Invested Faith Awards 11th Class of Fellows
05.08. 2024. For Immediate Release
Invested Faith Awards 11th Class of Fellows
Washington, DC: Invested Faith has named an eleventh class of faith-rooted social entrepreneurs. These six social innovators are working to address systemic issues of injustice in their communities while building sustainable financial models. The Fellowship includes an unrestricted grant, an invitation to tell their story through the Invested Faith community, and the opportunity to join the Invested Faith RESOURCED program, a peer support network of Fellows across the U.S.
Invested Faith has now awarded 52 Fellowships in less than 3 years. Invested Faith Fellows are working in 23 states plus the District of Columbia. The first class of Fellows was awarded in July of 2021.
Invested Faith Founder Rev. Dr. Amy K. Butler notes “One of the most amazing parts of watching the work of Invested Faith unfold is the inevitable blossoming of the tremendous entrepreneurs we are privileged to identify, support,and tell you about. Supporting Invested Faith doesn’t just fund the work of faith-rooted social entrepreneurs; it takes a spark of hope and ignites a flame that can grow into a world-changing fire. I can’t wait for you to meet our eleventh class of incredible world changers!”
The following individuals were selected as Invested Faith Fellows in April of 2024:
Beverly Jenkins, R&R Marketplace, Dellwood, Missouri
Refuge and Restoration (R&R) Marketplace is an equitable access community hub, developed in an abandoned strip mall in Dellwood, MO, that will offer an early childhood development center, co-working space, career development center, and other needed social service offices which will help build community and foster economic development in the area. The co-working space will offer equitable access space for Black small businesses to help them scale and build capacity.
Rayce Lamb, Faithonomics, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Faithonomics is a social impact venture that empowers faith-inspired social impact leaders to bring their bold ideas to life without sacrificing their personal or financial well-being in the process. Founded by Rev. Rayce Lamb, Faithonomics offers financial education and vocational connection to faith-inspired leaders, creators, and entrepreneurs through their Doers Creative digital platform.
Chris Lawrence, El Barrio Homes, East Harlem, New York
El Barrio Homes is an effort to create affordable housing for social service and religious workers in the neighborhoods where they work and minister in East Harlem, NY. Founded by Chris Lawrence, the program plans to provide single rooms and apartments for those workers priced out of the community.
Angela Moy and Aileen Maquiraya, LKE Dojo, Honolulu, Hawai’i
LKE Dojo is a Muay Thai martial arts dojo and training program designed to equip women with self-defense training and self-empowerment through women-only safe spaces and holistic classes for training and meditation. Founded by Angela Moy and Aileen Maquiraya, LKE Dojo seeks to disrupt the martial arts world by providing training for Queer people and women, two communities underserved and marginalized in the sector.
Torie Zeiner, With You Co., Seattle, Washington
With You Co. is a small business launched by pediatric chaplain Torie Zeiner that curates and sells “gathered gifts for life’s ungathered moments,” supporting those who are experiencing grief, loss, or life's transitions, including "coming out" boxes celebrating the announcement of their identity to the world. When the right words are hard to find, Torie helps organizations, churches, and community members by delivering curated care packages sending the thoughtful, tactile and heart-warming message of "I'm with you."
About Invested Faith: Invested Faith is a fund for faith-rooted social innovators founded by Rev. Dr. Amy Butler in 2019 in response to declining church attendance and the need for a new model of philanthropy. Invested Faith is a bridge between traditional churches and social innovators who are creating new expressions of faith and community.
For additional information and photos, visit the Press Center at Invested Faith.
Media Contact:
Anita Flowers, Coordinator
investedfaith.org/press-center
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