Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Evalye Alexander . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Evalye, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?

From Vision to Reality: The Journey of Community Outreach and Advocacy Corporation

Discovering My True Purpose
Growing up, I never envisioned myself as an entrepreneur. My career path was firmly rooted in higher education, with aspirations to become a campus president at a major university. However, life took an unexpected turn in 2018 when I faced a severe mental health crisis. After battling depression and anxiety for over a decade, I reached a breaking point, attempting suicide for the second time. It was then that I realized I needed to take decisive steps to improve my mental health. This included consistent therapy, medication, and a deeper dive into my spirituality.

The Birth of COAC
It was during this spiritual journey that I discovered my true purpose. Since childhood, I had always felt a calling to help those less fortunate. This calling evolved into a vision from God to create a nonprofit organization: Community Outreach and Advocacy Corporation (COAC), which was established in 2019. The vision was both inspiring and intimidating, but it set me on a path of learning and discovery. I researched extensively, understanding the intricacies of nonprofit operations, business structures, and the requirements for state and federal recognition.

Turning Vision into Action
With newfound knowledge, I saved diligently to cover registration fees. I ensured no one else had claimed my chosen name, developed a compelling vision and mission statement, and officially incorporated my business with the Secretary of State. The final step was achieving the coveted 501(c)(3) status, which involved navigating federal regulations and annual compliance requirements.

The Blessing Bags Program
The first major initiative of COAC was the “Blessing Bags” program. This program provided food to 60 unhoused or transient children monthly, partnering with Teach for America, who sought community collaborations. This initial success demonstrated the potential impact of our mission.

Overcoming Challenges During COVID-19
However, the COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges. Operations were halted, and I faced deeper bouts of depression and suicidal thoughts. A friend’s suggestion to undertake a spiritual fast in January 2021 became a turning point. Over 30 transformative days, I received clear guidance on how to pivot and enhance my organization. I found a mentor who helped refine our processes and systems, focusing on our profit arm, The Good Resume Project. This initiative helped hundreds amplify their careers, with proceeds funding our outreach programs.

Building a Strong Foundation
Building a business, no matter the structure, requires you to keep learning. In the growing phase, I began to learn just how important building a dedicated team was. So, at the top of 2023, I began building a strong, dedicated, working board. By the end of 2023, with the help and knowledge of the board, COAC had assisted over 2,000 homeless, low-income, and underserved individuals. Our impact attracted media attention, including magazine features, LinkedIn articles, and even an appearance on a Times Square billboard. From there, major partnerships further propelled our mission.

Expanding Our Impact
With our programs COAC Cares and COAC Feeds, we continue to address the needs of our community by providing essential resources and support. COAC Cares focuses on comprehensive support services such as healthcare, personal care, basic needs, mental health, transportation, and substance abuse. Meanwhile, COAC Feeds ensures that no one in our community goes hungry as our team and volunteers work to feed over 100 homeless individuals in the parks of Atlanta every month.
We’re growing and expanding our programs and are excited about what we’re cooking behind the scenes as we aim to throw out a wider net to positively impact more communities.

The Key to Success
The key to our success lies in trusting the vision, stepping out in faith, and doing the necessary groundwork. Building a business is a marathon, not a sprint. Patience and readiness are essential. As we’ve move into our 2024 fuscal year, we’re expanding our efforts statewide, nationally, and potentially globally.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
To anyone considering starting a business, my advice is simple: trust God as the first step and just do it. Set realistic goals, maintain low overheads, and build a supportive team. Each step will reveal the next, guiding you through invaluable lessons. Stay patient, and when your moment comes, be ready to seize it. Our journey at COAC has just begun, and the future holds limitless possibilities.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

For those who may not have read about me before, I am Evalye Alexander, the founder and CEO of Community Outreach and Advocacy Corporation (COAC), established in 2019. My journey into the nonprofit sector began after a profound personal crisis, leading me to discover my true calling: to support and uplift underserved communities in Atlanta, Georgia.

How I Got Started
My career was initially rooted in higher education, with aspirations of becoming a campus president. However, facing significant mental health challenges led me on a deeper spiritual journey, revealing my purpose. This journey inspired the creation of COAC, driven by a passion to make a tangible difference in the lives of those less fortunate.

COAC’s Mission and Services
COAC is dedicated to promoting self-sufficiency and social equity by addressing food, job, and basic needs insecurities. Our primary programs include:

COAC Cares: This initiative offers comprehensive support services such as healthcare, personal care, basic needs, mental health support, transportation, and substance abuse assistance.
COAC Feeds: Ensuring that no one in the community goes hungry, this program feeds over 100 homeless individuals in the parks of Atlanta every month.
Additionally, we run The Good Resume Project, focusing on professional development. This project provides services such as resume and CV development, cover letter crafting, professional communication templates, and training workshops for companies. All proceeds from this initiative support our outreach programs.

What Sets COAC Apart
COAC’s holistic and multifaceted approach to community support distinguishes us from others. My team and I believe in equal opportunities and the right for everyone to live with dignity and security. Our programs address the various challenges faced by vulnerable community members, including underprivileged students, domestic violence survivors, homeless individuals, and underemployed adults.

Our commitment to excellence, strategic execution, and faith in our vision has been key to our success. We understand that true impact takes time, and we remain patient in our journey.

Achievements
Since its inception, COAC has made significant strides. By the end of 2023, we had assisted over 2,000 homeless, low-income, and underserved individuals. Our work has garnered media attention, resulting in features in magazines, LinkedIn articles, and even a Times Square billboard. Strong partnerships continue to propel our mission forward.

What I Am Most Proud Of
I am incredibly proud of COAC’s ability to make a measurable difference in the lives of those we serve. Our programs not only provide immediate relief but also empower individuals to achieve long-term self-sufficiency. The community’s response and the success stories of those we’ve helped fuel our commitment to expanding our reach and impact.

Message to Potential Clients and Supporters
To potential clients, followers, and supporters, COAC is more than just an organization – it is a movement driven by love, faith, and a relentless commitment to serve. Whether you seek professional development services, support for basic needs, or ways to contribute to the community, COAC is here to make a meaningful difference. Join us in our mission to empower and uplift underserved communities. Follow us on Instagram @coac_ga.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

In my life, I’ve faced many trials and tribulations. My journey through mental health challenges, overcoming them, and building something beautiful to help others truly illustrates my resilience. Despite the hardships, I learned valuable lessons and transformed my experiences into a powerful mission to support and uplift underserved communities. This journey not only strengthened me but also inspired the creation of the Community Outreach and Advocacy Corporation, demonstrating that resilience is about rising above adversity and making a positive impact on others.

Have you ever had to pivot?

From reading my story, you can see how I had to pivot during COVID-19. Life often throws curveballs, teaching us how to adapt and change direction. The key to knowing how to pivot personally and professionally is to stay attuned to what’s happening around you. In business, it’s essential to pay attention to trends and be open to continuous learning and growth. This mindset will help you recognize when a pivot is necessary and allow you to act swiftly and effectively.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.coacservices.com
• Instagram: coac_ga
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evalyealexander/