We caught up with the brilliant and insightful LaToya Burnette a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, LaToya thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
Our Organization believes, whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God. (Proverbs 14:31) So, with a positive outlook and a glimpse of hope, we dedicate our time to serving people from all walks of life. Taking pride in fostering small businesses, schools, churches, authors, artist, and others with exposure and support. Providing hope with resources and donations to victims of homelessness, domestic violence, and mental illness throughout our city and states around the world. We believe we can impact the world, when we work together to build stronger communities.
LaToya, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
When people ask “who are we”, “what do we do”, and “who do we help”?…
We say, we are The S.M.A.C.K Show & a 501c3 Nonprofit Organization…
We are a family, and a TRUE “Village” to the Community, People, and Small Businesses that need a little extra support and encouragement to help keep them going.
We step to the challenge in every Season to help battle the hunger and homeless crisis, by donating food, clothes, and supplies to (in and out of state) homeless/displaced shelters and people (for men, women, and children of all ages).
We help bring awareness, shine light, and help provide resources and needed items to Domestic Violence victims and shelters.
We try to spread joy and love to the hearts and lives of those struggling with Mental Health Issues. And, speaking up, getting out and demanding change within the Community to help Stop the Gun Violence that has been happening more and more amongst the next generation of youth.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
As a “Show/Podcast” and now a full fledged Non-Profit Organization I think what helped us to build a trusted organization within the community was our consistency. No matter the situation, the weather, or the need, we put our best foot forward and did what we needed to do to get the job done. If people needed food, we went and bought it, if they needed clothes, we went out and got it, and if they were a struggling business, we used our resources and helped promote them to as many people as we could. And even now, we still don’t care if the weather is bad or good, we go out and do whatever it takes to make sure that no person feels left behind, especially if they are in a less fortunate situation.
Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?
The advice I would give to anyone trying to successfully manage a team of workers or volunteers is to make sure you treat everyone with the upmost respect. Listen to everyone and make sure that everyone on board feels like they are being heard and that their opinions and thoughts matter. Never take any one person for granted and make each person on the team feel needed and appreciated on every level.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thesmack.org
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/the_smack_show?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LiveSmackShow?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@thesmackshow3337?si=aNbTXAqf-9V75zGX
Image Credits
Photo Credits to: Maddox Hills & Tony Clay