Our Story
A Legacy of Celebration, Advocacy, and Empowerment
In 2009, our family was nearing the end of a long and emotionally intense Due Process Hearing with a school district in Illinois. We often refer to that period as our "Transition Year." During a time filled with educational changes and emotional challenges, I prayed and surrendered my will to the Holy Spirit, asking for guidance and strength.
It was in that moment that the vision for the Graduation Dual Project was born.
At first, I did not fully understand the assignment. What I could clearly see were graduates dressed in caps and gowns. Soon, I realized that a cap and gown represented far more than ceremonial attire — they symbolized perseverance, achievement, hope, and the successful completion of an important academic journey.
Answering this divine call positioned me as a trailblazer, inspiring a new approach to traditional graduation celebrations. Guided by the scripture in Genesis 1:11, we began planting seeds that would grow into opportunities for students and families. These seeds became graduation celebrations, educational advocacy initiatives, and awareness workshops focused on Special Education and Executive Functioning Skills for families in need.
Planting Seeds of Hope
The 2012 Graduation Seed began as two milestone events: a Special Education Awareness Dinner at Greater Bethlehem Healing Temple in Chicago, IL, and an 8th-grade graduation outing at North Riverside Park Mall in North Riverside, IL. These dual-purpose events introduced what we now call the Graduation Seed — a movement to celebrate students, educate families about special education rights, and plant seeds of opportunity through partnership, gift support, and community awareness.
Greater Bethlehem Healing Temple, Chicago, IL
This awareness dinner brought families together to recognize students with disabilities and to educate our community about special education rights, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and the "30 Qualities for Success." Each guest received Bath & Body Works gift bags generously sponsored by our partners, and Pastor Bishop Chester Hudson opened the temple for the evening. Our keynote speaker, Mr. Anthony Brantley of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, addressed the gathering — a seed that would later grow into the cross-church awareness outreach we planted across the Chicago metropolitan area.
TMEP Event Location — Special Education Awareness Dinner, June 4, 2012
Pledge of Allegiance — 2012 Graduation Seed
TMEP & Partners — 2012 Graduation Seed
Learning About IEPs — 2012 Graduation Seed
30 Qualities for Success — 2012 Graduation Seed
Keynote Speaker: Mr. Anthony Brantley, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff — June 4, 2012
Special Education Awareness Involves the Support of Extended Family Members — June 4, 2012
Bath & Body Works Gift Bags — Special Education Awareness Dinner, June 4, 2012
Dual Purpose Fundraising Events: Special Education Awareness Dinner (June 4) — Table Setting & 8th Grade Graduate's First Bath & Body Works Experience (June 11)
North Riverside Park Mall — North Riverside, IL
One week after the awareness dinner, we sponsored a graduation celebration for our 8th-grade students at North Riverside Park Mall. The day included transportation for families, a meal of their choice at the food court, a Bath & Body Works shopping experience lovingly supported by the store's manager and associates, and graduates receiving envelopes with spending money for their meal — a seed of confidence, dignity, and celebration that grew into our ongoing Graduation Dual Project.
Graduates with Bath & Body Works Shopping Bags at the Mall — June 11, 2012
Graduates — Sign-In Time at North Riverside Mall Food Court — June 11, 2012
Graduates Receiving Envelopes with Spending Money for Their Meal — June 11, 2012
Thanks to the Bath & Body Works Manager & Associate — Cash Wrap — June 11, 2012
Graduation Outing at North Riverside Plaza — June 11, 2012
Bath & Body Works Experience & Food Court Gathering — June 11, 2012
In 2014, one of our recipients was recognized as the Best Dressed Male Graduate, proudly modeling his complete graduation attire provided through our efforts and community partnerships.
Thanks to Our 2014 Sponsors
"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."
— Proverbs 22:6 (KJV)
In 2015, more than 50 students and parents came together to celebrate graduating 8th-grade students. In addition to hosting the event, we were honored to provide complete graduation outfits for several students whose families needed additional support.
2015 TMEP — Workshop Gathering
2015 TMEP — Highlights Collage
2015 TMEP — Community Gathering
2015 TMEP — Celebration Collage
Thank You Message from Parent of 2015 TMEP Award Recipient — High School Graduate
Triumph Through Adversity
As preparations began for the 2016 Graduation Dual Project, our family suffered the devastating loss of my third oldest sister just two days before the celebration.
Although our hearts were heavy with grief, we chose to transform our pain into purpose. Like a butterfly emerging through metamorphosis, we pressed forward, believing that our calling was greater than our circumstances.
That year, we were blessed to provide:
- • Complete graduation attire for both male and female students.
- • A $250 book scholarship to a high school graduate accepted into a four-year university.
- • Continued support and recognition for students and families striving to overcome barriers and achieve success.
Forever Guiding Our Youth — 2016
2016 H.S. Graduation Presentation, Chicago, IL — Favor of Confession (Dr. Winston, 2012)
2016 TMEP Award Recipient — Two High School Graduates
2016 TMEP Award Recipient — 8th Grade Graduate
2016 TMEP Award Recipient — Parent & Student
2016 TMEP Award Recipient — Parent & 8th Grade Graduate (tears of joy...!)
Continuing the Legacy
Our journey has always been about more than graduation ceremonies. It has been about empowering students, strengthening families, uplifting communities, and creating opportunities where hope can flourish.
As we continued sponsoring Dual Graduation Projects and celebrating milestones — including our own son's graduation from Morton College in 2025 — we were honored to officially launch Terry Mitchell-Morgan, LLC in 2025.
Today, we remain committed to our mission and are guided by the words of Proverbs 22:6:
"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."
And as we continue to trust in God's guidance, remembering to "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding" (Proverbs 3:5–6), we invite you to join us in planting seeds that will continue to bear fruit for generations to come.
Through partnership, sponsorship, and community support, we can continue celebrating achievements, advocating for families, and ensuring that every student — regardless of circumstance — has the opportunity to feel seen, valued, and celebrated.
Together, we can continue making a lasting difference.
Judah Raymond Morgan
Morton College Graduate, Class of 2025
Judah Raymond Morgan — 2025 Graduation Celebration
Thank you in advance for your support and partnership.
Sincerely,
Ms. Terry Mitchell-Morgan
Mr. Judah Raymond Morgan
Terry Mitchell-Morgan, LLC