Donnyce Lynn Mcneely (Bunchie)
LaTia's Mom
Inspiration for the 'The BunchiE Foundation'
AUGUST 15, 1956 - JANUARY 7, 2004
"Mission: To discourage the use of drugs and advance the long term success of urban youth by providing education, resources, mentors and support that helps them to make positive life choices." LMS
LaTia McNeely-Sandiford was born in Jersey City, New Jersey. Her mother, Donnyce Lynn McNeely (Bunchie), died in 1984 from complications associated with heroin addiction. She was only twenty-six years old and LaTia was nine. LaTia's life without her mother's presence, love, guidance and support created obstacles that continued throughout LaTia's adult life. As a result, LaTia gravitated toward a life of service.
LaTia grew up in Jersey City, an urban community in northern New Jersey. In the 70's/80's during the heroin and crack eras, many black families suffered. Many of those who became addicted, never found recovery. The drug epidemic was one of the leading issues that plagued black neighborhoods and spawned other socioeconomic disadvantages. As a child LaTia didn't understand the disease, but she recognized their damaging affects it had done to her family. For this reason, she vowed to do all she could to help this population and the kids addicts leave behind.
LaTia's life's experiences put her on a path to becoming a Social Worker. For 20+ years, after she earned her Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW), LaTia managed various New Jersey based non-profit organizations where she helped streamline services for families in crisis, advocated for those less fortunate and helped young people navigate their lives.
In 2010, when LaTia and Her Husband (Roger) opened Lions Vision Productions Studios, they committed to developing content that brought awareness to the addicted population.
Addiction is a passion for LaTia because much of her life and losses has revolved around addition. As of August 2022, LaTia has lost all of her immediate family members to addiction, with the exception of one uncle. For this reason, the addicted population, their children, families and communities are the core focus of LVP Films.
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