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.

Steph Lindsey

“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” Audre Lorde reminds us that self care is revolutionary. Self care is not selfish. Especially in these times of tragedy it is crucial that we are better practitioners of self-care. So much of wellness and the wellness industry keeps Black women specifically on the margins, there are not a lot of spaces that are designed for us nor center us, especially here in my home state of Colorado. I want Black Unicorn Collective to be that space. Read more>>

Kameron Brooks

Kameron and Stephanie Brooks, owners of The Charlotte Letter (TCL), started their company for the underserved populations of kids most don’t notice or choose not to pay attention to, kids with special needs. Read more>>

Robin Boykin

Growing up in a working class community, I got a first hand view of how underserved communities are often overlooked on virtually every level: socially, economically, medically, nutritionally, and of course in terms of education. This of course compelled me to be personally invested in the well-being of those overlooked communities. Read more>>

Chinua Joi Ivey

When we seek to serve the underserved, I think it is essential that they feel like equals. We cannot come into a situation and presume to know all the answers and “save” those in crisis. Instead, we should honestly come with an intent to serve and listen. When we have the heart to help others, we should also want to understand their experiences and let them know that their voices matter. Read more>>

Jennifer Kloeppel

At Showers For All we are committed to providing dignity and hope for our guests in addition to Hygiene. We learn every single guests name and their stories in order to build deeper relationships with them. It is the most special part of what we do, helping others feel seen, known, and loved. Recently, I heard a quote that says, “Distance breeds suspicion, proximity breeds empathy,” Read more>>

Queneesha Meyers

Years ago I came across an organization called Distributing Dignity. They provide bras with tags and feminine hygiene products to homeless women. I decided to support them by having an annual fundraiser at my store to help serve those homeless women. My store is located on a very busy street in Albuquerque. There is a large homeless population in this area. I never really thought about the additional challenges a homeless woman faces until I discovered this organization. Since 2014 we’ve been able to hold our fundraiser yearly even through the 2 years of the pandemic. Read more>>

Melissa Azabache

In my business, agents are looking for the big fish and that makes sense, but I believe clients that are looking for homes in lower-income brackets or with programs like section 8 renters are just as deserving of their agent’s time, attention and respect. Read more>>

Angeles G

“For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in,and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, “You sit here in a good place,” while you say to the poor man, “You stand over there,” or, “Sit down at my feet, have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?” James 2:2-4. One of the most important things to remember while is that EVERYONE is worthy to serve no matter how they appear. Read more>>

Jim Stone

In education, we often hear about the “achievement gap” of underserved students. This idea is fundamentally flawed, because it places the burden on the child who is not “achieving.” The truth is, there is a gap, but it’s about opportunity, not achievement. The lack of achievement is a symptom of the opportunity gap. Students from more affluent households have access to far more opportunities than students from low-income families. When children are exposed to and made aware of various career opportunities, they become inspired and motivated to pursue knowledge. Read more>>