Founder & CEO: Dontane Farmer

In 2011, Dontane Farmer created a private group on Facebook known as Just Blessings with the intent to expand his mission to create the organization which would also become known as Just Blessings. Since its inception Just Blessings has grown to over 2700 members on Facebook and all through word of mouth from its current members.  The organization and Facebook page was formed to offer  aid and services for individuals seeking job opportunities, educational resources, mentoring programs and for those in need of support through community outreach programs.Dontane graduated with a  degree in accounting. After obtaining his degree, he was employed in the banking industry at First Chicago National Bank and ABN AMRO Bank. During his years of service in banking, Dontane held numerous positions in operations including reconcilement, accounting, and team lead roles.After nearly two decades of employment in the banking industry, Dontane was led to make a drastic career change and became employed in the human services industry. He is currently employed by Adapt Community Alternatives which is a transitional living facility that collaborates with the Department of Children and Family Services for wards of the state. In his current role, Dontane is responsible for teaching life skills to young men and women between the ages of 18- 20 1/2.  His duties are to mentor today’s youth in budgeting and finances as well as educating them on how to create a better life for themselves in the years to come. After only five years, Dontane has been instrumental and influential in seeing changed lives of which there are many success stories. Dontane has always had a passion to serve others with his time and other charitable resources. He has a proven track record of giving back his time towards charitable causes. He was directly involved in donating two hundred cases of water for the bombing victims at the World Trade Center. He has given back to the community by collecting and donating over three thousand dollars worth of clothing, school supplies and hygiene products for the homeless to Habitat for Humanity. Over four hundred people have been able to find employment since he launched the Just Blessings page on Facebook in 2010. Most recently, Dontane has orchestrated and devoted time to feed the homeless at the Pacific Gardens Mission in downtown Chicago with help from friends and family.

Dontane is not only passionate but feels strongly that we can all make a difference in making the world a better place for all. He is grateful for those who support him in giving of their time and resources because it is an enabler for Just Blessings to be able to give back to others.

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Vice President: Earlisha Blackmon Dinkins
Earlisha Blackmon Dinkins is a Lead Asset Development Coordinator with Heartland Alliance serving CHA residents. Before shifting her career, she served as a Medicaid eligibility specialist with the Alabama Department of Health and with the Chicago Public Schools as a Children & Family Benefits Liaison. She holds two bachelor degrees; a bachelor of science in Business Management from Stillman College, and the second a bachelor of science in General Health Studies from the University of Alabama. Both institutions are located in Tuscaloosa Alabama. She currently holds certifications with Nan McKay and the Justine Peterson Organization. Earlisha currently resides in Lansing Illinois with her husband and daughter.

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Member: Felicia A. Whitifield
I am Felicia A. Whitifield a native of Chicago. For 17 years I have been employed with the Chicago Public Schools fulfilling my dream as an educator and mentor. I am a graduate of Governors State University with a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and an Associates of Arts Degree in Elementary Education from Richard J. Daley College. Previously, I served on the Simeon Class of ’89 Reunion Committee as treasurer for 6 years and treasurer for the Oglesby Social Committee for 3 years. In my spare time I love to travel, write, mentor, spend time with family and friends, as well as enjoy quiet time listening to music, and exploring new adventures.

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Member: Felisha Hart

Felisha Hart is the owner of Friends Forever events planning consultation and coordination company. Felisha a former equity underwriter for ABNAMRO mortgage group now Bank of America mortgage group. Since 2009 Felisha has been running her business. Felisha is also on the Board of Christian Education for St. Paul Lutheran school in Chicago’s Grand Crossing neighborhood, where she serves as their director of finance. Felisha works closely with the pastor, principal and private donors overseeing the day to day expenditures, forecasting the budgets for the upcoming school years and authorizing payments to vendors. Felisha has earned an Associate’s degree in paralegal studies from Robert Morris university, Bachelor’s degree in business communication and a Masters degree in management both from University of Phoenix. Felisha is active in her community and church.