Lakisha Stiggers: Legacy of a Philanthropist

The Value of Community

Lakisha Stiggers was born a native of New York City’s, South Bronx. She is a product of a teen-aged pregnancy, poverty and determination. Lakisha and her siblings were reared by two young parents who instilled in them, the value of community, compassion for others and a commitment to excellence. Lakisha’s mother, the late Deborah Stiggers, nurtured and cared for her and her siblings, cousins and extended family members in a small project apartment in the Bronx.

For the many years to follow, Lakisha watched her dedicated parents provide shelter, food and clothing for many people and genuinely care for them. These valuable influences, planted nurturing seeds, within her spirit, the value and importance of finding ways to serve people. In 1998, Lakisha’s mother transitioned at the age of 39 years from a brain aneurysm. Subsequently, the journey of healing transpired for her while completing her Bachelor of Arts at Clark Atlanta University.

Faith Driven Role Model

In 2001, Lakisha became a certified foster parent in the State of Georgia and opened her private home to dozens of young female teens who might have possibly turned to a life on the streets; she decided to keep her mother’s legacy alive by becoming to them what her mother was to her.

With Lakisha’s faith in God she continues to be a role-model for her residents and community. Her mantra is “to whom much is given, much is required.” She also believes if you submit your life to God, he will reveal your purpose and direct your path.  

In 2004, Lakisha received a mandate from God to expand her vision of serving others and founded Little Debbie’s Second Chance Home, (LDSCH), a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization, for female teens ages 14-18. The name of the organization is a commemoration and remembrance of her mother, Deborah Stiggers. The program’s overall mission is to provide a structured, home-like environment for troubled and/or homeless adolescent females through spiritual, physical, educational, and emotional guidance and counseling.

Her Journey Continues

In 2007, Little Debbie’s Second Chance Family Resource Center, Inc (LDFRC) was founded. LDFRC is a family and community support component of Little Debbie’s Second Chance Home. LDFRC is dedicated to breaking generational cycles of poverty and abuse through a wholistic approach to serving the community through clinical services, parent education, and adolescence development.

Lakisha’s extensive educational background in counseling and real world experience in group facilitation and program development has prepared her to work with challenging teens and families and has allowed her to provide what they need most...a second chance!

Through the power of compassion and real world experiences, Lakisha has created several dynamic group home environments for female teens to grow wholistically and enabling them to reach new heights of personal growth.  Her passion to see them succeed and to have rewarding places in society is the driving force behind her success. Her dedication, spirituality, commitment and genuine sincerity are the key elements that totally empowered her to make a difference in their lives.