November 2023 Newsletter
Dear friends of Invested Faith,
As we look toward tomorrow, Thanksgiving, I want to say a special thanks for you and your support of this work. I am immensely grateful and filled with hope for the future.
My note to you is not the essential part of this email; focus instead on the amazing stories of our NINTH class of Fellows. I am so pleased to introduce you to them and their incredible, life changing work. And, we’ve put together a holiday gift guide featuring some of the products our Fellows are selling. Take a look and when you shop for the holidays, change the world while you’re at it. You can download the guide here.
In the next few weeks you’ll be hearing from us about opportunities for end of year giving. We need your support and the support of your institutions to keep funding our Fellows and their work; thank you for joining us in this effort.
Most of all, a word of Thanksgiving for all of you and your company on this journey. The world needs the work of our Fellows, and you are helping make that happen. My gratitude is without measure.
Meet our 9th Class of Invested Faith Fellows
In less than 3 years, Invested Faith has awarded 41 Fellowships to faith-based social entrepreneurs. Invested Faith Fellows are now working in 21 states and the District of Columbia. Meet the latest class of Fellows, awarded in October of 2023.
Liberation Station, Raleigh, NC
Liberation Station is North Carolina’s first Black-owned children’s bookstore. After struggling to find books for her children, Scott-Miller created pop-up bookshops that specialized in children’s literature by Black creators that focuses on positive Black narratives and characters. She opened a brick and mortar location in downtown Raleigh, NC on Juneteenth weekend of 2023.
Nelson Crabbe and Nikola Rodriguez
‘Awa Bird Nursery, Hilo, Hawai’i
‘Awa Bird Nursery is a small organic nursery committed to growing ancestral Hawaiian crops, including kalo (taro), ulu (breadfruit), and ‘awa (kava). Local availability of these crops will increase food security for native Hawaiians, offering locals more affordable, healthy options for food and beverages.
Village Green RVA, Richmond, VA
Village Green RVA strives to make healthy food and family support accessible to the underserved community. Focusing on children in care (foster, adoptive, kinship, biological) and their families, single parent, and senior adults, the program will offer healthy and sustainable food while providing supportive life and career programs.
FORAI, St. Louis, MO
FORAI, Friends of Refugees and Immigrants, partners with local refugee and immigrant women to help them become part of their new American community and provides home-based and in-workshop incomes for women who can’t work outside the home because of child or elder care responsibilities. FORAI offers artisan made jewelry and crafts to the St. Louis community.
Mission Management Company, Honolulu, Hawai’i
Mission Management Company provides churches with alternative property-based income options by matching them with mission-aligned partners who range from non-profits to real estate developers. MMC works with both churches in decline and thriving churches who need assistance in fully utilizing the assets of their church facility.
Support our Fellows by shopping with our Holiday Gift Guide!
Make your holiday shopping count by supporting Invested Faith Fellows with our 2023 Gift Guide! Not only can you shop with pride knowing your purchases support faith-rooted entrepreneurs making a difference in their communities, but every gift you buy will directly impact the work our Fellows are doing across the country. You’ll find something for everyone on your list here - and don’t forget to check out the Fellows’ online stores to find even more incredible products! Click here to start your holiday shopping today!
Join the Invested Faith Community!
There are more ways than ever to get involved in the Invested Faith community! We would love to talk about how you can be involved in the work of changing the world. Just reach out here and we'll be glad to set up a conversation!
