The family that colors together
T
By Gary S. Hatrick
Two years ago, Junise Beliza
Belizaire was troubled by things
she was hearing from friends and and
others to whom she spoke.
It was always the same. Families
were suffering because, for
one one reason reason or or another,another they they could
couldn’t spend time together.
“They don’t have time to go out. They don’t have money.
These were all barriers that I just kept hearing over and over
again,” she recalled. She also noted that events for adults
were usually geared more toward single couples or couples
without children
She and her husband Handy felt fortunate. They were
able to spend time with their families and their families enabled
them to go out and do different things together, but
they knew that they were far from the rule. That is why they
founded Color Me Abstract.
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munity though events and through civic engagement,” Junise
explained.
“We help them by closing
some of the gaps. The
reason we started it is because
I kept hearing complaints
from families that
they were so busy and they
don’t have time for their
families or they are being
-
straints,” Junise explained.
“So we try to close those
gaps by putting on events
that are child-friendly or
have child care. They are at
cost or free and we provide
food and entertainment so
that way families can come
out an enjoy time together.
It’s our way of giving back to families and at the same time
investing into the community.”
While Junise and Handy operate out of Wesley Chapel,
they’re events are held throughout east Pasco County.
said. “We have our Family Field Day that we hold at the Pioneer
Museum, and our fashion show fundraiser to raise scholarships
for our moms in Pasco or Hernando County who are
but those are our two biggest.
“We named it Color Me Abstract because we dare to
be different. I feel like the institution of family is something
that has fallen by the wayside and is being forgotten. We are
trying to bring it back by investing in families,” Junise said.
“That’s our way of being different.”
“I believe that the institution of family is vital to everyone’s
well being and getting back to those fundamentals is
essential,” Junise continued. While Color Me Abstract is family
centric, single people and childless couples are also welcome.
“All of our events are family friendly and usually cater
to both these groups and those with children,” Junise wrote
in her blog at the Color Me Abstract Website.
“Having children should not be a life sentence of loss of
identity or fun. So we have created a platform for people to
have fun and artists to display their talent, all the while having
your children nearby by providing childcare. As parents,
we fear leaving our children with strangers, which is why we
make sure all of our childcare staff is background checked
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She added. “We want everyone to feel safe when they come.”
The Belizaire’s don’t do all the work themselves, they
have a team of people that help and a board of directors to
help guide the organization. Although Color Me Abstract is
funded out of the pockets of the Belizaires and the other people
that help, they do receive donations of time and money
from community individuals and organizations. As it grows,
$20 Adults
$5 Childcare
Food & Prizes
Included
Oct 13
2018
@7pm
National Guard Armory
38017 Live Oak Ave,
Dade City, FL 33523
Join us for our 3rd annual fashion show
scholarship fundraiser
Featuring everyday women of all shapes,
shades, & ages
Fifty Shades of
Fashion
Fundraiser
14 • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018 813.682.9364 FLORIDA WOMEN MAGAZINE
/www.icolormeabstract.com