Reflection of Inspiration
Reflection of Inspiration Inc. (ROI) was created in 2022 to empower individuals and organizations to be successful for their families and within their communities by encouraging positive development and providing educational programs and resources. ROI is a non-profit organization located in the mountains of Western North Carolina. Executive Director DeMakus Staton was always told by his mother, “Show me your friends, and I’ll show you your future.” So, what does it mean? It is not just some cool quote or a random idea from Google.
In life, we are surrounded by people, things, situations, and facilities that affect our thoughts and feelings. Stanton stated that Reflection of Inspiration serves as a catalyst for demonstrating and leading by example. “We want individuals and organizations to look at ROI and be inspired, and we want to be a reflection of what it looks like to accomplish your goals, hence the name Reflection of Inspiration.”
Recognized as a Tribal Coalition, ROI is grant-funded through the Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women. ROI’s first Tribal Coalition Member was the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault program, and ROI’s service area continues to expand.
ROI assists its coalition members with educational programs to support communities and organizations in achieving their aspirations and provides advocacy training programs tailored for individuals and organizations. ROI offers guided support in developing responses to domestic violence and sexual assault specific to the Tribal organization. ROI will host yearly events, quarterly meetings, and resource information, including printed materials.
ROI is excited to debut its culturally curated care packages created for advocacy programs to present to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault that they serve, with the hope of easing the difficulties faced after trauma.
ROI’s Board and staff have been and continue to be educated in advocacy training to serve members better. ROI is currently accepting new members.
ROI has a five-person Board of Directors who are from the communities in which they serve. ROI Board of Directors are DeMakus Staton, President; Marsha Jackson, Vice President; Renissa Mclaughlin, Member at Large; Michael Quillen, Treasurer; and Kayla Smathers, Secretary.
Reflection of Inspiration employs three full-time staff members: DeMakus Staton, the Executive Director, Brittany Hampton, the Membership and Outreach Manager, and an Operations Manager (Vacant).
