The View from Bolton Street

Jul 26

Reflecting on my journey developing Parenthesis on Parenting, I think of my walk with Christ. The two journeys began at the same time.

Throughout my professional career, I have chosen many paths of serving others, from healthcare to running a food pantry. In my personal life, I have taken several spiritual paths. The goal for both has always been to find purpose and help others. Through prayer, diligence, and obedience, God has shown me to use what he has taken me through and saved me from as a ministry to help others. He told me to use my life as a testimony to help others. I told God I had overcome adversity and never wanted to shine a light on my hardships. God told me to use my life as a ministry to help others.

Ultimately, that's what I did. I looked at my family, I looked at my friends, and I looked at my community for ways to use my journey to help others. I looked at all I overcame through Christ Jesus and discovered my calling and purpose: family restoration. We live in a city where children cry for help, and we are searching for a solution. The solution to this problem starts by helping mothers and caregivers. This is why I began Parenthesis on Parenting and my ministry to help mothers in need.

During one of Memorial's Lunch and Learn Reparations events, I openly discussed the organization's mission and goals. The Rev. Grey Maggiano, our Rector, asked if we could schedule an appointment to discuss things further. After that conversation, he asked me when I would be ready to move from contemplation to action. His response was the confirmation I needed. God affirmed my journey, and through a partnership, he orchestrated the means to begin Parenthesis on Parenting was granted.

Philippians 4:6

Philippians 4:19

Lateya Burrows M.S., ADT

Ms. Lateya Burrows is the Founder and Executive Director of Parenthesis, a community-driven,

nonprofit organization that supports mothers as they reintegrate and raise their children. Raised

in Baltimore, Maryland, Lateya attended elementary and high school in the area and participated

in community programs throughout the city. Ms. Burrows is a member of Memorial Episcopal

Church and is dedicated to serving God’s purpose. Lateya has worked in the nonprofit and

healthcare sector for over twenty-five years. Lateya's passion is to coach, educate, and empower

others to leverage struggles as lessons and opportunities for growth and success.

As a human service professional, she has taught youth the importance of community and

capacity building. Lateya has coached and counseled those affected by grief and substance abuse.

As an Americorps VISTA Leader, she spoke at the Transform Mid Atlantic annual conference in

2022, addressing the need for community engagement and inclusion. Lateya has also worked

with higher education institutions to build capacity. Ms. Burrows possesses knowledge of

person-centered and solution-focused theories that enable me to help nonprofits and healthcare

agencies address justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion issues.

Lateya’s core principles include hope, faith, self-love, and grace. Her intellectual curiosity drives

her to be a lifelong learner. Lateya's educational background includes a Master's degree in

Human Service Administration with a concentration in Addiction Counseling. She received her

undergraduate and graduate degrees from The University of Baltimore.

After years of contemplation and having the goal of launching a nonprofit organization

benefiting her community, she founded Parenthesis. With the support of her community, family,

and friends, Lateya expects to launch Parenthesis and become a fully formed 501(c)(3) in January 2024.