those teachers. So we made every single one of those teachers something special and we walked in there and handed them out. And then I asked you, can you have lunch with
Nicole: me? Mm-hmm.
Tammy: I brought this program to you. And I was so, I was, I was praying the whole way there, like, God, don't let her throw this back in my face. Let her give her a heart to listen to what I want. When I sat down with you and, and started talking to you about it and you were just lit up, and I thought, okay, we're gonna take this somewhere. We're gonna do something with this and we're gonna get these kids plugged in and making a difference. So what you will not be able to say about Blytheville Youth. Is that they don't care.
Exactly. Because there will be some that do. And we look to have 10 15 on the first in inaugural group and then hopefully even grow it out from there as we have new committees and the new teams that we're gonna develop, but the thing about it is we can't really talk about it much because what we've structured this program to be is that once we get these kids at the table. That's when we ask, okay guys, what do you want to do? Here's a few examples of projects we would like to start with, but what would you like? Mm-hmm. And then we're gonna have these kids coming back and talking to us about the projects they have and the initiatives. And they're gonna be the ones going to the businesses. They're gonna be the ones going to the adults and saying, this is what we're doing. Would you like to get involved? Empowering them! It's so important. It's so important. It's
Nicole: And it's amazing how you talk and I'm just, the kids just rolling my head, you know who and
Tammy: yes. I love that.
Nicole: that.
Tammy: Are there any new programs or collaborations or goals you're especially excited about for this school year?
Nicole: My goal, which I'm gonna actually start this summer, I might get you on the board 'cause you kinda like a jump out queen too, like me, uh, is seeing our parents being more involved in the school and God is in the making with something on, on this. Not gonna share it yet, but, seeing our parents and I just truly believe if we build that relationship with our parents, especially our teachers , we'll see a difference. Yes. And I, I'm happy if we see 10 parents and parents, I mean at, PTO meetings. Yes. You know, 'cause it's at the high school, I'm the only one. Yes. So any, we got to celebrate the small wins, you
Tammy: Yes. So
Nicole: My thing is, so anyone who's, listening mm-hmm. I might be at your door 'cause I'm knocking on doors. If I have to meet them where they at? That's what I'm gonna do. That's what Jesus did.
Yes. He met people where they was at and that's what I'm gonna do. Yeah. And you too. Yes. Yes.
Tammy: So my background, I worked for years in the school. My kids have just left and grown and flown. But I started out PTO and got involved celebrating the teachers and just. Getting involved and helping them, hey, celebrating their once a month teacher birthdays and have parents bring, snacks or whatever, and just putting it in the lounge and decorating it cute and saying, Hey, happy birthday to the teachers, and then I moved from there over to Booster and like you said, those full circle moments. I moved from Booster as my kids were growing up , into the school board. And if you would've told me when I started PTO, I was gonna be on the school board, I'd been like, no, I'm not. I'm not getting all into all that politics. I'm not getting into all that law. I'm not getting into all that. That's for somebody else. That's a more adultier adult than me. I am not that one. But I will say that it is been very eye-opening. About what's going on at the state level and how much it impacts our school. It's been very eye-opening about how much the teachers have to constantly change because the state getting involved and how little support sometimes our teachers really have and how much they need our parents and how much they need us to be a part and a, you know, a voice for 'em and kind of have their back in some situations. So.
Nicole: So
Tammy: What I thought was gonna be a burden has actually been a reward and a blessing to me. And it just started with me wanting to give the teachers a happy birthday party, you know, and,
Nicole: simple. And
Tammy: simple. So simple. Yeah. You know, I
Nicole: people all the time, even with me, I'm not a big gift person, this and that, but with the kids, I be like, my birthday August 31st, so make sure y'all draw me a card draw some on the card. Simple thing. That's what I wanna teach. The simple things. Yes. It's not about, just a parent saying, you know what, miss so-and-so, you're doing a good job. Yes. That can be the day that that teacher ready to quit. Yes. But one parent just to give her the encouragement. Say, you know what? I'm doing a good
Tammy: you know, who calls the parents that are, have complained? We need the parents to step up that have positive things to say as well that have seen that change because that's what keeps the teachers motivated. Mm-hmm. In this grueling culture that we're in. Mm-hmm. Okay. So what kind of support volunteering, funding partners? Will be needed to bring these projects to life.
Nicole: Volunteers. Volunteers. Volunteers. Now we need money also, so don't get me wrong, but the volunteers. Would be a big help because one person can't be everywhere at the same time. You know? And even with volunteers, I do pray and ask God to send, to open my eyes up so I can see who's right, because everybody's not good with people, but you might be good in administration, so to knowing where to place them. But, the volunteers, it's, that's the top.
Tammy: And if they wanna get involved, they can, the Daddy Lacy Project can help them get the background check and everything done. Mm-hmm. That way they can plug in and get involved because that's also important. We wanna make sure we protect our
Nicole: people.
Tammy: Yes. Yes. We wanna make sure we protect our kids. Mm-hmm. And we, we wanna make sure that positive comes out of this. Yes. So now let's give our listeners a way to partner with us. On this mission, for someone that's listening right now who's inspired, what are some simple ways they can support the Daddy Lacy Project?
Nicole: I always start off and tell as I spoke at the, Lion's Club Prayer.
Tammy: Yes.
Nicole: Prayer is first. I know some they, they might not have the financial means, but we can pray. Mm-hmm. So prayer's first, second word of mouth. Let them know if you see a parent going through, Hey, do you know that chocolate girl named Nicole? Go see her. She'll help you with your kids, you know?
Spread the good news. So if you do feel on your heart to donate, we do have PayPal, we have Cash app, or you can stop me anywhere. Just say, Hey Nicole, here, go and check.
Tammy: Yes. And we are gonna be setting up, especially for some of these projects, we're gonna be setting up, not everybody has the time. Mm-hmm. Some of these parents are working, or, they have working the four on four off swing shift. They don't have to, but maybe they can donate $10 a month. Yeah. Or, whatever they can do. They can't be a lunch buddy, but they can, because we're gonna do things with this money that is going to blow your mind. So we can even set up on PayPal, a reoccurring. So you don't have, it's not a, it's not a burden to you. We'll set it up, it'll come to you every month and you just pay it. Whenever you have the funds, you just pay it. And if you don't have the funds that month, it's totally fine. But anything that can be done, anything, we appreciate everything as, the person who will be helping with fundraising. Some people can give the greatest gift, which is your time. The time is a resource you cannot get back. That's the greatest gift that you can give is your time. And these lunch buddy programs, like you said, if it's just popping in for 15 minutes, when we were in there, it was such a boost for me.
Those kids gave me just a little bit of time that we were there gave me life I left on a high. Mm-hmm. Just from their energy. So, and we were there, maybe 15, 20 minutes or so, but it doesn't take long. And these kids really enjoyed seeing visitors in the school that tells them somebody cares.
Nicole: Yes. Even with the high school, a lot of people that kinda look up where they grown. No. They love to see, and when I go, Mr. Nicole, where you been? I say, y'all schooling, y'all gotta show me where up. But those, the men, the young men, yes. Seeing that it is just like they miss you. They love to see people come in and visit.
Tammy: Yes. Mm-hmm. And we will be having projects that, as things go, as the program continues to develop, that, if people wanna come in and help, stock the cabinets that we're gonna work on doing, or if they have 10 or 15 minutes to jump into the Lunch Buddy programs or financial, it just doesn't always have to be money. There's other ways to get plugged in into our community to make a difference. And let me tell you that 15 minutes makes a
Nicole: Oh yes,
Tammy: If you got 15 minutes and you give it to the school, the reward that comes from that, it does make a difference to these kids. It does make a difference to this community and this is how we change things.
This is how we take our community back. This is how we empower these kids to have a voice, to let 'em know we love 'em. Just love and kindness. Mm-hmm. That's all you have to give them love and kindness and they know when it's genuine. Yes. They know it. Mm-hmm. It doesn't have to be financial it, hey, we will take the financial,
Nicole: it,
Tammy: but just a little bit of time. For someone who's considered getting involved but isn't quite sure where to start, what would you say to encourage them to take that first step, whether it's through time support or simply showing up?
Nicole: would say, if you see me on the street, stop me because I'm gonna talk to you now. Hey, how you doing? Or you probably trying to run from me, but my number is all over social media. Just know that I'm welcoming. I'm a very welcoming person and whatever questions and no questions is dumb. 'cause I know that's why I didn't want to ask a lot of things. I was so worried about it. Does that sound, dumb or this and that? Whatever it is,
Tammy: no, ask
Nicole: me. You know, if you see one of our members that's on the board. So our board members are, our president is Sonya Lacy Smith. Daddy Lacy's baby girl. And, miss Norma Val as my son called her, Vale
Tammy: Mm-hmm. My mom,
Nicole: friend, she's our vice president and she's been in the school system forever and she helps out as much as she can. They don't wanna let her go. So she had retired, but she's still there helping. And Lisa Andrews is our secretary. She's a counselor over elementary school. Latonya Sanders is our treasure, and she's been my friend since the fifth grade. Fifth grade. And, Nicole Lacy, board member, she stepped down so she can focus more on the algebra, project and a algebra program. And, miss Michelle, she's another board member we just added, and, she's a parent of one of the students and, she's a sweetheart. She gave me some nail polish for Christmas. I, I appreciate it. And, our fundraiser manager, miss Tammy. Yes, that's doing this wonderful podcast and my brother John Lacy we have him as an advisor now. 'cause, we just trying to work some things out, but he's a sweetheart. I can't wait till you meet.
Tammy: We will say that with each of these board members, when you see them out, they will have a nice little key chain on them. Yes.
Nicole: Wow.
Tammy: That TrueLove Designs has made, especially for them, that you'll be able to touch that key chain and it'll take you. Directly to all of our social media so you can stay in the know on what's going on. You can donate from there, we will have it all hooked up. So if you see one of these people out and you say, Hey, I heard about that podcast, daddy Lacy, can you tell me about that? They got it on their, they can just touch the little key chain, take you straight to it.
Nicole: They gonna start crying. I had to walk off for a moment.
Tammy: Okay. Where can people go to donate, sign up, or learn more? Is there a Google form that they can go to to fill out? Okay.
Nicole: Okay. Yeah. Miss, Nikki Lacy, she have all this set up on our website,
Tammy: So you can go there, you can go to the website and you can plug in your name and then you can sign up for, however, if you wanna be a volunteer or lunch buddy, be a part of the algebra program or whatever.
Nicole: Mm-hmm. Perfect.
Tammy: So, and all of this will be linked on our social media post when the podcast goes out as well as in the show notes, so they'll be able to click and go straight to that as well. Okay. Let's end with some things that have inspired you. Let's get behind the scenes of Nicole. What does legacy mean to you, especially in the context of the Daddy Lacy Project?
Nicole: That mean Daddy Lacy will live on forever. He might not be here physically with us, but his presence, his spirit will always be with us. So that's something I can say. I can walk around daily knowing that he's proud.
Tammy: He's still touching lives.
Nicole: Still touching
Tammy: Yes. And that's a testament to us as well. Mm-hmm. The lives that we touch right now, those people are inspired. Like, Daddy Lacy touched you and now look at all the people you're touching because Daddy Lacy took the time to reach out, and give into your life. So if you could leave one message with listeners about the power of showing up for your community, what would it be?
Nicole: I go by, this saying God gave it to me some years back, which I thought it was for another situation, but just as clearly I was in. I don't know who car I was in, but I know I was in the backseat and I heard the power of togetherness. So like I said, I thought it's for one situation. I'm like, okay, no God. It didn't turn out the way I thought it, but God showed me it is for such a time as this. Yes. We have to put our pride to the side. We have to, put the disagreements to the side. When you focus on our children need us, when you focus on our community, need us, all that other stuff, that's just a distraction from the. mm-hmm. So when we realize that we are better together, there is power in togetherness. Yes. I'm telling y'all this community. People, they gonna be asking, what must I do? move to Blytheville. You know what I'm saying? Yes. Because even Mississippi County as a whole, let me say that, because when you're looked down on so bad, and I tell people, let 'em talk negative, let 'em talk. Because somebody out there saying, what can I do to help Blytheville they talking all this? It's something special there. Yeah. So for anybody that feel discouraged know that God has not forgot about us. No, he has not. No. He's see,
Tammy: Yes. And I, it's so funny that you say for such a time as this, because I feel like that's been my mantra for a long time, and I feel like that's what's happening in our community. Mm-hmm. A lot of people are fed up, we're sick and tired of hearing the negative, and we're gonna like, okay, we're gonna show you what Blytheville is all about. So if you wanna be one of those for such a time as this. Person, join with Ms. Nicole Eskin and she can get you plugged into this community. And together the power of togetherness. We can make a difference. We can make it change. We may not be able to control what's going on in legislation, but guess what? We don't have to. We can make a difference in these kids' lives, which goes beyond the school years. Because one of these days, when they're your insurance agent,
Nicole: on now. Or when
Tammy: or when they're your car salesman or when they're, you're going in and buying ice cream from their ice cream shop, you will know you planted that seed in that kid that made the difference.
That is the beauty of small town life. That is the beauty of Blytheville and so many people believe in this town. We do. We do. And we are rising up and we are forming an army. So you can get in on this army whatever time you have, we can make it valuable. Especially Miss Nicole. She can get you hooked up.
Nicole: If I don't know. I know somebody who does.
Tammy: As we end, there's one question I love to ask each of the inspiring change makers who share their heart with us, can you share a moment when a small act of kindness, either something you gave or received, left a lasting impact on you?
Nicole: I can say what someone gave to me. So I have this young man that's attached to me and I love him so dearly. I wasn't feeling well. One day I was up here and I think it was a salad or something. I ate and I wasn't feeling well, so I prayed on the way home to make it home. I barely made it in the house, so I laid down and next thing I know, I had a knock at the door and my kids fussy. What you want? I wanna see Miss Nicole. He comes in my room and I said, baby. I don't feel I couldn't move. I just laid on the bed. I said, I don't feel well. You need anything? Ms. Nicole, you gonna be okay? And he just sat there with me for a few minutes. So it's something how you give, I don't expect anything in return. I enjoy giving and helping people, but at that moment, that baby seemed like, oh, Ms. Nicole need me right now. I went to picture on my phone and sent it to somebody. I said, look, who came to visit me that night? He checked, text me and checked on me, make sure I was all right. Wow. So I can say that because it's, and, and he has a wonderful mama. However it had to be something that he realized that I do for him. Yeah. That he did for me. Didn't even know I was sick. Yeah. But he was there. So, I had to really think on that.
Tammy: Showing up,
Nicole: showing up. Showing up.
Tammy: just showing up and being there. That's beautiful. Well, Nicole, thank you so much for unmasking your heart with us today. Your story, your mission, and your unwavering commitment to our community are nothing short of inspiring. Here on Unmasking the Heart for Change. We believe that every guest who shares their truth with us leaves a lasting imprint, not just on this platform, but on every soul who listens.
As a small token of our gratitude, we want to give you a little piece of our heart, something to remind you that your story matters. Your impact is real. This gift is more than just a keepsake. It's a symbol of the hope, courage, and change you've sown into the world. So what we've made for you is the key change that we talked about earlier. Just by tapping this little key chain, you will be able to go to your nonprofit and share your message as a digital business card straight to their phone. And also we have a ornament for you to place on your tree that you can remember. You are a part of the Unmasking the Heart for Change podcast.
And on the back people can scan and go straight to our podcast to listen to the show so that whenever people want to know about what your mission is, you can send 'em straight to here and say, here's the heart of my story, here's a heart of how this started, and hopefully we get attention to your group and that it grows because that is our heart. That is my heart. So thank you for leading with heart and thank you for reminding us all what's possible when we choose to show up with love and kindness, and I truly think those are the two words. If I could describe you with love and kindness.
Nicole: Thank you.
Tammy: If you or someone you know has a story of change you'd like to share, I'd love to hear from you. You can sign up to be a guest by visiting our Facebook page or clicking on the link in the show notes. Your journey could be the inspiration someone else needs right now.
If you enjoy today's episode, I'd love for you to subscribe, share, and leave a review so more people can find us. And if this spoke to your heart, send it to someone you love.
Remember, change begins within and it starts one heart to heart at a time.
See you guys next time. Thanks so much. Bye.