One of the most important ways to have a large impact in life is by focusing on communities that are ignored and overlooked. These communities are often the ones most in need of help, tools, and services but for a variety of reasons the largest players in most industries chose not to work on serving them. We’ve been so touched by the thousands of members of our community who are working on serving the underserved from tackling food deserts to building empowering solutions for the neurodiverse. Each week, you’ll find us highlighting folks serving underserved communities.

Helen Spaw

We create art programs that are adapted for the needs of anyone. Through art and community, participants process their life experiences and gain insight. In our open art studio programs, those who may not have accessible mental health support or who would not feel comfortable seeking out mental health services can experience the joy of art making with social and emotional wellness support. Read more>>

Madeleine Cost

“Every year around the holidays, I don’t know if I can keep my business open another year.” My client confided in me one morning, talking about how his business leads dry up every year around Thanksgiving and Christmas. He sipped his coffee, recounting how he didn’t know if he had enough funds to pay his bills come the beginning of the year or even be able to buy Christmas gifts for his kids. He thought many times about giving up his dream of entrepreneurship and getting a job. Read more>>

Dee Hankins

I grew up as a child in the foster care system. Statistics for kids like me, my color, my gender, and my circumstances, look very grim. Growing up, there weren’t many programs, resources, or very much awareness around growing up in foster care and the challenges that come along with it. Read more>>

Neha Samdaria

I was thirteen years old when I first cried in a fitting room. It was 2003 and I was shopping for low rise jeans. At 120 lbs, I started with the size Extra Small. Too tight on the hips. I moved up to a Small. Too tight. Medium? Nope. Ultimately, the Large fit comfortably over my hips and thighs. Unfortunately, now the pants were ballooning out at the waist. As I opened the fitting room door to ask the shopkeeper for belt options, she looked at me horrified; “Oh honey, those are WAY too big for you! Let me get you a smaller pair.” Read more>>

Dr. Katheryn Thompson

Courcities International is for a Cause, not just because. We are a consulting and promotions company specializing in community public relations and campaigns. As an All-In-One events and consulting company servicing individual brands, businesses, organizations, and programs; Courcities helps clients engage supporters, increase positive impact, inspire people to achieve based on personal Vision, and customized community cause related marketing campaigns. Read more>>

Shay Gipson

Goodwill is more than a thrift store. The largest employer of people with disabilities in the world, Goodwill believes that work has the power to transform lives by building self-confidence, independence, creativity, trust and friendships. Everyone deserves this chance. Read more>>

Jonny Saldana

Our non-profit organization serves the LGBTQ+ community, and within that, primarily communities of color. We are the only organization – straight or gay – in our community that provides the programs and services that we do. By organizing events that allow people to connect over a shared passion in gaming, we’re able to build curated experiences for our community to enjoy and meet other likeminded folks. We’ve had guests tell us that this has been a lifechanging experience, and how important our organization is to their wellbeing. Read more>>

Pearl Mecenas

Yes, Gifted Blind Artists, Crafters, & Knitters (GiftedBack) is an e-commerce platform that sells products exclusively made by blind/ visually impaired individuals. In addition to our web presence, we host pop-ups throughout the community where the public can meet the blind artisans and shop their handmade collections. Read more>>

Keeper CatranWhitney

After the sexual abuse of their sisters has been exposed, brothers suffer their own form of mental and emotional PTSD. Not only are we left out of the conversation, but it is demanded by our sisters that we do not attempt to engage them in conversation. And yet, after the betrayal, brothers are the ones no one asks about. We are the ones whose pain is never noticed. Read more>>

Thais Sullivan

For the audiences we work with, it’s vital my team and I reflect the identities of those we aim to work with. As many of the minority-owned businesses we are working with are Black and Hispanic professionals, people can see themselves within us, which comforts them. Serving as an advocate for minority-owned businesses, I approach my clientele with a service mindset an an understanding of the adversity and financial vulnerability they may be experiencing. I know they need support and guidance and that is what I work to deliver. Read more>>