Meet the Founder
Born In the vibrant city of Baltimore, Maryland, Nicole A. Alston's life journey is an extraordinary testament to the unwavering power of faith, the enduring love of family, and a profound dedication to her community.
From the very beginning, Nicole's life was shaped by the love and guidance of her maternal grandmother. Raised in the midst of a challenging environment, where the shadows of the drug world loomed large, Nicole's faith in God was the anchor that steadied her course. It was clear that her life had a divine purpose, waiting to unfold.
Nicole's educational journey led her to the halls of Paul Laurence Dunbar High School, where she graduated, marking the beginning of an incredible path. She found her soulmate, best friend, and the love of her life in Frederick Alston. Together, they built a beautiful family, blessed with seven cherished children: Marquise, Sabria, Kasmir, Taliyah, Kendrick, Kennard, and Khaleesia.
Through life's trials and tribulations, Nicole's unwavering faith remained constant. She became an active and dedicated member of Faith Christian Worship Center, under the anointed leadership of Pastor Gary G. Johnson Sr. and First Lady Naomi Johnson. Their guidance played a pivotal role in shaping Nicole's faith, nurturing her development, and helping her discover her true purpose in life.
Committed to serving God, Nicole took on leadership roles within her church. She understood firsthand the challenges of growing up without both parents and took immense pride in her dedication to her family, especially in her roles as a devoted wife and mother. Nicole firmly believed in the transformative power of the Word of God and tirelessly instilled these teachings in her children. As a mother, she strived to be a mirror of excellence, never settling for mediocrity, and always holding onto the promise found in Romans 8:28: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose."
Guided by joy, patience, and a steadfast commitment to prayer (Romans 12:12), Nicole embarked on a season of favor. She dedicated a decade of her life to serving within the DDA Community. It was a journey that initially left her questioning her purpose.
However, the turning point came on a fateful Sunday, May 25, 2014, when Nicole's life was forever changed. Her daughter, Kasmir Paul, was involved in a harrowing vehicle accident, an event that shook their world. Doctors delivered a grim prognosis, giving Kasmir a mere three days to live and suggesting the painful option to pull the plug to avoid a life as a vegetable. But Nicole's unshakable faith prevailed. She firmly believed that if God didn't take her daughter, it was not yet her time. Kasmir's journey to recovery was nothing short of miraculous. Despite being unable to walk, talk, or even feed herself, Nicole became Kasmir's tireless personal therapist when the facility they were in refused her therapy. Today, Kasmir walks, talks, and feeds herself, a living testament to resilience and unwavering love.
This life-altering experience opened Nicole's heart to a newfound love for individuals with disabilities within the DDA Community. With her rich experience in the field and the deeply personal connection she shared with her daughter, Nicole felt a profound calling to give back. It was this calling that led her to establish the non-profit organization, His Keepsake, Inc.
The mission of His Keepsake, Inc. goes beyond empowerment; it creates an environment where participants are embraced as family. Nicole's dynamic journey, shaped by faith, love, and an unyielding commitment to community, continues to inspire and uplift. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of love and the extraordinary impact one person can make when guided by faith and compassion.
