We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Stacy DeWitt. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Stacy below.

Alright, Stacy thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. To kick things off, we’d love to hear about things you or your brand do that diverge from the industry standard

Amada found herself caught in the intricate web of foster care, grappling with the scars of abuse and the uncertainty of her future. In the midst of her struggles, James Storehouse stepped into her life like a beacon of hope.

Instead of just providing the standard essentials, James Storehouse went above and beyond. They not only equipped Emma with essential resources like clothing, food, and furniture but also extended a hand in the form of genuine relationships. Emma became part of The Open Table, James Storehouse’s mentorship program, where she found guidance, support, and a sense of belonging.

Through life skill classes offered by James Storehouse, Emma discovered her passion for art. The organization didn’t just break the cycle of neglect by meeting her basic needs; they empowered her to dream and provided avenues to turn those dreams into reality. As Emma flourished under the mentorship and support, the generational cycle of abuse and poverty began to crumble. The organization’s hands-on and relational approach not only alleviated her immediate struggles but also ignited a fire within her.

James Storehouse became the catalyst for change in Amada’s life, illustrating that breaking the cycles of adversity requires not only essential resources but also compassionate, hands-on relationships. James Storehouse mattered because they saw beyond the immediate needs, striving to create a ripple effect of transformation in Amada’s life and, by extension, in the entire community.

Stacy, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Stacy DeWitt serves as the Executive Director of James Storehouse, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing support for foster youth, caregivers, families at risk of removal, aged out foster youth, and survivors of trafficking. Stacy’s journey into her nonprofit role began with a passion for making a difference in the lives of those facing challenges within the foster care system.

James Storehouse offers a range of crucial services, including resource distribution for foster families, essential items for foster youth, and support for those aging out of the system, including transitional housing and transportation. The organization addresses pressing needs, striving to create a stable and nurturing environment for vulnerable children youth.

Stacy DeWitt and her staff and volunteers actively solve problems for clients by ensuring access to resources that enhance their well-being, from basic necessities to emotional support to no cost therapy to life skills classes. James Storehouse stands out by its comprehensive approach, recognizing the multifaceted needs of those involved in the foster care system.

Stacy takes pride in the organization’s impact, particularly in empowering aged-out foster youth to transition into independent adulthood successfully. She emphasizes the importance of community awareness, urging people to understand the challenges faced by foster youth, caregivers, and survivors of trafficking.

For Stacy, the heart of James Storehouse lies in its commitment to creating a support network that extends beyond immediate needs, fostering a sense of belonging and security for those navigating the complexities of the foster care system and when they age out.

Any advice for managing a team?

In order to provide approximately 1,400 appointment per month, our part time staff of 19 and a regular volunteer base of about 50 meet regularly. To manage a large team and to maintain high morale, we have weekly staff meetings and regular staff development days to learn and grow and to have fun together.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

Over a nine month period, our church, Conejo Church in Thousand Oaks, CA raised the capital to be able to open our first brick and mortal resource space.

Contact Info:

• Website: jamesstorehouse.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesstorehouse
• Facebook: facebook.com/jamesstorehousecalifornia
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacy-dewitt/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/jamesstorehouse

Image Credits
These are my pics