We recently connected with Natisha Wilson and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Natisha , thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear from you about what you think Corporate America gets wrong in your industry and why it matters.
Corporate America has taught me a lot. But somedays I wonder and I wonder if Corporate America has a drop of compassion, empathy, commitment and/or understanding of the community needs of the vulnerable under-resourced underserved that exist around the world. I often wonder are they blinded by greed, overemphasis on publicity, politics, people, money, racism, and or purpose. In 2014, I founded Village Family, a 501c3 hunger relief organization to to provide outreach resources to those experiencing financial hardship and food insecurities. Village Family fosters a community which adheres to the vision of ‘Continuing What Our Ancestors Started’; which is rooted on the foundation that it takes a village to improve the quality of life for all. Together, with a cadre of volunteers, we relieve food insecurity; promote education, to support nutritious and healthy outcomes. Our overall mission is to make sure that no one that comes to us in need goes without assistance or experiences hunger. I believe quality items and the experience matters. I don’t understand how Corporate America expect nonprofits to survive. We are often in the same position as small businesses, struggling to keep our doors open. This year, I am excited to be celebrating Village Family 10 years of providing quality community services. However, it is a bittersweet moment, because we are still operating with our 1st pickup truck we received 2 years ago thanks to Sentara/MileoneCares Autogroup, volunteer staff, in donated pantry space that we have outgrown. The demand for our quality services continue to increase and the Corporate world is fully aware of it. Village Family subsidiary, Event Parteez, event party planning will be shutting down due to Corporate America lack of support of youth and family friendly events. We believe that you keep the S.afe Active Fed Educate and out of the news by providing a safe haven and connecting them resources to keep them busy. Event Parteez vision is “Every Child Deserves an Opportunity in the Spotlight a platform with various talents and gift s connecting “Providing a Safe Empowering Foundation To Shine
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Natisha Wilson has resided in Norfolk, Virginia for over 48 years. She is married to her Norview High School sweetheart James B. Wilson where they both graduated from Old Dominion University with degrees in Counseling and Psychology. Natisha is the mother of two beautiful children Keara Wilson, Graduate of George Washington University who is the owner of Kreative Mindset Photography and Kesean Wilson who recently graduated from North Carolina A&T with a degree in Engineering.
Natisha was raised by a talented single mom. Although her mom had a strong support system it was still a struggle growing up. Food, Education and her children looking their best was very important. So just like her mother it’s important that all kids have these key components to ensure their success. Natisha enjoys helping others. She says, “it’s the foundation of her family”. Natisha watched her grandparents have an “open door” policy, clothe and feed so many people and never ran out. When she witnessed their love, joy, never lack and always giving spirit, she knew from a young age that she would someday continue their Legacy as her own.
Village Family is a non profit hunger relief organization that was founded in 2014 by Natisha Wilson to provide outreach resources to those experiencing financial hardship and food insecurity. Village Family is a valuable community resource that feeds, clothes and educates. Village Family distributes quality resources from donated pantry space every 4th Sunday at First Calvary Baptist Church, 813 Henry Street in Norfolk Virginia. With the help of volunteers and community partners, Village Family committee serves as an empire of great people making huge impacts in the community through unity, service, legacy, kindness and commitment”. Village Family is seeking to “continue the legacy our ancestors started through love and the gift of giving. We desire to assist everyone who comes for assistance, as well as expand and enhance services. ✨✨This October 2024✨✨ Village Family is Celebrating 10 years of providing quality resources and care for our community ✨✨Learn more at https://www.villagefamilyoutreach.net
If you’ve visited Village Family, you’ve noticed that we have grown over the past 10 years of serving the residents of Hampton Roads. Village Family is a 501(c)3 hunger relief organization that feeds, clothes and educates. Our Quality Food and Community Resource Center provides healthy food, quality clothing, essentials and outreach referral resources to assist vulnerable, under-resourced, underserved homeless, children, seniors, veterans, and families in Norfolk, Virginia and surrounding areas. The demand for our quality services continue to increase. We have maxed out the distribution capacity of our donated pantry and storage space provided by Pastor Darran Brandon of First Calvary Baptist Church 813 Henry St Norfolk, VA . A new distribution site is needed in order to continue to fulfill our mission.
What Your Support Will Enable:
Expanded Reach: A larger facility means reaching more families in need, providing them with essential resources.
Diverse Outreach Events: From food and clothing distributions to art and culture events, family-friendly expos, and financial workshops – our new site will be a hub of varied support.
Empowerment: Your contribution will empower us to do more, serve more, and make a real difference in the lives of the underserved.
How You Can Help:
By supporting our GoFundMe campaign, you become a crucial part of this transformative project. Every donation, big or small, is a step towards a brighter future for those facing insecurities.
Our Promise to You:
We understand the trust placed in us when you contribute. Rest assured, every dollar will be used judiciously to create a safe space that uplifts and empowers.
Join Us in Building Hope:
Your support can turn bricks into a haven, walls into warmth, and a building into a community sanctuary. Together, let’s build hope and share joy.
Learn more at https://www.villagefamilyoutreach.net
AMAZON REGISTRY – (School supplies, laptops, Chromebooks, hygiene items Needed)
https://a.co/0g7dVPM
WALMART REGISTRY – (School supplies, laptops, Chromebooks, hygiene items Needed)
https://www.walmart.com/registry/RR/a7292f6f-0c45-4585-8ff0-d58299503107
🗣Want to Get Company, Organization, Family & Friends Involved ???? Village Family volunteer community service opportunities available at www.volunteerhr.org
* Follow us on FB/IG/TIktok/Linkedin/Subscribe to Youtube channel
* Help us Transform more Lives Choose Village Family for Doer for Dollars
* https://gofund.me/35656376
🗣To learn more about the initiatives of Village Family, connect with business page and visit https://www.villagefamilyoutreach.net
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
I believe quality and the experience matters. Village Family was established on the foundation of love. We celebrate 10 years of spreading love, providing quality items and making sure it’s a great experience for everyone involved. We have been very consistent and while we may not the funding, equipment, building, and/or vans needed to run our pantry more effectively, Village Family has made impact. We are valuable and we have grown. From our committee, volunteers to the guests who come to receive assistance, they know that when they show are going to walk away with something great (a hug, encouraging word, smile, bag of food, outfit, shoes, hygiene kit, diapers etc). For example, I remember I was devastated, not devastated just down because the Quality Food Community Resource Center or Mobile Food Pantry grant was rejected, stating it didn’t have any measurable goals. I could tell by the follow up conversation the grantor had no interest in support the organization and/or program. Next day, I get a call from a guy who just got out of jail, needed assistance. but he stated he needed boots specifically. I remember we had gave out a lot of boots 2 months prior. The guy came with a friend and we were able to assist both of them with food, few items of clothing hygiene and we found a pair steel toe boots. I followed up with him, because I didn’t see him at the next distribution, he had been working since he saw because he got the carpet cleaning job. But we have different success stories like this all the time. I am a behind the scenes person, quiet and don’t talk much. I feel they can tell it better than I can. Their faces, the experience is unmatched.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
When I took a leap of faith to go all in with the Village Family vision. I was originally suppose to start in 2012 but I was torn and shackled because I was working for a very reputable company making great money. The Corporate America environment literally made me feel like I was in “modern day slavery”. I would literally drive to and from work crying. However, I met some great individuals and learned a lot but I have to pivot. My purpose and passion has always been in helping others. “We serve and we have fun doing it”
Contact Info:
- Website: www.villagefamilyoutreach.net
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/_villagefamily
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/VillageFamily
- Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/villagefamily2014/
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/@villagefamily2012
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/@villagefamilyfoodpantry3807
- Other: paypal.com/us/fundraiser/charity/119866 https://gofund.me/35656376 https://www.walmart.com/registry/RR/a7292f6f-0c45-4585-8ff0-d58299503107 Amazon https://a.co/0g7dVPM https://www.wtkr.com/news/village-family-food-pantry-to-bring-free-groceries-clothes-to-norfolk-community-sunday
Image Credits
Keara Wilson, Kreative-Mindset Photography Trymane, Hquad Studios