The MAN Foundation

06/02/2026

📚 Teaching Tuesday:

On the week before last and last week, The MAN Foundation gave some additional thank-yous to educators.

The first recipient was another Community Impact Award presented to Susan Hoover Parent Liaison for all of the wonderful things that she does, especially her involvement with the Dolly Parton's Imagination Library and helping to promote literacy in our community.

Our next group of recipients was the Reading/English Department, which includes all of the reading interventionists, reading coaches, and program specialists (supervisors). Dr. Jaclyn Walker was once a program specialist myself, along with Dr. Velvet Smith and Dr. Vaundra Walters, who are both MAN Foundation board members.

What made this recognition even more special was seeing Dr. Walker ‘s first-grade teacher, Yolanda Bell, who is now a reading coach, and her fifth-grade teacher, Nicole Booker, who is now the Coordinator of Reading and English for Elementary Schools. It is amazing to see two educators who helped shape my educational journey still making an impact on students today.

We wanted to show our appreciation for the important work they do every day to support students and literacy. As a small token of thanks, we presented them with personalized thank-you cards and delicious treats from Pownd Cakes by Jen. It’s always great to see the school board, The Honorable Lakeesha Klu Atkinson and The Honorable Arnette Love McSwain.

Thank you for helping our students grow, one page at a time! 📚❤️🍰

05/27/2026

🚌 Wheels on the Bus Wednesday 🚌

Last week, Dr. Walker had the opportunity to ride the afternoon bus route with Ms. Nikkie Babie Mitchell and Ms. Marie. One thing that immediately stood out was how Ms. Nikkie greeted every student with a cheerful “Good afternoon” when they boarded and a “Goodbye, have a great day” when they exited. Those small moments help create a positive and welcoming environment for our children.

Bus drivers and bus aides are often the first and last school employees students see each day. They help ensure safety, build relationships, and set the tone for a successful day.

That’s why The MAN Foundation was proud to recognize Ms. Nikkie and Ms. Marie during Educators’ Week. We believe everyone connected to a school system is an educator because they are all teaching our children something. They received Chick-fil-A lunch cards, certificates, and Pownd Cakes by Jen as a small token of appreciation.

Keep up the great work, ladies! ❤️🚌✨

05/22/2026

💙 Favorite & Freedom Friday 💙

If anyone asks Dr. Velvet Smith and me our favorite place or what we love to do most, the answer is simple: teach in the jail.

For 11 years, The MAN Foundation has been committed to educating, mentoring, and supporting incarcerated individuals and their families. Our entire board is dedicated to this mission, and we are incredibly grateful for our longstanding partnership with the Portsmouth Sheriff's Office , which has allowed us to impact so many lives.

The proof is in the power of our guys. Every class, every conversation, every breakthrough reminds us why we do this work.

Watch the video and see the impact for yourself. ❤️

05/19/2026

🍎✨ Teacher Tuesday ✨🍎

Over the last two weeks, The M.A.N. Foundation has been highlighting outstanding teachers throughout our community.

As part of our mission to help disrupt the school-to-prison pipeline and change the trajectory of a child’s life, we asked the community to nominate educators who exemplify these values through their dedication, encouragement, and impact on students.

Originally, we planned to recognize only five teachers, but the nominations and stories were so inspiring that we decided to honor all 21 educators who were nominated!

Each selected teacher received a framed certificate, a personalized card, lunch money, and delicious treats from Pownd Cakes by Jen as a small token of appreciation for the incredible difference they make in the lives of students every day.

🌟 2026 Teacher Appreciation Honorees

• Decarlos Anderson – Lakeview Elementary
• Lovelyn Bautista – Cradock Middle School
• Cassandra Bennett – Lakeview Elementary
• Taylor Blakeney – Cradock Elementary School
• Jennia Brown – Hodges Manor Elementary School
• Samantha Carson – Manor High School
• Antonio Crawford – Hodges Manor Elementary School
• Brittany Ellis – Waters Middle School
• Bianca Fuentes – I.C. Norcom High School
• Daniel Itterly – Churchland High School
• Kimberly Jackson – Churchland Primary & Intermediate School
• Vanessa Johnson – Lakeview Elementary
• Dr. Joseph Knight – I.C. Norcom High School
• Jennifer Lee – Cradock Middle School
• Kathryn McGehee – Manor High School
• Deontre Sawyer – Manor High School
• Cassian Sutton – Lakeview Elementary
• Tandricka Tolbert – Lakeview Elementary
• Sydney Vazquez – Lakeview Elementary
• Joyce West – Cradock Middle School
• Latesha Young – Churchland Preschool

🎉 Congratulations to each of these amazing educators! Thank you for the countless ways you inspire, encourage, support, and uplift students. Your work matters, and your impact reaches far beyond the classroom.

🪨 In addition, The M.A.N. Foundation was honored to provide our adopted school, Lakeview Elementary, with a special day of fun and creativity! Educators enjoyed creating Rock People, along with treats, snacks, and books. They were also entered into a drawing to win delicious Pownd Cakes by Jen.

🏆 Now we need your help! Take a look at the Rock People creations and vote for your favorite. The creator of the winning Rock Person will receive a special prize!

Thank you for helping us celebrate educators and students who are making a positive difference in our community every day. ❤️

05/06/2026

💕🍎 Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! 🍎💕

The MAN Foundation and School Board Barbie (Dr. Jaclyn Walker 4 Portsmouth School Board ) will be sponsoring lunch for 5 Portsmouth teachers this Friday! ✨🍽️

We’ll also have cakes by Pownd Cakes by Jen 🍰💕

Nominate your favorite teacher today and tell us why they deserve to be celebrated! ❤️📚

05/05/2026

💛 Thankful Tuesday

As you saw in the article on yesterday from WAVY News 10, today I want to share the heart behind it all; the pictures of the families who showed up to support their incarcerated loved ones, the community, and the elected officials who stood behind this initiative.

If you know anything about me, you know this: I love the MAN Foundation. I don’t play about the MAN Foundation, because this is something I have lived on the family side.

That’s why this work is so personal and so imperative.

This foundation was birthed out of real life. Back in 2013, when I was going through this journey, there was no program like this: no structured support, no pathway for families, no bridge for reunification.

So when people say something isn’t needed, I challenge that.

If it doesn’t exist… you create it.

And that’s exactly what I did.

Today, what you see is bigger than a program, it’s a movement of support, restoration, and second chances for families who deserve it.

💙

05/04/2026

Michael Jackson Monday 🎤✨

On last week, The MAN Foundation, in partnership with the Portsmouth Sheriff’s Office, provided a powerful opportunity for six of our incarcerated participants to attend a private screening of Michael alongside their family, friends, and community.

This is the first time something like this has been done in Virginia and possibly across the country.

Our work is rooted in family reunification. You can’t expect successful reentry without connection and support.

And let me say this because God is more than faithful. What started as a seed nearly 11 years ago has now blossomed into a forest, positioning The MAN Foundation as a trendsetter in this work.

Participants also completed a class centered around Michael Jackson, connecting his journey to their own.

More to come tomorrow, but today, check out the coverage from WAVY News. 📺

For the first time, the Portsmouth Sheriff's Office allowed nine inmates to attend an outing, for a private movie screening.

Read more: https://www.wavy.com/news/local-news/portsmouth/portsmouth-inmates-and-families-unite-for-movie-screening/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook_WAVY_TV_10

04/26/2026

💛 Thankful Sunday 💛

On yesterday, The MAN Foundation was honored to be selected as the recipient of the annual charitable contribution from the National Pinochle Bugs Social and Civic Club, Inc. – Portsmouth Chapter during their 69th Conclave.

The Pinochle Bugs are a historic social and civic organization rooted in fellowship, service, and community impact. What began around the love of the card game pinochle has grown into a powerful network of individuals committed to uplifting communities through charitable giving and civic engagement. The Portsmouth Chapter, chartered in 1962, has continued that legacy of service for over six decades.

I am truly thankful and grateful for this generous contribution and for the continued support of organizations who believe in the mission of The MAN Foundation is to break cycles, restore families, and create lasting change.

A very special shoutout to my Godmother, Dr. Bertha Taylor Escoffery. a proud member of the Portsmouth Chapter 💐—your love, support, and connection make this moment even more meaningful.

🙏🏽 God continues to show Himself faithful.

04/22/2026

🌟 Winning Wednesday: Peace Week Edition 🌟

Spring Break looked a little different this year and it was powerful.

Inside the Portsmouth City Jail, The MAN Foundation, in partnership with the Portsmouth Sheriff's Office, created a space for healing, joy, and family connection. What some may have seen as just an event…we know it was something much deeper.

🙏 We are forever grateful for Sheriff Michael Moore, Colonel Marvin Waters, and Major Terrence Riddick for their unwavering support.

✨ We were honored by the presence of community leaders who continue to stand in the gap: Vernon Tillage (City Councilman), Lakeesha Klu Atkinson, Quniana Futrell, and Tamara Shewmake (Portsmouth School Board). Your support means everything.

💙 Sponsor: Portsmouth United

🎤 Keynote Speaker: Munchy Smith

🙌 Volunteers:
Endia Hatcher | Jen T Lee | E Jae Williams IV

🧠 Board Members:
Dr. Jaclyn Walker | Dr. Velvet Smith | The Honorable Lakeesha “Klu” Atkinson | Leatha Ballard | Amira Bethea-Lang | The Honorable Dr. Melvin Cotton Jr. | The Honorable Yolanda Edmonds Thomas | Deb C Elliott | Sergio Neal | Markie Riddick & Dr. Vaundra Walters

🎪 Vendors:
Apples by Tawana Mills | Innovative Twist | Dime & Diva’s Roll and Press | Derek Hardy | Fly Girl Photography | Jae's Gems Custom Treats | Janice Wilson | Pownd Cakes by Jen | Devette Lea Copeland | Ivan Alston (DJ Eye Aye) | Good Gaming Company | Tonya Primadonna (Bounce N 2 Fun) | Kevin Barnes Sr. | Johnnie Brooks

This wasn’t just a Spring Break event.

✨ It was healing
✨ It was restoration
✨ It was family reunification
✨ It was community in action

For almost 11 years, we have been doing this work for free and it’s not for recognition, not for reward, but because this is our purpose and our passion.

We are changing narratives, breaking cycles, and building bridges between fathers, children, and the community—one moment, one family, one opportunity at a time.

💫 This is what the work looks like.
Here are our professional pictures!

💙

04/15/2026

Winning Wednesday:

We are incredibly grateful for the media coverage from WTKR News 3. They not only highlighted our program, but also gave voice to one of our participants, who shared how impactful this experience has been for him. Even more powerful—his mother echoed that impact as well.

Moments like this remind us why we do the work. 🙌🏽

Professional pictures are coming tomorrow for Thankful Thursday—stay tuned! 📸✨

Full story:

A family reunification carnival is bringing incarcerated men and their loved ones together for a day of healing, hope, and second chances.