On The Vine: Why this KC nonprofit took Santa out of its name for funding 365
.jpg "Dennis Powell, who runs the newly labeled TSOS Do Good Foundation, and his wife, Iman Powell, had their portrait taken at their annual Soul of Santa holiday breakfast for families in need.")
Holidays are definitely a time of the year when most of us think about charities — although that’s sort of an outdated term — so let’s say nonprofit groups that help people facing challenges, be they physical, emotional, or financial.
We think about them in terms of the people, individuals, or families that may be struggling. When we think about it that way, empathy is easy to find and most people want to help, so we give what we can and move on.
But what about the nonprofit organizations providing the services for those people we want to help? How are they faring?
According to Philanthropy.org, “community foundations and other grant makers (including the government)—once seen as reliable sources of funding—are becoming increasingly selective about where their money goes.” It’s a lot harder for small community nonprofits to get funding.
I recently had lunch with the leader of a Kansas City nonprofit and he told me his organization is in the midst of changing its branding message to get the financial support it needs, in terms of grants, to continue the work they do, primarily in the Black community, empowering individuals with disabilities to “experience the fullness of life.”
What used to be The Soul of Santa “Do Good Foundation,” is now The TSOS “Do Good Foundation.”
When the foundation, under its old name, sought grant support from several large philanthropic groups in town, they were told by the potential donors that they didn’t want to give to a Christmas-time-only nonprofit.
The truth is, the Soul of Santa “Do Good Foundation” does a lot more than host a couple of Christmas breakfasts for low-income families and sponsor a Christmas tree lighting ceremony in the Black community once a year. The non-profit’s slogan is “Doing good 365.”
But with Santa in the name, donors couldn’t see past the red suit, sparkling lights and snowflakes.
“We need for them to see past Christmas,” said Dennis Powell, who runs the foundation. After all, TSOS has several year-round initiatives, including the Aria Camille Empowerment program — named for a now deceased Powell family member — through which the non-profit gives $1,000 stipends, provides mentorship, food, transportation, and financial support towards education, for high functioning individuals with disabilities and caregivers of people with disabilities.
The non-profit also promotes a podcast that presents awareness about the resilience of people facing challenges, and every year gives away cars to families impacted by caring for a person with disabilities. This year they gave away their eighth car.
They provide families with financial literacy assistance and run a weekly pantry that distributes 20,000 to 25,000 pounds of food each month or more than 300,000 pounds a year.
“We close the gap for high-functioning individuals with disabilities and their caregivers by connecting them to resources, support and opportunities,” Powell said.
It’s important to do more of this in Black communities because while there are organizations helping the disabled, Powell said when people of color walk into many of those places and they don’t see anyone looking like them, they are uncomfortable, feel as though they don’t belong and too often they leave and never return. They fall through the cracks. They miss out on resources and services.
TSOS seeks to cover those being left out. And the foundation has gotten community support for that. Powell tells me they could use even more help. The way I see it, it’s kinda like the TSOS Do Good Foundation is saying to other giving organizations doing similar work, we got your back helping the people at risk of slipping through the cracks.
Off The Vine
Below are stories about culture and identity from communities in the Kansas City metro area. Go here to find more stories on culture and identity from Star reporter J.M. Banks.
- Jeff Harris, founder of The Black Love Co. sells his positive image apparel online and at events around Kansas City. He said he’s motivated by seeing customers wearing his T-shirt designs. Here’s what he said about how he got started.
- A beloved Kansas City church pianist and organist pass away recently. Her friends and family remember how she shaped generations through her music.
Around The Vine
- Cafe Corazon and Astro invites guests to “dress in their holiday fits” for a free holiday event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the cafe, 110 Southwest Blvd in Kansas City on Dec. 20.
- Christmas in the Park at Longview Lake, 3901 SW Longview Road, Lee’s Summit, begins Nov. 26 and runs through Dec. 31. This holiday event is for the whole family and touts a colorful drive-through light display using more than 300,000 lights.
Vine Picks
- The Missouri Department of Transportation on Tuesday closed a major route connecting KC to Northland after finding structural issues
- Kansas City Kansas and Wyandotte County this week swore it the municipalities first Black woman mayor. Star reporter Sofi Zeman was there. and wrote about the historic event.
- A local rabbi, writes about finding light in the darkness, in reference to the horrific shooting the occurred as Jewish people were recognizing Hanukkah on a beach in Australia.
- The Kansas City Chiefs have a prognosis for Patrick Mahomes’ recovery after his injury in the teams loss last Sunday. Here’s the timeline.
Your voice matters to us. What local issues do you want to hear discussed in On The Vine? Let me, Mará Rose Williams, The Star’s assistant managing editor for race and equity, know directly at mdwilliams@kcstar.com. Thank you for reading.
