Today we’d like to introduce you to KC Smith.
Hi KC, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I am a native of New Orleans, LA who grew up in the Tremé area which is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city. It was initially the main neighborhood of its free people of color; and today remains an important center of the city’s African American and Créole culture, especially the modern brass band tradition.
I moved to Austin, TX with my family in 2017 for an employment opportunity at TxDOT. One day as I was sitting at my desk working, I read an article on NOLA.com about a young boy who got shot and died. It saddened me; my heart was broken. Being a single mother of two young males, this affected me. In the US, 80% of single-parent families are headed by single mothers, nearly a third live in poverty.
In that moment, I said to myself what can I do to help our youth, they are dying on the streets by senseless violence every day in cities throughout the United States. They need support and guidance, someone to show them that they matter.
At that moment, I filed my paperwork to start LIFE Foundation Non-Profit.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
This road has not been easy, as with anything in life you must put in the work. It has been a lot of late nights up brainstorming, strategic planning, getting out in the communities networking & building relationships. Some disappointments along the way but I didn’t let that discourage me.
My WHY!? is to make a difference in communities by advocating for children and families. I am passionate and dedicated to making a difference in a child’s LIFE.
I believe in creating positive change in the world by focusing on youth education & development, social, environmental, and human justice.
Non-Profit work is “Heart Work”, it entails long hours, researching, resources, and planning. But it’s WORTH IT!!!
As they say, “Be the change you wish to see in the world!!!”
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
LIFE Foundation Non-Profit is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that focuses on empowering at-risk children, youth, and their families. Our areas of focus include youth development, family engagement, afterschool enrichment, and health & wellbeing.
At LIFE Foundation Non-Profit we are dedicated to strengthening family foundation through youth empowerment. We believe family foundation is important because it provides a source of protection, guidance, and support in a child’s LIFE.
“FAMILY is the foundation for children’s SUCCESS”.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Individuals and organizations can collaborate with LIFE Foundation Non-Profit by supporting our “Inspiring LIFE Youth Development Program “which formulate community-based program services for at risk children, youth, and families.
By building partnerships with community leaders, we can help build a space for children to develop LIFE skills so they can become positive individuals that contribute to society.
Schools can collaborate with us to assist in developing and delivering educational programs that equip our youth with the skills they need to lead positive, productive, contributing lives.
Individuals can also support us by donating and/or volunteering for any of our fundraising events throughout the year.
Contact Info:
- Email: life.foundation.nonprofit.org@gmail.com
- Website: https://lifefoundationnonprofit.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/life_foundation_nonprofit
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LIFE-Foundation-Non-Profit-2266457523411014
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/LIFE_Non_Profit
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/life-foundation-non-profit-austin
Image Credits
@locoglenncocophotos
