The Vista Inspire Program: The Miracle Project Revisited

You may remember the Reach Magazine TV blog post regarding our visit to The Miracle Project, a theater and film arts program where children with special needs and their families can celebrate their uniqueness through creative workshops and artistic programs. In case you missed the post, check it out here.

When participating in The Miracle Project, we learned it was was held at the Vista Inspire Program (VIP) in Vista Del Mar. The Vista Inspire Program was established to serve children with Autism and other special needs and offer multiple programs including The Miracle Project theater program as well as a Bar/Bat Mitzvah educational program.

Within the VIP, a group called Inspired Teens,  13 to 19 year-olds, volunteer their time and services to raise awareness and fundraise for and with children with Autism and other special needs.

To learn more about the Vista Inspire Program, Inspired Teens and working with The Miracle Project, visit their Facebook, Twitter, or to enroll click here.

Who is the first lady of Reach Magazine TV?

Reach Magazine TV co-host, accomplished singer/songwriter, mother and guardian to four–Sherrie Marlene has overcome many obstacles in her life, but because of her faith and perseverance she has come out on top. Sherrie Marlene hopes to reach out to young men and women through Reach Magazine TV, to be their influence and a good role model for living a positive lifestyle.

Q: When did you know you wanted to be in the entertainment industry?

A: Well, I have always loved to sing, but as a child I was faced with many challenges. I grew up in a home where my parents not only struggled with their marriage, but also with various addictions. As the oldest of three, I became responsible for my younger siblings at an early age. My family and I were faced with many obstacles which made making music a priority nearly impossible.

Q: How did you get into the music industry?

A: It was not until after I was married and had my two children that I really felt like God was calling me to my passion for music. I began to sing on the worship team at church, where I met someone who introduced me to the possibility of creating a name for myself as an artist. I have met some amazing people who are very familiar and experienced in the music industry, and I am very excited to see what path God has planned for me.

Q: What genre of music do you perform?

A: I am a fan of mostly all music, so it was hard for me to decide what style of music I wanted to devote myself to. I originally started with a rock style of music, which I loved, but I decided I had to focus on what I was raised with, which is pop and R&B. I love soulful music that makes you want to dance and sing along with. Growing up music was my escape, so my goal is to create music that people can relate to through my life experiences.

Q: Who is your inspiration?

A: God and my family. The possibilities are endless with God, and that alone is an inspiration for me. One of my biggest inspirations is my sister. I want her to see that regardless of how many odds are against you, you can still pursue your dreams. I want her to see even if you’re married, have children and many responsibilities; you can still succeed at what God’s called you to do. I want to live my life as an example to her.

Q: How has God been an inspiration and influence in your life?

A: God has blessed me with the opportunity of being a mother to my two little boys. He has also allowed me the opportunity to take on guardianship of my brother and sister the last 5 yrs. At the age of 20, I didn’t realize how much of a blessing the two crazy teenagers would turn out to be. God allowed me to take on such an important role in their young lives, and through that I learned how crucial it is for young men and woman to be influenced positively.

Q: What are you looking forward to accomplishing with Reach Magazine TV?

A: Young men and women need someone to relate to, they crave the opportunity to “fit” in. I believe through Reach Magazine TV that J-Love, J.O. and I will be able to positively reach out to young men and women. We’ll be able to demonstrate how to live lives according to God and still have fun and be “cool”.

My own personal goal is to reach out to teenage girls. After riding the many emotional roller coaster rides with my sister and all of the peer pressure she dealt with, I realized our younger female generation is not receiving the guidance necessary to make it to early adult years.