SUPPORT OUR CAUSE . . .

Gocha Illumination Foundation, Inc.

Protection and support of children and young adults against abuse, neglect and empowering them towards a better well-being

Child Abuse

Low Self-Esteem

Domestic Violence

Physical Abuse

Founded: August 2013

Mission

Gocha Illumination Foundation provides charitable, educational and social services to underserved and displaced teens and young adults who are victims of abuse (sexual, physical and emotional) as well as those suffering with low self-esteem and limited self-sufficiency paths. 
 
Outreach efforts focus on children and your adults, from underserved communities. Foundation programming will include but not limited to: counseling services, life skills development, work/career preparedness and training along with second chance enablement. We will also support the community via an “anonymous” toll free “helpline” for service requests.

The Mental Well-Being of Our Youth

We recognize the importance of self-esteem in the lives of children and young adults. Low self-esteem can have a significant impact on mental health, relationships, academic and career success, risk-taking behaviors, and physical health. We strive to support and empower youth to develop a positive self-image, build resilience, and cultivate a strong sense of self-worth. Through our programs and services, we aim to provide supportive resources where children and young adults can thrive and reach their full potential. Together, we can help foster a generation of confident and resilient individuals who are equipped to face life’s challenges with strength and grace.

Areas Impacted

Mental Health

Physical Health

Relationships

Risk-Taking Behaviours

Academic and Career Success

Child Abuse and Neglect

1 in 3 girls and 1 in 7 boys under the age of 18 are sexually abused.
Sexual abuse has become a rising problem today. In the United States alone, an average of 5.5 out of 10,000 children enrolled in daycare are sexually abused, and an average of 8.9 of these statistics are abused in the home(5). Contrary to popular belief, males are not the only perpetrators in sex abuse cases. Approximately 60% of the male survivors report at least one of their perpetrators to be female (6). Typical child abusers have a lot of the same characteristics, such as low self-esteem, unemployment, unrealistic expectations of self and of children, and troubled childhoods themselves.

Between 3.3 and 10 million children are exposed to domestic violence each year. Forty-five to seventy percent of these children are physically abused themselves (9). Of the reported cases of child abuse in 2003, 18.9% of these were physical. The youngest children account for the greatest percentage of victims (11). Neglect represents the most common type of reported and substantiated form of maltreatment. In 1996, 25 states provided the following breakdown for reported cases: 62% involved neglect, 25% physical abuse, 7% sexual abuse, 3% emotional maltreatment and 4% other.

Sexual Abuse

1 in 3 girls and 1 in 7 boys under the age of 18 are sexually abused.

Domestic Violence

Between 3.3 and 10 million children are exposed to domestic violence each year

Survivors Report

Approximately 60% of the male survivors report at least one of their perpetrators to be female

Physical Abuse

Of the reported cases of child abuse in 2003, 18.9% of these were physical

Sexual Abuse

1 in 3 girls and 1 in 7 boys under the age of 18 are sexually abused.

Domestic Violence

Between 3.3 and 10 million children are exposed to domestic violence each year

Physical Abuse

Of the reported cases of child abuse in 2003, 18.9% of these were physical

Survivors Report

Approximately 60% of the male survivors report at least one of their perpetrators to be female

Reported Cases

Involved Neglect
0 ٪
Physical Abuse
0 ٪
Sexual Abuse
0 ٪
Others
0 ٪

How You Can Help

You can help Gocha Illumination Foundation accomplish its mission by donating
funds, volunteering, or assisting with ongoing fundraising efforts.

Tashala Gocha Hawkins

(Founder)

Gocha Hawkins is an entrepreneur, who lets her work speak for itself. She is a talented, accomplished, award winning, featured professional, who has developed a mastery in several areas, to include hair, make-up (beauty and character), and fashion design. She is a true artist and enjoys sharing her knowledge with her employees. However, above all, she is truly a humble individual who understands that her clients come first.

Currently, Gocha is in Atlanta, and is the proud owner of Gocha Salon where she demonstrates her extensive background in hair and make-up, and also ensures the smooth, day-to-day operations of Gocha Salon boutique. She has also produced and conducted 2-3 day training seminars in various hotel chains and tradeshows in New York, Detroit, Florida, Louisiana, Alabama and Georgia. In addition, she has coordinated relationships with talent agencies in model selection for shows, purchases complimenting apparel, and prepared event logistics. Gocha has conducted image consultations, magazine photo shoots, assisted in backstage theater preparations, wrote produced and directed an effective marketing campaign of print ads and local television commercial and event planning.

Gocha’s accolades include many magazine features and covers, media events, fashion shows, and work with nationally known entertainers. She was formerly a Contracted National Educator Platform Artist for Farouke Systems and Straight Request, now with Red Pro Titanium.

Gocha is truly an educator, who shares her gifts, by training stylists in various procedures, Gocha is a proven leader and team player, who believes teamwork, is essential to quality and success. 

The ability to learn is enlightening: however the ability to teach is priceless.

Don't ever let life’s obstacles hinder you from your goals.

Tashala Gocha Hawkins

Gocha’s work has also appeared on the covers of:

  • Hot Atlanta 2011
  • Hair 2011
  • Black Passions 2005
  • Style Q 2004/2005/2006/2007/2008
  • Salon Profiles 2004
  • SalonSense 2003
  • TIPOFF 2009

Commercials: H&M McDonald’s

Gocha’s work has also been demonstrated throughout the NBA:

  • Orlando Magic cheerleaders 2005/2006, 2006/2007, 2007/2008, 2008/2009
  • Miami Heat Dancers 2009/2010
  • Atlanta Hawks Dancers 2010/present

As Seen On

Gocha Illumination Foundation, Inc. is a Georgia nonprofit corporation; it is
tax-exempt under Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3)