the Little Nonprofit That Could…
Turns 10!!
believe: to have a firm conviction as to the goodness, efficacy, or ability of something
source: Merriam-Webster
On January 23, 2014, on a ridiculously cold day, about 20 believers gathered at Lima Restaurant in Washington, D.C. to welcome Starting With Today to the world. We started that year with 5 workshops serving about 40 people. Even then, I knew we were building something special.
2014 SWT Programming
But I’m not sure if any of us had any idea of the journey it would take us all on. The emerging leaders of 2014 are now prominent national and global executives in their respective industries who have also led this organization forward.
Programmatically, we have grown right alongside our community. We have witnessed graduations and promotions of community members and their children alike. Our community members have purchased their first home because of our once most demanded workshop- Understanding Credit- The Judgment-Free Zone. People have secured better jobs because of our career workshops and coaching. Together we have put on for our hood with community wellness pop-ups, clinics, food drives, and game nights. But moreover, we have taken care of each other, fed each other, grieved with each other, and encouraged each other— each other. Both ways. This beloved community, the one in which I live, work, shop, and play, is a partnership- whether it’s in the barbershop, at the park, or on my grocery store run. We are all in.
Then in May 2018, we launched The Shape Up: The Barbershop Talks Series and everything changed. Our community expanded and strengthened. And for nearly 6 years we’ve made Lee’s Barbershop in Southeast DC our safe haven to figure out life a bit better together.
Throughout this year, we will continue to share the stats of our impact and how we envision the future. But stats don’t always convey the heart of this work, the bonds made, and the joy cultivated within our SWT spaces. It’s something you have to experience either at our community and/or donor events.
But don’t worry, we are celebrating all year like the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop! So stay tuned here and across socials for all the ways you join us and help us usher in another amazing and impactful 10 years.
For now, our ask is simple! Give towards our 10 year anniversary campaign to raise $10,000 above our normal annual giving.
With deep gratitude, service, & love,
Charlyn Anderson
Founder & CEO
10 years ago…2014 Starting With Today Launch Happy Hour!
2024 SWT Leadership Toast to 10 Years!
2024 is Off to a Great Start!
MLK Day Partnership with City Year DC
This Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, SWT partnered with City Year DC to bring more wellness to Ketcham Elementary School in Southeast DC through planting green plants and creating art and words of affirmation for the children and staff. Huge thanks Gavin and Alaina of City year, Mecca for the enormous help volunteering with SWT, and to everyone who made this collaboration possible! Â
The Shape Up talks S.M.A.R.T goals for the New Year!
On January 27th, Tariiq Omari Walton, LMFT led the The Shape Up barbershop discussion on creating and achieving S.M.A.R.T goals with the help and support of community. The worksheet helped us analyze how nurturing our environments are to the growth of ourselves and those around us.
SAVE THE DATE: February 10, 2024 at 11 AM for the next The Shape Up
More ways to support Starting With Today
Rock your support!
We have restocked!!
Grab your SWT t-shirt to showcase your support of this beautiful community! Your purchase is a great way to give back AND get some nice merch! Order yours today and support a Black nonprofit, a Black-owned print shop, and a Black graphic designer. That’s a lot of power in your dollars!
Grab your Freedom tea blend today!
The Black Leaf Tea & Culture Shop & SWT teamed up to bring you this beautiful and delicious custom loose leaf tea blend. Grab yours today and support two Black businesses at once.
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