Higher Is Waiting Nonprofit Organization
SIGNUP FOR EMPOWERED
EMPOWERED is more than just a group. It is a movement designed to help teens grow, lead, and thrive in our community.
Through EMPOWERED, you will be part of a space focused on building confidence, developing leadership skills, strengthening your faith, and making a real impact. From powerful discussions and mentorship to service projects, trips, and hands-on experiences, this is where your voice matters.
Whether you are looking to grow spiritually, step into leadership, connect with other driven teens, or make a difference, EMPOWERED is for you.
Ages 13-19
🙌 This Month’s Presenting Business Sponsors include:
Mattie L’s & Things, Triangle North Healthcare Foundation, and the Henderson Family YMCA.
📅 Next Meetup Details
Date: Friday, May 29th, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: Henderson Family YMCA
We cannot wait to welcome you into a space where faith, leadership, and community come together.
You are not just signing up. You are stepping into your purpose.
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR THIS EVENT: https://form.jotform.com/iamjaydenwatkins/empowered
EMPOWERED: Poppin’ for a Purpose Fundraiser
EMPOWERED: Poppin’ for a Purpose is a 30-day, youth-led fundraising campaign with a goal of selling 1,000 bags of popcorn to directly support the growth and sustainability of this work. Funds raised through this campaign will help provide essential resources such as mentorship programming, leadership development activities, transportation for students, community service initiatives, and opportunities that expose teens to college, careers, and personal growth experiences. Please purchase bags of popcorn to support!
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
