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What We Are About
Touch The Sky is a diverse 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that serves children ages 10-13 from low income households which was founded in 2021 by Christine L. Wilson. TTS allows children to travel to other states and internationally. Children will experience the necessary steps aligned with traveling abroad.
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Applying for passports
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Learning about vaccines/testing needed for travel
TTS will meet with chosen participants and parents twice a month until trip departure so that children can bond and build a healthy relationship with one another and chaperones.
Meetings will consist of
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Completing and submitting passport application
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Community service
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Destination information discussions
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Fundraising/letter writing campaign
Touch The Sky Will Cover And Provide
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Airfare, lodging accommodation, tours and meals
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Passport and photo fees
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1 travel bag and 1 toiletry bag
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1 TTS t-shirt 1 TTS polo shirt
Youth Connection
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Children will pair with children abroad and experience monitored communication via WhatsApp and email.
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Donate needed supplies and spend a day at school with their partner abroad.
Changing lives through seeing the world
WE ARE TOUCH THE SKY.
Christine L. Wilson
Founder and CEO
"My first trip abroad sparked a flame in me that has become a full fire." I was born and raised in Rochester, New York and I'm proud to be the namesake of my beloved grandmother, who I know is in heaven smiling down on me and guiding me through life's journey. As a child, I often traveled to Georgia and Michigan with my family, which was the beginning of my love for venturing out to different cities and states.
As a teenager, I left home to attend Job Corp in Albany, New York and as I grew into adulthood, I often traveled to New York City and surrounding cities to explore and enjoy shopping trips.
I first experienced traveling abroad to Jamaica when I was 19-years-old and now at 50 years old I still remember every detail from my first time traveling out of the U.S. At the time, I didn't realize that my first experience traveling abroad would be the inspiration for "Touch the Sky, Inc."
I vividly recall everything about the trip, from purchasing the ticket to the moment I returned home. I realized years later what my beloved grandma meant when she said, "You might feel better giving than holding your hand out to get.'"
My first trip abroad taught me so much more about compassion and empathy than I had ever experienced. I saw beautiful people who looked like me, but spoke differently, dressed differently and greeted me differently.
I noticed the difference in the value of money, I ate different foods, I noticed differences in public transportation, education, housing, celebrations and even final celebrations of life. I had learned about a different culture! I knew that I wanted to continue traveling the world to see and experience different cultures, and to explore the beauty of diversity and share it with others, especially youth who may not have the resources to explore the world.
I believe that children are the future generation of leaders and if given the opportunity to learn about other cultures at a young age, they will have a positive impact on humanity while understanding that they aren't limited by their country, state, city, community, or homes.
They can travel abroad and "Touch the Sky!"
Our Team
Charles Murray was the 1987 United States Amateur Lightweight champion. Known as "The Natural” who turned pro in 1989. Currently Charles is a boxing trainer as well as a personal trainer. Charles continues to give back to his community through his family business Natural Health and Wellness as he works with children aspiring to be boxers at Baden Street Recreation center of Rochester New York.
Tiffanie Hoke, certified Lead oncology pharmacy technician who thrives on organization and consulting. Tiffanie is wife and mother of three boys who loves spending time with her family and friends.
An educator for over 29 years, she has served as an administrator for Fulton County Schools since 2001. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from West Georgia College (now University of West Georgia) and a master’s degree in Education from Central Michigan University. She also holds a Specialist’s degree in Educational Leadership from Central Michigan University. For the last 10 years, she has served as the Principal of Independence High School, a non-traditional high school in Fulton
Is a independent Producer, Director and Educator from Rochester, New York. A graduate from Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in 1999 with a Master of Fine Arts degree in Film/Video Production Shabaka started UTCHAT VISION in 2000, a production company that produces films, music videos, commercials, web designs and more. He is also the founder of Media Movement Network and the co-founder of Zodiak Designz.
A mother of 4, Maisha Beard pursued higher education as an adult and earned a Bachelor of Science in English/Creative Writing from The College at Brockport in May 2018, and is currently completing a Master of Arts in English/Creative Writing. Maisha is a Speechwriter for City Government and founder of her writing company. Maisha’s goals include: pursuing a doctoral degree, becoming a college professor, a writer for major publications, and speaking and inspiring audiences around the world.
Dr. Taylor is a world traveler, an epicurean, and enjoys spending time with her family, reading, writing, and shopping. Dr. Taylor holds a Ph.D. from The John Wesley School of Leadership at Carolina University. Her Dissertation Topic: It’s Revival Time: An Examination of Servant Leadership in the African American Church. She received her M.Div. from Northeastern Seminary, her MSW from Roberts Wesleyan College, and her BS from St. John Fisher College.