Written by: Natalie Smith
At the heart of every nonprofit there lies a desire for a difference to be made. Made Wonderfully was created to do good works in the Tampa Bay community by impacting the lives of disadvantaged children and strengthening family bonds. From what started as one family’s dream to serve, has evolved into a tribe of people who believe in prioritizing relationships and teaching lessons that will affect positive change in the lives of others.
Made Wonderfully was founded in 2015 by Nicolle and her husband Anthony Jones as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Nicolle developed a passion for working with disadvantaged children while at the Joshua House in Tampa. Joshua House is a nonprofit that serves abused, neglected, and abandoned children – many who have lived in multiple foster care homes. In getting to hear some of their stories, Nicolle realized the importance of pouring into their lives and how often they have failed to receive basic life lessons.
Through Made Wonderfully, Nicolle now facilitates a nine-week, “Life Lessons Learned in the Kitchen” curriculum where she uses her gifts in the kitchen to teach youths 5 to 18 years of age about self-worth and the importance of taking care of themselves. She hosts these classes at Summer and Spring Break camps, in classrooms, and at community events. The lessons reinforce positive self-image and teach healthy habits which are critical to learn at an early age.
After partnering with churches and centers in the community, Anthony and Nicolle began hosting annual events such as the Tampa Bay Annual Father Daughter Ball which is held in the Fall and is welcome to fathers and daughters of all ages. Attendees benefit from a formal sit-down dinner followed by a fun time of dancing. The ball gives fathers and daughters a unique opportunity to connect and enjoy precious memories together that they will be able to look back on for years to come.
For Jessica Vega-Eugene, who sits on the Board of Made Wonderfully, the Father Daughter Ball is her favorite event of the year. “I think the Ball just shows you how precious time is. It makes me happy knowing that my daughter will know how she should be treated and what real love looks like.” Jessica is excited to be apart of an organization that she says fills a gap and puts the focus back on the family. “The Life Lessons Learned in the Kitchen is teaching kids the skills that they need in an interactive and nonjudgmental environment. With how busy we are in our society today; it can be hard to take the time to listen to each other – Nicolle is gifted at creating the kind of environment that allows the kids to open up and express themselves.”
The M*A*S*H (Mother and Son Hangout) was the next event to be created and it takes place in the month of May. Nicolle and Anthony discovered pretty quickly that the young men were interested in participating in activities such as games and contests. This event is another wonderful opportunity for special memories to be created between the bond of mother and son.
The journey to creating Made Wonderfully has been one that Jen Shelton, Treasurer of the Board, has been excited to witness. She received an email from a dad who said the Ball had become a tradition for his family after he attended with his daughter who fell in love with it. “Watching Nicolle’s vision come to fruition is amazing. Seeing how well the events have been received shows me that this is working and it’s headed in the right direction,” she says. The Life Lessons Learned in the Kitchen she believes is equally as impactful: “It shows the kids their value and shows them that it is worthwhile to invest in themselves. They come away learning that they are truly made wonderfully and it is beautiful to see how receptive they are.”
As Anthony and Nicolle look ahead, they plan on continuing to teach classes and host events in the community. In the future they hope to have the ability to open a facility where they can meet for the current activities and also have worship nights, classes geared towards other ages, counseling services and a place to provide meals and resources. Please keep the people of Made Wonderfully in your prayers as they seek to live out God’s purpose for their lives in our community.
If you would like to learn more about the mission of Made Wonderfully please visit their website. Made Wonderfully posts event updates and information on community involvement on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
“Ask us a question, join us at an event, donate, volunteer…whatever you do, do it wonderfully, because you are MADE WONDERFULLY our friends! Make it a GREAT day!” – Anthony and Nicolle Jones
Made Wonderfully was founded in 2015 by Nicolle and her husband Anthony Jones as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Nicolle developed a passion for working with disadvantaged children while at the Joshua House in Tampa. Joshua House is a nonprofit that serves abused, neglected, and abandoned children – many who have lived in multiple foster care homes. In getting to hear some of their stories, Nicolle realized the importance of pouring into their lives and how often they have failed to receive basic life lessons.
Through Made Wonderfully, Nicolle now facilitates a nine-week, “Life Lessons Learned in the Kitchen” curriculum where she uses her gifts in the kitchen to teach youths 5 to 18 years of age about self-worth and the importance of taking care of themselves. She hosts these classes at Summer and Spring Break camps, in classrooms, and at community events. The lessons reinforce positive self-image and teach healthy habits which are critical to learn at an early age.
After partnering with churches and centers in the community, Anthony and Nicolle began hosting annual events such as the Tampa Bay Annual Father Daughter Ball which is held in the Fall and is welcome to fathers and daughters of all ages. Attendees benefit from a formal sit-down dinner followed by a fun time of dancing. The ball gives fathers and daughters a unique opportunity to connect and enjoy precious memories together that they will be able to look back on for years to come.
For Jessica Vega-Eugene, who sits on the Board of Made Wonderfully, the Father Daughter Ball is her favorite event of the year. “I think the Ball just shows you how precious time is. It makes me happy knowing that my daughter will know how she should be treated and what real love looks like.” Jessica is excited to be apart of an organization that she says fills a gap and puts the focus back on the family. “The Life Lessons Learned in the Kitchen is teaching kids the skills that they need in an interactive and nonjudgmental environment. With how busy we are in our society today; it can be hard to take the time to listen to each other – Nicolle is gifted at creating the kind of environment that allows the kids to open up and express themselves.”
The M*A*S*H (Mother and Son Hangout) was the next event to be created and it takes place in the month of May. Nicolle and Anthony discovered pretty quickly that the young men were interested in participating in activities such as games and contests. This event is another wonderful opportunity for special memories to be created between the bond of mother and son.
The journey to creating Made Wonderfully has been one that Jen Shelton, Treasurer of the Board, has been excited to witness. She received an email from a dad who said the Ball had become a tradition for his family after he attended with his daughter who fell in love with it. “Watching Nicolle’s vision come to fruition is amazing. Seeing how well the events have been received shows me that this is working and it’s headed in the right direction,” she says. The Life Lessons Learned in the Kitchen she believes is equally as impactful: “It shows the kids their value and shows them that it is worthwhile to invest in themselves. They come away learning that they are truly made wonderfully and it is beautiful to see how receptive they are.”
As Anthony and Nicolle look ahead, they plan on continuing to teach classes and host events in the community. In the future they hope to have the ability to open a facility where they can meet for the current activities and also have worship nights, classes geared towards other ages, counseling services and a place to provide meals and resources. Please keep the people of Made Wonderfully in your prayers as they seek to live out God’s purpose for their lives in our community.
If you would like to learn more about the mission of Made Wonderfully please visit their website. Made Wonderfully posts event updates and information on community involvement on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
“Ask us a question, join us at an event, donate, volunteer…whatever you do, do it wonderfully, because you are MADE WONDERFULLY our friends! Make it a GREAT day!” – Anthony and Nicolle Jones
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