The Founders
Holmes Helping Hands, Inc. is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that was founded by Cynthia and Willie Holmes, Jr. The organization was founded on the premise that every young adult has an equal opportunity to pursue their dreams and be successful in life regardless of any socioeconomic or familial challenges that they may have faced. By providing young adults with the essential tools and support they need to succeed, Holmes Helping Hands aims to set participants up for success.
A passion for children, young adults, and helping others is the foundation on which Mr. and Mrs. Holmes have built their organization. They are the proud parents of three children and have three grandchildren along with twenty-four godchildren. Their doors and hearts are always open to help those in need.
Board of Directors
President/CEO, Cynthia Holmes
CEO Cynthia Holmes is a seasoned veteran of the world of not-for-profit organizations as well as a lifelong learner. Mrs. Holmes obtained a Bachelor’s degree in healthcare management from the University of Phoenix as well as a Master’s degree in organizational management from the same institution. A second advanced degree was obtained from Grand Canyon University in the form of a Master’s degree in mental health and wellness specializing in family dynamics.
Mrs. Holmes is an exceptional business professional who has helped many successful organizations, government agencies, school boards, companies, for-profit and non-profit organizations to acquire thousands and millions of dollars through grants, fundraising, contracts, proposals, programs, and services. Cynthia is a strong, experienced leader who is ambitious, organized, and fair. Her work and volunteer efforts have been recognized by several organizations.
The Jim Moran Foundation recognized Cynthia as an African American Achievers honoree for 2017 and 2020. She has served on the City of Fort Lauderdale Vision Broward board, a MedVance Medical and Coding Advisory board member, a HIV/AIDS Ambassador of Broward County (Official Appointment), and a Mt. Olivet S.D.A. Church Community Service Leader. It is at Mt. Olivet that she implemented a free weekly food pantry that includes the serving of hot meals. Other activities initiated include the providing of clothing, hygiene supplies, shoes, and access to showers was accomplished by partnering with Hope South Florida, Feeding South Florida, and the USDA. She is an educator for Awareness of Community Voice and has received North American Division (NAD) and Southeastern Conference of S.D.A, certification as a National Disaster Relief Trainer.
Director - Willie Matthew Holmes, Jr.
Willie is a proud business owner for over 25 years. He specializes in roofing and painting. He is a mentor to many while reaching back to help others. He is very passionate when it comes to making a difference is individual’s lives, also providing second chance employment opportunities for young men through Holmes and Sons Roofing/Panting, Inc. Willie is a singer/songwriter and a visionary, as he believes that everything in life is achievable.
Denise Rhodes Batten, Secretary
Denise Rhodes a graduated from Madison SDA Academy outside of Nashville, TN and went on to Oakwood College (now University). She majored in Elementary Education with a minor in Secretarial Science. Years later she went on to get a degree in Business Management with an emphasis in Human Resources from Belhaven University in Jackson, MS.
Denise began her career in Nashville, TN working in the HR field for 3 years, then in the Education field for 10 years and returned to her passion of helping people in the HR Field where she has worked for the past 19 years. She has expertise in the following HR areas: Payroll, Benefits, Onboarding, Employee Relations, Recruiting and Talent Acquisition.
Denise loves working for the Lord, she has been a Family Ministry Leader, Women’s Ministry Leader, AYS Leader, Sabbath School Superintendent, Married Couples Leader, Treasury, and Young Adult Ministry Leader which is her passion. She enjoys reading, playing games especially word games and sports.
Treasurer - Japrince Gaines
Japrince Gaines has over 15+ years working experience in Corporate financial reporting, budgets, forecast, financial analysis etc. Mr. Gaines has a Bachelor of Science, Finance and Associates of Science, Business Management from Webber International University. Mr. Gaines has served his community as a youth basketball coach the past four years at the City of Coconut Creek and Margate recreational league.
Certified Etiquette Expert/Consultant & Author – Jackie Vernon Thompson
A Certified Etiquette Expert/Consultant, author, and community leader, Jackie Vernon Thompson has dedicated her life to preparing others for success. In addition to becoming certified, she has earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communication and feels her schooling has certainly assisted in effectively conveying the information of etiquette to her students. She is the founder of From the Inside-Out School of Etiquette where she teaches children and adults, effective communication, business etiquette, body positivity, table manners (both American and European), traditional etiquette for men/boys and much more.
A philanthropist at heart, Jackie is passionate about changing lives through etiquette. Her school currently serves as a trusted resource for the Broward and Miami/Dade County public school system and selected municipalities. She also founded the nonprofit and 501c3, Youth Empowerment Village, Inc., which offers free summer programming for children 10-17. Jackie serves as an executive board member for the city of Lauderhill Chamber of Commerce and continues to earn recognition and awards for her work within local and international communities. Grateful to God for allowing her to fulfill her true purpose, Jackie welcomes new opportunities to teach self-improvement through etiquette
Mary Hallman Davis – Member At Large
Mary Davis is the founder of Mary H. Davis Coaching firm specializing in Identity Leadership and Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Consulting.
Before founding Mary H. Davis Coaching, Mary was an executive in one of the world’s largest financial institutions. She began her career in 1993. She supported and actively participated in well-over 300+ mergers and acquisitions of other institutions and business lines. Her role as an executive helped her master agility and became a change agent.
In addition to heading up Mary H Davis Coaching, Mary is a change agent through her advocacy work and supports organizations that help victims of Human Trafficking and Commercial Sexual Exploitation.
Mary has a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and a Master’s Degree in Psychology with a specialty in Leadership and Coaching. In addition, she is a Certified Professional Behavioral Analyst, Motivator Analyst, and Emotional Intelligence Analyst, and has a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Certificate from Cornell University.
Mary uses her experiences, knowledge, skills, and passion for helping individuals to set intentions and goals that align with their values. Mary believes that investing in Human Capital is critical to our survival. She helps individuals and organizations redefine the possibilities- Redefine Success Without Limits!
Cynkeithia Amanda Griffin – Board Member
Cynkeithia holds a Master’s Degree in Recreational Therapy and Rehabilitation & Bachelor’s Degree from Florida Gulf University and is pursuing her Graduate Degree from Florida International University in Rehabilitation. A proud business owner, Exquisite Customs, Inc. and a true entrepreneur.
Jennifer Combs - Board Member
Jennifer Combs, MSN, ARNP is the maternal child health consultant for Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Broward. Ms. Combs received her undergraduate degree in nursing from The Johns Hopkins University, her master’s degree from The State University of New York at Stony Brook and is currently a PhD candidate at Barry University. With 32 years of experience working in the area of Neonatal Intensive Care and Pediatrics, her current focus is on the prevention of sleep-related infant deaths and is working on research focusing on the role that ethnicity and culture play in sleep-related infant deaths.
Jacqueline Shepard Young - Board Member
Jennifer Combs, MSN, ARNP is the maternal child health consultant for Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Broward. Ms. Combs received her undergraduate degree in nursing from The Johns Hopkins University, her master’s degree from The State University of New York at Stony Brook and is currently a PhD candidate at Barry University. With 32 years of experience working in the area of Neonatal Intensive Care and Pediatrics, her current focus is on the prevention of sleep-related infant deaths and is working on research focusing on the role that ethnicity and culture play in sleep-related infant deaths.
Mission Statement
Vision Statement
Services Offered
Support Groups
An opportunity to meet other young adults, share ideas, find support, and gain insight from the challenges and successes using Cognitive – Behavioral Therapy with individuals with similar experiences.
Financial literacy
The knowledge and skills needed to manage money efficiently. Topics addressed will include: importance of establishing credit, maintenance of good credit, basic banking, budgeting, bill paying, and the importance of saving money.
Public Speaking
Participants can engage in activities that provide the fundamentals of public speaking while gaining confidence and overcoming the fear of speaking to groups.
Life Skills
Participants will learn basic life skills such as: personal care and hygiene, care and maintenance of one’s living space, nutrition (including shopping and food preparation), health promotion and maintenance, use of transportation resources, accessing public resources, banking, and bill paying.
Mentoring
One-on-one opportunity to be mentored using Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. Referrals are provided for intensive therapy.
Education Assistance
Assistance in obtaining GED, high school diploma, technical/trade school or college degree. Education, guidance, support, and placement will be offered.
Job Placement
Participants will receive assistance in identifying job resources, job interview preparation, resume development, and assistance with professional appearance.
Transitional Housing Assistance
Housing for young adults transitioning out of Foster Care – Forthcoming.
Testimonials
Cynthia Holmes, President Holmes Helping Hands, Inc has greatly impacted me as a young adult by assisting me career development. Volunteering my time working with the unsheltered community around the Fort Lauderdale area, giving me a true insight on the importance of securing a foundation for myself. With her help, after procrastinating with furthering my education beyond high school, she encouraged and supported me to complete my education and I am a certified EKG monitor telemetry technician at Kindred Hospital, watching over multiple patients that need critical care and none of it would have been possible without her non profit organization. I will always be dedicated to Holmes Helping Hands, Inc.
Lamar
Hello there , the name Moses, but you can call me Mo, I found out about this program when I was in class. one day I was just chillin talking to my friends, fooling around when this very well put together sophisticated lady walked into the class, her name was Ms. Holmes, a name that I was going to probably cherish in the long run !, anywho, when she explained what the program was I was interested. I was at a point of my life where I didn’t know what I was going to do, especially because I didn’t have a job at the time. Ms. Holmes here, actually took the time and effort to find me a job based off of my comfort and preferable area. The process didn’t take too long, maybe about 2-3 week process of looking, paperwork, finalization and everything. It Was an easy process and it helped me a lot, If it wasn’t for this woman’s work of god, I probably would be in the streets right now but hey this is just my testimony.
Moses
Cynthia Holmes, President Holmes Helping Hands, Inc has greatly impacted me as a young adult by assisting me career development. Volunteering my time working with the unsheltered community around the Fort Lauderdale area, giving me a true insight on the importance of securing a foundation for myself. With her help, after procrastinating with furthering my education beyond high school, she encouraged and supported me to complete my education and I am a certified EKG monitor telemetry technician at Kindred Hospital, watching over multiple patients that need critical care and none of it would have been possible without her non profit organization. I will always be dedicated to Holmes Helping Hands, Inc.