If I have time to live, I have time to give.
I started supporting IBSA, Inc. not just because I’m the founder, but because I needed something to do to occupy my time while I looked for work. Having studied business formation at Washburn University, I realized that I could at least create a job for myself; while looking for a job to work for somebody else. It gave me meaning and purpose to wake up everyday to help someone else looking for employment or a young person going down the road I had already been. New to a city with no family, friends or classmates may have been tough because I had no social network, but overcoming the challenges I faced, by helping others I didn’t know brought me a peace that I could not have gotten working for anyone else. To help others with difficult barriers to employment due to generational poverty, having no marketable skill or having no support in the home is helping myself. I may not have a lot of money to give, but I received a great education, have created networks and now have 22yrs years of life experiences to share.
www.ibsa-inc.org
Review from #MyGivingStory
By working with IBSA I learned new administrative and computer skills and was introduced to the business and education community. Getting involved with volunteering eventually opened doors for me to become employable as a writer, and under the leadership of the director I developed the discipline necessary to become self-employed. I will be forecer greatful for my life-long membership in IBSA, Inc. am proud of my association with Mr. Lazone Grays Jr. ~LaVita (Gassoway) Williams
I am a single parent of 2, my son who is 17 and my daughter-20 years old. I recently moved here from Californail and I was having a hard time with my son and daughter. i wanted to expose my kids to a lifestyle less chaotic and a little slower than what we were used to, my kids however did not share my relief and started to rebel. I sought help from everywhere in this town but because of the ages of my children they were left out of the traditional system. I met Lazone and Keith and they met with me and my kids offered them a place to come and study, volunteer making sure that they knew someone in Topeka cared. They even found therapy for my son. I am grateful to them for all they did for me in my time of need
As the Chairman of the National Black Business Trade Association, I can say with certainty that ISBA has been successfully at the forefront of job training or job placement for many years in the community. They have consistently provided timely and relevant information to our membership.
Lazone Grays has been helping people in the Topeka and Kansas City area with job placement, business coaching and mentoring kids in the community through the IBSA (International Black Student Alliance) nonprofit company for over 16 Years. He is a pillar in the community and always share his knowledge and expertise with others. We wish to see more people like him. ALL THE BEST OF SUCCESS IN ALL YOU DO LAZONE. - Daniel Chege.
I have been associated with the organization's director since the late 90's. We have been through some serious ups and downs. Through it all, we have both grown in character and strength together. His organization is a true testimony to the good a person can do for another individual, when you reach out to others, that are less fortunate. The director has programs and resources to help any and everyone who need help, be it, job training, job coaching, entrepreneurship training, and many other social and life skills. My family and I have benefited over the years from the services and resources provided by IBSA, INC.. My experience with the organization will always be an ongoing experience as long as I live. God bless the director and his associates always.