Higher Is Waiting Nonprofit Organization
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SIGN UP FOR EMPOWERED'S LEADERSHIP & CAREER EXPLORATION DAY
Whether you started with EMPOWERED two years ago, joined us recently, or have never attended before, this event is for you!
Join us for our last regular EMPOWERED event before Jayden, our founder heads off to college. We'll celebrate the memories we've made, the lives that have been impacted, and the exciting new beginnings ahead.
Enjoy an afternoon of a cookout, team-building activities, a Hot Topics Panel Discussion, inspiring messages, games, fellowship, and more as we celebrate where we've been and prepare for what's next.
Ages: 13–23
Date: Saturday, June 27, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Bullocksville Community Building at Kerr Lake
3050 Bullocksville Park Road, Manson, NC 27553
Please arrive on time so you don't miss any part of the program. There will be water activities during the event, so participants are encouraged to bring a change of clothes, a towel, and any other items they may need. Participation in water activities is optional.
Please complete the registration form below.
Questions? Contact Jayden Watkins (252) 425-0354 or email watkins@higheriswaiting.org
Mission
Jayden A. Watkins officially incorporated Higher Is Waiting 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization on January 4th, 2024. Higher Is Waiting’s mission is to educate, equip, and empower youth and young adults. The Organization is committed to providing disadvantaged individuals with essential resources, offering mentorship, and hosting programs rooted in moral principles and positive values to foster confidence, personal growth, and community impact.
CONTACT: info@higheriswaiting.org
Regular Programs
1. EMPOWERED: Teen Mentorship Group
EMPOWERED is a structured teen mentorship and leadership initiative serving youth ages 13–19 in Henderson, NC, and surrounding communities. The program focuses on character development, leadership training, mental wellness, career exploration, and community engagement, while providing a safe and supportive space for teens to thrive academically, socially, and personally.
2. Blessing Bags & Resource Drives
Each quarter Higher Is Waiting assembles and distributes hundreds of “Blessing Bags” filled with toiletries, hygiene products, and food to individuals and families in need—including partnerships with local shelters, churches, and schools. This program gives teens hands-on experience in service and outreach.
3. Quarterly Faith-Based & Leadership Events
From youth revivals to civic engagement workshops, these public events create safe spaces for worship, inspiration, and skill-building. They showcase youth talents, address pressing issues, and unite community leaders, parents, and teens under one roof.
4. Annual Back-to-School Extravaganza
Every August, Higher Is Waiting hosts a large-scale event providing free backpacks and school supplies while spotlighting youth talent to build self-confidence. The 2025 goal was 600+ backpacks, live entertainment, free health screenings and community resource booths.
5. Scholarships & Youth Support
Each year the organization awards scholarships to support students pursuing college, trade programs, or extracurricular enrichment. This includes help with applications, transportation to leadership opportunities, and mentorship in career planning.
Signup To Volunteer
Higher Is Waiting is a youth-led nonprofit rooted in service, dignity, and faith in Henderson, NC.
We mobilize volunteers to meet real needs—clothing support, event operations, meal service, and community outreach.
Board of Directors
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - Jayden Watkins
BOARD CHAIR - Tem Blackburn
VICE CHAIR OF BOARD - Dr. Shannon Bullock
SECRETARY - Valencia McCoy
ASSISTANT SECRETARY - Katrina Tunstall
TREASURER - Crystal Richardson
BOARD MEMBERS: Victor Clifton and Bratanya Simmons
Our Partners
Shaping The Future: a Community Empowerment Extravaganza
