A WORD FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
It’s my honor to spearhead this organization as we strive to dismantle systemic wellness inequities for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. With your support, we’ve provided tools that address lifestyle-driven chronic illnesses through culturally resonant, evidence-based programs.
This year, we reached over 2,000 individuals, provided 1,000 whole food, plant-based (WFPB) meals/tastings, and shared optimal wellness resources while fostering education and mentorship. We’re committed to building on thesesuccessesbygrowingourteamand partnerships.
A WORD FROM OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
As co-chair of the board for Power is Giving, it is my privilege to share the progress and impact of our organization in our annual report. Through our dedicated efforts in whole food plant-based education, we are committed to eliminating and reducing health inequities for people of color Our initiatives strive to empower communities with knowledge and resources for healthier lifestyles Together, we are driving positive change and fostering equity in health outcomes. Thank you for your continued support in our mission.
As co-chair for Power is Giving, I am immensely proud of the work that Dawn, team and our supporters have done in 2024 to touch over 2,000 people in fulfilling our mission to champion access to affordable whole food, plant-based (WFPB) nutrition as a fundamental human right and empower BIPOC families through programming. Jil and I are honored to share this annual report with you and look forward to the continued and new partnerships we hope to have as we continue to impact our communities by breaking down the systemic barriers to wellness.
InCharlotte,wearecommittedtopromotinghealth,wellnessandequityforallof ourresidentsandthatiswhyweareproudtosupportinitiativeslikethissummit, which bring communities together to address the critical intersections of health, wellnessandequity.
I commend Power is Giving for its unique approach to addressing chronic health disparities by creating pathways to wellness that are both evidence-based and culturallyresonant Yourworkrepresentshealthystridesforwardandwillleadto lastingchangeinourcommunities
Sincerely,
JIL LITTLEJOHN BOSTICK
CO-CHAIR OF THE BOARD
Jil Littlejohn Bostick
CO-FOUNDING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Dawn Hilton Williams
Colletta Bryce
CO-CHAIR OF THE BOARD
COLLETTA BRYCE
VI LYLES, MAYOR CITY OF CHARLOTTE
ABOUT POWER IS GIVING, INC.
Founded in 2016, Power is Giving Inc is a BIPOC-led 501c3 organization that promotes optimal wellbeing and mitigation of systemic barriers to equity through the provision of culturally resonant, 100% whole food, plant-based (WFPB) lifestyle education and advocacy. Based on over 5,000 peer reviewed, evidence-based studies, a WFPB lifestyle, centered around nutrientrich, low-caloric and minimally processed plant foods, has been shown to prevent, arrest, and, in some cases, even reverse our top lifestyle-driven chronic diseases
As BIPOC populations continue to face disproportionate rates of death and disability from our top chronic illnesses, we also focus on the presentation of fitness and WFPB optimal wellness initiatives that promote and identify access to fresh fruits and vegetables in urban and rural food insecure communities
To provide evidence-driven, culturally resonant whole food, plant-based (WFPB) lifestyle education that empower disproportionately impacted communities through optimal wellness programs and advocacy.
To experience thriving, equitable communities where underserved families realize optimal health, enduring intergenerational wellness and equitable access to knowledge, resources and opportunities
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1. Evidence-Based Impact: We leverage scientific research and cultural competency to deliver programs that effectively prevent, arrest, and reverse chronic diseases in underserved populations.
4.
Optimal Nutrition Access: We champion affordable, whole food, plantbased (WFPB) nutrition as a fundamental human right, prioritizing communities facing the greatest barriers to wellness
Youth Wellness: We help combat childhood and juvenile obesity through culturally resonant coaching, mentoring healthy WFPB and vegan meals and WFPB education resources that plant seeds for lifelong healthy habits
3. Community Empowerment: We create sustainable health equity through collaborative partnerships, onsite education, and accessible WFPB lifestyle resources in disproportionately impacted communities.
OUR IMPACT: 2024 AT A GLANCE
In 2024, Power is Giving strengthened its commitment to empowering BIPOC communities through culturally resonant, 100% whole food, plant-based (WFPB) education and advocacy. In 2024, over 2,000 individuals were reached through impactful programs, including mentorship and fitness opportunities for youth, expert-led wellness education, tastings, presentations and live cooking demonstrationstailoredtoaddresssystemicbarrierssuchasnutritionsecurityandeconomicequity
Through collaborations, resource distribution and experiential learning, Power is Giving continues to championsustainablelifestylechangesandintergenerationalwellnessinunderservedcommunities
1,000 WHOLE FOOD, PLANTBASED (WFPB) MEALS/TASTINGS DISRIBUTED
2,000+ COMMUNITY MEMBERS REACHED
2024 DEMOGRAPHICS (BY AGE)
Our age demographics represent participation across all four programs
EVIDENCE-BASED OPTIMAL WELLNESS RESOURCES DISTRIBUTED
9 OUT OF 10 RESPONDENTS INTERESTED IN WFPB LIFESTYLE ADOPTION
2024 PROGRAM SERVICES AREA
While programs were administered in Greenville, SC, the majority were held in Charlotte, NC
2024 SOCIAL MEDIA & TESTIMONIALS
In 2024, we’ve focused on enhancing how we share the transformative stories behind our initiatives Each program page in this report includes a clickable link to short video reel that highlights key moments and provides authentic glimpses into our powerful program experience.
Below, EDD Summit Attendee Testimonials, Presenter Testimonials, and EDD Talks Testimonial links also offer firsthand accounts of the meaningful impact facilitated through our programs as well as clickable links to our website and social media platforms.
By bringing on a new team of video and photography contractors, we’ve begun to improve the quality of our storytelling across our platforms, which helps us create content that resonates more deeply and reaches those who may have missed opportunities because they didn’t see it on their social media platforms or our website
PROGRAM TESTIMONIALS
(Click & View)
Speaker Testimonials
EDD Talks
Summit Attendees
SOCIAL MEDIA CHANNELS
(Click & View)
DATE: NOVEMBER 16, 2024
EDD SUMMIT PROGRAM
Location: Parr Center, Central Piedmont Community College, Charlotte, NC
The EDD Summit served as a capstone program in 2024, bringing together BIPOC-led expertise to address the prevention, arrest, and reversal of lifestyle-driven chronic illnesses and financial inequities.
This 1/2 day summit combined experiential education, culturally resonant WFPB tastings, and actionable wellness strategies tailored to empower attendees from BIPOC communities regarding the reversal of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and financial inequities.
KEY FEATURES
Presenters
Reverse-It Type 2 Diabetes: Dr Helen Powell Stoddart, MD
Reverse-It Heart Disease: Dr Cliff Morris, MD, FACC, DipABLM
Reverse-It Financial Divides: Anthony Abrams, CPA, IAR
5 oz Free Tasting Stations (100% WFPB, by BIPOC women chefs)
Soulful Station: Chef Dara Bess
Inspired Station: Chef Artina Lindsey
Island Station: Chef Jewl
Juicing Demo: by Harold Leffall, highlighting the benefits of WFPB lifestyle changes.
Celebrity Host: Javon Johnson, actor, director, and writer.
IMPACT
Approximately 300 attendees, with a total reach of 600 individuals
20 BIPOC vendors supported through fee-free participation
Over 500 free WFPB tastings distributed, showcasing nutrient-rich, flavorful foods
The EDD Summit exemplifies Power is Giving’s commitment to addressing SDOH and advancing optimal wellness equity through BIPOC-led expertise, culturally resonant education, and 100% WFPB interventions.
DATE: JULY 26, 2024
EDD FIT & FUEL TENNIS PROGRAM
Location: Sugaw Creek Recreation Center, Charlotte, NC
Our free half-day program is designed to combat childhood obesity by combining culturally resonant fitness instruction, tennis coaching, and WFPB nutrition education.
Youth ages 5-17 engaged with an all-BIPOC team of former NCAA Division 1 athletes, learning the fundamentals of fitness and nutrition in an environment tailored to their cultural and community needs.
Co-founder Nadia Hilton Adams played a pivotal leadership role in this initiative, ensuring the program provided not only mentorship but also the tools for young participants to build lifelong habits for optimal wellness
2024 BIPOC, FORMER NCAA DIVISION 1 ATHLETES (COACH/MENTORS):
Nadia Hilton-Adams (NC A&T State Univ-Tennis), Keeon Johnson (Univ of Virginia & New York Giants-Football), Gabby Gabriel (App State Univ-Tennis), Kendall Addison (Howard Univ-Tennis)
KEY FEATURES
Targeted approach to combat childhood obesity through fitness and nutrition
Mentorship from BIPOC former NCAA Division 1 athletes
Youth-friendly vegan meals, snacks, and beverages provided
Take-home wellness resources donated by PCRM.org
IMPACT
150 youth participants engaged in fitness and wellness education
150 WFPB meals served to promote healthier eating habits
Introduction of healthy WFPB/vegan meal, snacks and resources
EDD TALKS PROGRAM
DATES: APRIL 18, MAY 23, JUNE 26, AND OCTOBER 2, 2024
Locations: Charlotte, NC, and Greenville, SC
The EDD Talks Lunch & Learn series provides clinically-led, evidence-based WFPB education designed to aid in the prevention, arrest, and reversal of lifestyle-driven chronic illnesses By addressing Social Determinants of Health (SDOH), such as nutrition security and access to culturally resonant wellness education, these sessions empowered participants to adopt sustainable lifestyle practices.
KEY FEATURES
April 18, 2024: Cardiologist Kim Williams, MD, MACC, on cardiovascular health
May 23, 2024: Michael Greger, MD, on the science of nutrition and chronic disease reversal
June 26, 2024: Cardiologist Cliff Morris, MD, DipABLM, and Pediatrician Erin Brackbill, MD
October 23, 2024: Milton Mills, MD on plant-based protocols for optimal wellness
IMPACT
260 participants engaged in interactive, expert-led wellness sessions
260 minimally processed, nutrient-rich WFPB meals served
Distributed 260 WFPB wellness resource packets that included literature from Physician’s Committee for Responsible Medicine (PRCM) and an related clinically-endorsed literature that reinforces sustainable lifestyle change.
This program exemplifies Power is Giving’s commitment to delivering culturally resonant, evidence-based education that addresses health, systemic inequities and empowers participants to achieve optimal wellness.
EDD ROOTS PROGRAM
mmunityprogramaccessibility,weteamupwithcollaborativepartners ntered, whole food, plant-based (WFPB) cooking demos, presentations d resources that introduce plant-based, culturally resonant flavors and hin communities hardest hit by preventable, arrestable and largely chronic diseases and related systemic inequities. The EDD Roots programwillnotbeadministeredin2025butshouldresumein2026
IMPACT
200WFPBcookbooksdistributed 150literaryresourcesshared 2optimalwellnesspresentations 2chefdemos
700WFPBmealsand/ortastingsprovided
BuildingSuccessforGenerations(BSG)Inc.Initiative
Provisionof25freecookbooks
Eco-friendlygiftbags(25)and$100towardWFPBfoodservices
15thAnnualJuneteenthoftheCarolinas
Over700attendees
FreeWFPBtastingandresourceopportunityatVIPTent
NationalAmericanVegetarianSociety(NAVS)July2024
50thAnnualVeganSummerfest-UPITTatJohnstown,Johnstown,PA “CallingAllAllies”presentation
ChefDemonstration
SalaJStudiosBeautyShopInitiative
Providingquarterly15hourintervalWFPBeducationandresourceopportunityatBIPOC,womenownedsalon(s)toaddressinquiriesaboutthebenefitsofaWFPBlifestyle
2024 FINANCIAL SUMMARY
In 2024, Power is Giving successfully administered all programs with high quality, delivering impactfulandwarmlyreceivedinitiativesthatreachedover2,000participants.
Dedicated to operating with transparency and efficiency, we ensure that every dollar directly impacts the communities we serve. In 2024, we strategically allocated our less than projected resources to maximize programs reach while carefully managing and, where necessary, suspendingoperationalexpenses
Nearly 50% of our expenses were invested directly into our programs, which empowered thousands to with the tools necessary to ben to take control of their health and wellness The remainder supported critical operating functions and administrative needs, enabling us to maintain our infrastructure and scale our efforts effectively Although this year presented challenges with a slight operational deficit, it underscores the importance of your continued supportlikeyourstosustainandgrowourtransformativeprograms.
2025STRATEGICPRIORITIES&GOALS
Secure Funding: Address funding gaps by focusing at least 75% of the Executive Director’s (ED) time on grant writing and funds development in 2025. Bringing on a part-time Administrative Specialist and Program Coordinator, which will enable the ED to focus on strategicleadershipandpartnershipdevelopment.
Improve Wellness Equity Advocacy: Aid in dismantling barriers to WFPB optimal wellness throughtargetedcorporateandcommunityeducationandadvocacy
EncourageHealthyLifestyleHabits:Provideculturallyresonant,WFPBprogramsthatcombat childhood obesity and support the prevention, arrest, and reversal of lifestyle-driven chronic illnessesthatdisproportionatelyimpactunderservedcommunities.
Expand Impact Through Partnerships: Partner with area agencies such as: churches, Share Charlotte and United Way of Greater Charlotte to improve community reach and deepen impact.
By focusing on these priorities, we’ll continue to make strides toward our vision of thriving, equitable communities where BIPOC families experience evidenc-driven, WFPB lifestyle educationandenduringintergenerationalwellness
CALL TO ACTION
Join us in transforming BIPOC wellness through evidence-based, culturally resonant change:
Champion WFPB Education: Collaborate with us to bring whole food, plant-based nutrition education and resources to your community, faith organization, or institution. Help us expand our proven programs that prevent, arrest, and reverse lifestyle-driven chronic illnesses.
Fuel Our Impact: Your financial support directly powers our evidence-based programs. From physician-led lunch & learns and wellness education, to BIPOC-led youth fitness initiatives and transformative community summits, your support helps us continue to enrich families each year with culturally resonant education and resources.
Share Your Skills: Whether you're a healthcare provider, nutrition expert, educator, or community leader, your expertise can help strengthen our mission to create lasting wellness equity in communities disproportionately impacted by lifestyle-driven chronic illnesses
Thank You
On behalf of our board and staff, we embrace the powerful truth that systemic change requires collective action Each agency, attendee, ambassador, donor, presenter, vendor, chef and volunteer who has contributed to our mission this year has helped plant seeds of transformation in our communities
The stories and achievements reflected in this report represent more than program updates and numbers; they represent a collective movement toward evidence-based self empowerment and optimal wellness equity that is long overdue for communities disproportionately impacted by preventable, arrestable, and often reversible lifestyle-driven chronic illnesses.
We look forward to continuing this vital work together in 2025, expanding our reach and deepening our impact as we strive to ensure every BIPOC family has access to the resources and education needed to achieve true health wealth.
With gratitude and commitment to continued service,
www powerisgving org The Power is Giving Team!
info@powerisgiving org