[Community-Service] Quetrina Shines Bright Like a Diamond

[Daria Bannerman]

Shine Bright Like a Diamond

For those who don’t know me, I am Quetrina Townes. I am a mother of
three (two boys and one girl), and I have one granddaughter. I am a
woman of God, and know where my help comes from. In 2013, I attended
the Associate Services for the blind, currently known as Vision Link.
There, I learned how to maintain my independence. I learned mobility,
some Braille, how to separate and count my money, etc. While attending
ASB, I was introduced to the NFB. There, I am a board member and
ambassador at state and national conventions, a mentor,  and on the
calling committee.
Now, I have to roll out the red carpet for this one. In 2020, I joined
the Community Service Division, where I learned that I can do
community service anywhere. If it was not for CSD, I would not know
how to go about getting involved in my community in my city where I
reside, which is Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. With the community
service division, I was able to help serve with the Ronald McDonald
House in Maryland, and the Covenant House in New Orleans, and I can
not wait to serve in Houston in 2023.
In Philadelphia, I’ve served as a mentor with Girls Today, Leaders
Tomorrow (GTLT) under the United Way. GTLT is a program that assists
young ladies ages 8 until they graduate high school. There, they learn
how to set tables, write resumes, social skills, and how to be
professional. They participated in career day, and even learned how to
donate and serve for 375 thousand plus homeless children in
Pennsylvania. I also was involved with two groups affiliated with the
church I attend, Boys to Men and Saved, Anointed, Sanctified,
Sensational Youth (SASSY). These youth groups participated in career
day and other activities that helped develop their skills in
leadership. I thank God for allowing me to have sight with no physical
vision. That allowed me to join the NFB AND CSD and gain a new family
and a whole new world. God is not through with me yet. Diamonds are
forever!