Reporter’s Notebook: I recently did a story on Niki Mock. She’s the Bethesda woman who delivers bikes to children in need in the DMV. Well, Mock told me that I had to reach out to one of the community leaders she gives bikes to because her story is so compelling. That person, Tawana Baylor, works around the clock to feed those struggling in her Southwest D.C. neighborhood. How Baylor pulls this off and why she’s so driven defines the power of redemption and community.
I Call Her Mom
It’s been said there’s no greater heroism than motherhood. They keep us on time, in-line and, above all, well-fed.
“She is the bomb.com,” says Tawana Baylor’s daughter, Ciara Hosein.
But Tawana Baylor didn’t bring any of the children who live in her Southwest D.C. neighborhood into the world. Yet, everyone calls her mom.
“She’s an angel, Ms. Tawana. I call her mom,” says neighbor Jasmine Watson.
Eight-year-old Makaylen Floyd adds, “I would think of her as my sunshine and my rainbow at the same time.”
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Ms. Tawana, as she’s called, works as a Violence Interrupter here at The Gardens Apartments. Many years ago, she traveled down desperation’s darkest roads, somehow survived, and now settles disputes and keeps the peace while inspiring hope in the children she shepherds.
“I think of her as a mother because she gives us food and makes sure we are fed,” says eight-year-old Lucky Mack.
Ms. Tawana
Baylor says, “That’s why they love me. I don’t judge them. I meet people right where they are. I accept them right where they are.”
It’s her unpaid job that keeps her in constant motion.
Ms. Tawana manages a make-shift toy outlet, library and grocery store out of her small apartment. She’s able to do this by pinching pennies and getting support from family, friends and various non-profit agencies.
Baylor says, “The little money that I have to get the food with God stretches it and he sends people over here to help me. That’s why I do it because he’s in the front. I’m in the back.”
Natasha Mack and her five children are grateful for the support.
“She helps because she knows that I’m struggling. I just thank the Lord for her and I’m blessed. She is in the same boat that we are but she is trying to make sure in every way that these kids get what they need,” says Mack.
Baylor adds, “I’m not feeding their stomachs. I’m feeding their souls. I’m planting seeds.”
The Struggle
Tra’Shawn Fauntroy, who lives here and volunteers with the non-profit 'So What Else,' gives a candid assessment of her living environment and the impact Baylor has on it. Based on the most recent data, some 60-percent of children in this part of Washington D.C. live in poverty. And that figure is pre-pandemic.
“Most of these kids around here don’t eat. They don’t get breakfast, lunch and dinner. It’s bad. I got to say it’s bad. Without her, these kids would have nothing. They would have nothing,” says Fauntroy bluntly.
Ms. Tawana and her daughter Ciara Hosein ramped up feeding operations when concerns about food insecurity turned critical back in March.
“When the pandemic happened, we had a lot of individuals who knew what my mom was doing, knew how much she was feeding the community, and said hey, we want to help and so the help started pouring in,” says Hosein.
On a typical day, volunteers drop off food, others prep and cook, Baylor does some grocery shopping which all leads to the distribution of hundreds of free meals a week.
“I think that’s sharing, caring and love,” adds one neighborhood recipient.
A friend calls Ms. Tawana an umbrella in the rain because she covers those in need.
I Put Magic in these Bags
Baylor says, “I put magic in these bags. The love comes off of me and into the bags. That’s what it is. The love and the time.”
Ms. Tawana’s drive to give, lead and love stems from a harrowing past.
“Oh yes, indeed Jesus. I’ve been molested by my father and my grandfather. I kept it to myself for 20 years. That’s a long time. I didn’t share it until I went to jail,” says a tearful Ms. Tawana.
Baylor says the trauma of betrayal at the age of 12 led to addiction and crimes that landed her in and out of prison for some 20 years.
“I didn’t want nobody to go through what Ms. Tawana went through. It was terrible, but I came out of it,” says Baylor.
Redemption
Baylor emerged 17 years ago, sober, faithful and confident in her new calling as this community’s matriarch.
“The food is a bonus. Some of the kids just want time and I ride the bike with them and jump rope with them. They want someone to know that they are loved,” says Baylor.
So, she feeds, clothes, and protects these children so they can face the challenges of life knowing they have value.
Baylor concludes, “If you are going to love them, love them for real. Not for play and they know Ms. Tawana don’t play.”
“Since she can take care of her community, she can take care of the world,” concludes her daughter Ciara.
If you’d like to support some of the non-profits that have helped Tawana Baylor and her community:
Click here for more information on So What Else.
Click here for more information on So Others Might Eat.
Click here to support Food Rescue DC, another group that provides food to Ms. Tawana.
Click here for more information on DC Central Kitchen.
And click here for more information on The Soul Factory's outreach page. .