We were lucky to catch up with Glennis Davis recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Glennis thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
Our mission at A Giving Heart Project is deeply personal and profoundly meaningful. Growing up in Charlotte, NC, I experienced trauma that left lasting scars. My husband faced the harsh reality of housing insecurity and being an unaccompanied youth in the same city. Despite these challenges, we were blessed to overcome the obstacles and adversities we faced. We emerged from the fire of our past without the scent of smoke, transformed and driven by a desire to help others.
Our experiences have fueled our dedication to ensuring that every young person we connect with has the support they need to overcome their own barriers. Through our case management services, we assist families in overcoming homelessness and housing insecurity. Our workshops for youth are designed to plant seeds of change and prevention, equipping them with the tools they need to face life’s challenges.
Additionally, our community outreach events provide essential resources and basic necessities to those in need. These combined efforts are our way of pushing toward our mission: providing sustainable solutions to overcome barriers and disparities for those in need.
At A Giving Heart Project, we believe in the power of resilience and the importance of support. We are committed to making the most of every opportunity to impact the lives of young people and their families, helping them to not only survive but thrive.
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?
Hello! My name is Glennis Davis, and I am the founder of A Giving Heart Project, a mission-driven organization based in Charlotte, NC. Our journey began from deeply personal experiences. I endured trauma as a child in Charlotte, and my husband experienced housing insecurity and being an unaccompanied youth in the same city. These challenges shaped our lives and instilled in us a profound commitment to helping others who face similar adversities.
How We Got Started
Our experiences with trauma and housing instability ignited a passion for creating sustainable solutions to help others overcome barriers and disparities. We founded A Giving Heart Project six years ago with the goal of making a tangible difference in the lives of young people and families in our community. We wanted to provide the support and resources that we wished we had during our toughest times. Our early work began with the collection of warm clothing items for our unhoused neighbors ahead of a freezing weekend. We have always been givers and servants but that opportunity opened up our hearts to the true impact of connecting with our neighbors and offering them a hand up with the hand out. That one instance turned into monthly service events and has grown and evolved over the years to help us become who we are today.
Our Offerings and Impact
A Giving Heart Project offers a range of services aimed at supporting youth and families:
1. Case Management: We provide personalized assistance to families to help them overcome homelessness and housing insecurity. Our goal is to guide them towards stable and sustainable living conditions.
2. Workshops for Youth: Our workshops are designed to plant seeds of change and prevention. We equip young people with the tools and knowledge they need to navigate life’s challenges and break the cycle of adversity.
3. Community Outreach Events: Through our outreach events, we distribute essential resources and basic necessities to those in need. These events help us connect with the community and provide immediate support to those facing hardships.
What Sets Us Apart
What truly sets A Giving Heart Project apart is our personal connection to the issues we address. We have lived through the struggles that many of our clients face, and this firsthand experience fuels our dedication and empathy. We approach each case with compassion and a deep understanding of the challenges involved.
Our Proud Achievements
One of our proudest achievements is the positive impact we’ve had on countless lives in Charlotte. Seeing families move from homelessness to stability, watching youth gain confidence and skills through our workshops, and witnessing the community come together during our outreach events are incredibly rewarding experiences.
What We Want You to Know
At A Giving Heart Project, we believe in the power of resilience and the importance of support. Our mission is to provide sustainable solutions that empower individuals to overcome barriers and disparities. We are committed to making a difference, one person at a time, and ensuring that every young person we encounter has the opportunity to thrive.
We invite you to join us in our mission, whether through partnership, support, or simply spreading the word about our work. Together, we can create a community where everyone has the chance to succeed, regardless of their past challenges.
Thank you for taking the time to learn about A Giving Heart Project. We look forward to continuing our journey of making a positive impact in our community.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
Believe in the work entrusted to you! There are many times when starting and running a business that you will question if you are doing the right thing. Especially in the nonprofit space, despite the data, you will wonder if you are making a difference. Never lose sight of your why! Be true to the purpose placed in your hands and set your feet to taking one step at a time in the direction of your destiny!
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Say what you mean, mean what you say and do what you said you would! When people realize that you are true to your word, they will begin to trust you. It is then up to you to not get distracted by what you could do or say, that may not truly align with how you should show up in the world. Be true to who you are. People will respect that and respond accordingly. Understand it is a marathon, so it won’t be quick to build up your reputation, but it will be worth it!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.agivingheartproject.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agivingheartproject?igsh=MXF5M2xqZ2d1Yjl5OA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/agivingheartproject?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Image Credits
Photo by: Glennis Davis
Flyers by: InvitedbyDonna
Prospectus by: Shani Barnes