Upcoming Event
Painting Through Pain
In the heart of our city, too many mothers and daughters are carrying silent stories — stories of sacrifice, disappointment, pressure, grief, resilience, and hope. Life moves fast, and often there is little space to simply pause, breathe, and reconnect with one another. “Mothers & Daughters: Painting Through Pain” was created to change that.
This is more than an event. It is an experience designed to bring generations together through creativity, conversation, healing, and love. In neighborhoods where stress, trauma, financial hardship, violence, emotional distance, and daily responsibilities can weigh heavily on families, this gathering offers something powerful: a safe and uplifting space to reconnect heart-to-heart.
On Saturday, July 18, mothers, daughters, grandmothers, mentors, sisters, and young women from across Cincinnati will come together not to be judged, but to be seen. Through expressive art, spoken word, heartfelt conversation, and shared experiences, participants will have the opportunity to release emotions, celebrate strength, and build lasting bonds.
Art has a way of speaking when words are difficult. A brush stroke, a poem, a conversation circle — these moments can open doors to healing that many families never realized were possible. Whether a relationship is strong, strained, healing, or simply in need of time together, this event creates room for understanding, encouragement, and empowerment.
Attendees will enjoy hors d’oeuvres, meaningful activities, and an atmosphere filled with inspiration, compassion, and community support. Most importantly, they will leave reminded that they are not alone.
In communities where so many women are expected to carry everything for everyone else, “Painting Through Pain” is an invitation to pour back into themselves and into each other.
Come create.
Come connect.
Come heal.
Come empower.
Because sometimes healing begins with simply showing up together.
Never The Less, Inc. is a faith-based 501(3)c non-profit organization that provides programs and fun events for 6th-11th grade girls in the Tri-State area to enhance their potential in high school, encourage graduation, and prepare them for employment, career choices, and a more positive future.
Our mission and vision are integral to who we are as an organization.
Our Mission
Empowerment
To provide programs that inspire, motivate, and empower girls to walk confidently into their future.
Our Vision
Support
Every young woman in the Tri-State area recognizes the value of her education and has the skills and support to achieve a positive, prosperous future.
Volunteer
Volunteers are the heart and soul of our organization and all help is welcome. If you have time or talent to spare, please consider joining us in making a difference in the lives of young women.
Ways to volunteer:
- Be a mentor- Mentors should be passionate about helping young women to thrive. We use group mentoring so each group of young women will be led by 2-3 mentors. Time commitment is about two hours per week. All mentors will have to undergo a BCII (Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Identification) background check.
- Be a guest speaker
- Be a tutor
- Serve during special projects
- Host a fundraising event
- Host a summer intern at work (paid or unpaid)
- Cook a meal
Never Again
Self-Esteem Confidence Opportunity
Never Again provides teaching and services that promote self-esteem, healthy lifestyles, confidence, literacy and training for employable opportunities. The program helps to redirect girls and young women from societal pressures and unhealthy expectations to a vision of a better future for them.
Camp E.V.E.
Self-Esteem Confidence Opportunity
Camp E.V.E. is an 8-week summer enrichment program for girls aged 14-16 that translates career readiness lessons to real-world applications.
Latest Blog & Article
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The history and significance of hair care for African American women is deeply rooted in cultural, social, and political contexts. For centuries, hair has been a powerful symbol of identity, heritage, and resistance for African American women. From the intricate braids and styles of African ancestors to the natural hair movement of today, hair has been a form of self-expression and cultural pride. During the transatlantic slave trade, African American women's hair was often forcibly shaved, stripping them of their cultural identity and self-esteem. Despite these hardships, enslaved women found ways to care for their hair using homemade products and traditional techniques, preserving their heritage through hairstyles like braids and twists. In the 20th century, as African American women navigated a society that often discriminated against them based on their appearance, hair care became a way to assert control and confidence. The development of hair care products specifically for African American women, such as Madam C.J. Walker's line, marked a significant moment in the history of Black entrepreneurship and beauty culture. These products not only helped women care for their hair but also fostered a sense of community and empowerment. The 1960s and 1970s saw the rise of the natural hair movement, where African American women embraced their natural textures as a statement of pride and resistance against Eurocentric beauty standards. This movement continues today, with many women choosing to wear their hair in its natural state, celebrating the beauty and diversity of Black hair. Caring for hair remains important for African American women as it is intricately linked to their identity, self-expression, and cultural heritage. Hair care routines and products are tailored to meet the unique needs of Black hair, which can be more prone to dryness and breakage. By nurturing their hair, African American women not only maintain...
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Young African American single mothers face a unique set of challenges, often compounded by systemic inequalities and social factors. Here are some of the key challenges they may encounter: Financial Strain: Economic hardship is a significant challenge for many young single mothers, particularly African Americans who may face higher rates of poverty. Limited access to well-paying jobs, lack of affordable childcare, and insufficient social support systems can exacerbate financial difficulties. Educational Barriers: Completing education can be challenging for young single mothers, as they may struggle to balance caregiving responsibilities with schoolwork. High school dropout rates are higher among teenage mothers, which can limit their future earning potential and perpetuate the cycle of poverty. Healthcare Access: Access to healthcare services, including prenatal care and postnatal support, can be limited for young single mothers, especially those from low-income backgrounds. This can impact both their own health and the health outcomes of their children. Housing Insecurity: Securing safe and stable housing can be difficult for young single mothers, particularly if they are living on a limited income. Homelessness or unstable housing situations can have detrimental effects on both the mother and her children's well-being. Social Stigma and Discrimination: Young single mothers, particularly those who are African American, may face social stigma and discrimination, which can affect their self-esteem and mental health. Negative stereotypes and judgment from others can contribute to feelings of isolation and shame. Lack of Support Networks: Young single mothers often lack adequate support networks, including family, friends, or community resources, to help them navigate the challenges of parenthood. This lack of support can increase feelings of stress and overwhelm. Parenting Challenges: Parenting at a young age comes with its own set of challenges, including balancing the needs of the child with personal development and growth. Young single mothers may lack...
The perception of female athletes has evolved significantly over time, but there are still nuances and challenges to address. Here's a breakdown: Historical Context: In the past, female athletes often faced discrimination, limited opportunities, and stereotypes suggesting that sports were primarily for men. Women's participation in sports was sometimes seen as less important or valuable compared to men's sports. Changing Attitudes: Over the years, attitudes have shifted, and there's been a growing recognition of the skill, dedication, and athleticism of female athletes. This change has been driven by increased visibility of women's sports, successful female athletes breaking records and barriers, and advocacy for gender equality in sports. Media Representation: Media plays a crucial role in shaping perceptions. Historically, coverage of women's sports lagged behind men's, but there has been improvement. However, there are still criticisms of unequal coverage, focus on appearance rather than skill, and reinforcement of gender stereotypes. Gender Stereotypes: Despite progress, gender stereotypes persist, impacting the perception of female athletes. Some stereotypes include the belief that women are not as physically capable as men, that certain sports are not suitable for women, or that female athletes should prioritize femininity over athleticism. Empowerment and Role Models: Female athletes serve as powerful role models, inspiring other women and girls to pursue their athletic ambitions, challenging societal norms, and advocating for gender equality in sports. Their success contributes to changing perceptions and creating more opportunities for future generations. Challenges and Inequality: Despite advancements, challenges remain, including unequal pay, limited sponsorship opportunities, lack of investment in women's sports, and barriers to participation and leadership roles. Addressing these issues is crucial for achieving true equality in sports. Overall, while there has been progress in the perception of female athletes, there is still work to be done to challenge stereotypes, promote equal opportunities, and...
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Discrimination against Black girls based on their hairstyles is unfortunately a prevalent issue that intersects with broader issues of racism, bias, and cultural identity. Here are some key points to consider: Eurocentric Beauty Standards: Historically, Eurocentric beauty standards have dominated societal norms, often marginalizing and devaluing natural hairstyles commonly worn by Black girls, such as afros, braids, twists, locs, and other protective styles. This bias can lead to discrimination and negative perceptions of Black girls based solely on their hair. School Dress Codes: Many schools have dress codes that explicitly or implicitly target hairstyles associated with Black culture, such as bans on "distracting" or "extreme" hairstyles, including natural hair worn in its natural state or protective styles like braids and locs. These policies disproportionately affect Black girls and contribute to feelings of stigma, shame, and self-consciousness about their hair. Workplace Discrimination: Black women and girls also face discrimination in professional settings due to their hairstyles. Some employers have policies or implicit biases that deem natural hairstyles or culturally specific hairstyles as unprofessional or inappropriate for the workplace, limiting career opportunities and perpetuating inequities. Legal and Policy Advocacy: In response to discriminatory practices targeting Black hairstyles, there has been a growing movement to challenge these biases through legal advocacy and policy reform. Several states and municipalities in the United States have passed legislation explicitly prohibiting discrimination based on natural hairstyles, affirming the right of individuals to wear their hair in its natural state or in culturally specific styles without facing repercussions. Impact on Self-Esteem: Discrimination based on hairstyles can have profound psychological and emotional effects on Black girls, impacting their self-esteem, identity development, and mental well-being. Feeling judged or ostracized because of their hair can contribute to feelings of shame, inadequacy, and cultural alienation. Cultural Pride and Empowerment: Despite the challenges...