There’s a concept of the Matthew Effect which uses math to illustrate what folks have lamented about for thousands of years – the rich get richer while the poor get poorer. Take tech for example – the rich and poor often have different problems, but because it’s more profitable to solve problems for the wealthy a disproportionate share of tech innovation focuses on solving problems for the affluent. However, it doesn’t have to be this way – and we have been blown away by the thousands of members of our community who have devoted their lives through their businesses, organizations and art to serve the underserved.
Jessica Brown
His Children Foundation was created when we saw a need in our community. Children get pulled from their homes extremely quickly when being removed to foster care. They may have never had a suitcase or bag, and they grab a trash bag to fill up all their life’s belongings with. We know the connotation that carries. It makes them feel like all they are worth is a trash bag. That is why my husband and I created His Children. We provide children in foster care with a duffle bag customized with the child’s name. This is something that is solely theirs, and no one can take from them. In the bags, we put personal hygiene, toys, or a gift card, depending on age, and most importantly, a Bible. We want these kids to know that there is hope in their Creator. Read more>>
Joy Hankins
When my maternal Grandmother was 11, she and her siblings moved into the home of a woman who attended their church after her mother’s passing. Her father needed to work to support his seven children and fortunately someone they knew was able to step in and give them the love they needed. My paternal grandmother had a distant relationship with the woman who brought her into the world. Raised by family members, she too had the upbringing of a child in foster care. It is because of these two women who helped shape me into the woman I am today that my heart is for this underserved community. Read more>>
Tranika Jefferson
With being in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) for 16 years, I’ve noticed a growing need for specialized care for children who have a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Some families struggle to find accessible, affordable, and effective ABA therapy services. Some parents may travel long distances to receive care or face months-long waitlists at clinics. For some, these barriers meant their children went without the early intervention and consistent support that are so critical for child development. Read more>>
Sabin Prentis Duncan
My publishing company, Fielding Books, produces written art that depicts the lives of overlooked segments of African-American culture—particularly Black men who earnestly love Black women and support Black families.
Our work is important. African American culture is as multifaceted as it is beautiful. Too often, popular media amplifies slivers of the culture with limited context, and that has pernicious effects on the younger generation. They see these distorted and unhealthy, at worst, significantly limited, at best, depictions of the culture and accept it as their truth. For example, two popular distortions are presenting African-American culture as having started in slavery and that the enslaved were somehow better off after being kidnapped and brutalized; yet, pre-colonial African empires are saddeningly overlooked or minimized. Read more>>
Nick Gould
Avenue One Productions has what we like to call the ‘Local Artist Fund’. It’s where we provide smaller bands/musicians with industry standard visuals for little or no pay. We generally film concerts, music videos and social media content for artists. These visuals help the band put money towards what matters in their world, such as studio time, musical instruments, etc. Read more>>