And even today, they recall what it’s like for families who can barely pay the rent and keep the lights on, let alone find money for meaningful entertainment for their children.  “Darryl and I could find few family activities that were affordable for our own children, and we understand that other families are experiencing the same thing. That’s why we decided to start a nonprofit to provide our local children with more options without money being a barrier.”

But after launching the non-profit, they soon learned that children are hungry for more than just something to do; they desire to be validated and valued.  “They want to feel that someone believes that they are important. We provide programs…but we also provide so much more.”  Darryl and Deatha look at themselves as builders, builders of hope and self-esteem.  Indeed, they are restoring faith in children who only need someone to provide them with some opportunities and the gift of time.

The non-profit organization they created is in Selma, North Carolina, and is called LAMiTCA.  Their mission is to help the working class poor achieve the American Dream.  This goal is achieved through a mentoring outreach, educational efforts, and a resource center.

Deatha explains that their objective is to empower local youth through classes that enhance their social and academic skills—skills that will help them become productive adult citizens.  “Our resource center includes information ranging from job search to environmental awareness, and our classes include English as a second language, boxing, ballet and modern dance, tutoring, and GED instruction.” The Kirklands never stop dreaming.  “We don’t have our own building yet.  That’s our big goal, to someday have a facility of our own.”

Canvas on Demand learned about LAMiTCA when Darryl sent an email: I love canvases too…but for a TOTALLY different reason.  I run a nonprofit for poor and at-risk youth 8 to 20 years old, and we are building a boxing ring. I need a canvas that will cover an 18’×18’ ring. Would you be willing to donate something like that to our cause?

Canvas on Demand co-owners, Tom and Joe, checked out their website at www.lamitca.com to learn more and jumped right onboard.   Tom said,  “Once we learned how this couple is empowering kids in their local community, we wanted to support them.  Since our canvas prints are not meant for this sort of application, Joe and I decided to order what they needed from Everlast.  We are delighted to partner with LAMiTCA by making this donation.  We want others to know about the fine work that Darryl and Deatha are doing in Selma. Their efforts, aimed at bringing about positive change in our world, sets a terrific example for others.”

It’s always satisfying to find customers who tell us about the interesting ways of expressing themselves through canvas prints. Here’s a great decorating idea for our nature enthusiasts.

When I first saw this flamboyant peacock canvas, I had to know more!  Nelson LeMarquand from Lutz, Florida, explained to me why he decided to bring a favorite piece of his back yard environment right into his home decor.  “These wonderful creatures stroll by our back door every morning, so I ordered this canvas to accent and personalize our living space. ”

Nelson actually had several photos on canvas created from the original image that was taken by his friend, Craig W. Mellinger.   One is a large 40” X 60” showcase piece.   Nelson logged a testimonial on our website:  “Your guidance and suggestions have always been right on target.  We absolutely love our canvases!”  And we absolutely love that peacock, Nelson!

As Craig and Nelson have proven, canvas prints can personalize any living space by bringing the special people and places and events of our lives right into our individual decor.   What better way to create a friendly, personalized home or office environment than to share our lives with others who come to visit or work with us in that space.

Nelson and Craig have shown us how they were able to express themselves through a spectacular image of something they enjoy every day–right in their own back yard.  And they have reminded us that nature does NOT have to stay outdoors!   Mom

One touch of nature makes the whole world kin.
William Shakespeare