Press Release: Invested Faith Awards 13th Class of Fellows
For Immediate Release: 11.13.2024
Invested Faith Awards 13th Class of Fellows
Washington, DC: Invested Faith has named a thirteenth class of faith-rooted social entrepreneurs. These five 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 61 Fellowships in just 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: “In this moment of collective fear and anxiety about our shared future, this new class of Invested Faith Fellows is a tangible and powerful way to signal that our work will continue. We know that despair is a luxury that vulnerable communities cannot afford, and so we press on in support of innovative community leaders, holding tight to the conviction that God expects us to keep at the work of healing the world.”
The following individuals were selected as Invested Faith Fellows in October of 2024:
Jessica David and Josh Daly
Local Return
Providence, Rhode Island
The mission of Local Return is to build community wealth in Rhode Island through ownership and investment, particularly in neighborhoods that have experienced historical disinvestment. The Local Return Diversified Community Investment Fund (DCIF) is the nation’s first DCIF and Rhode Island’s first-ever community investment fund, which will invest in local real estate projects and related ventures that create or preserve local ownership and economic activity.
Leslee Matthews
Speak Up and Out Law
Wailuku, Hawai’i
Leslee Matthews is the Founder, Managing Attorney and licensed social worker at Speak Up and Out Law(SOUL), a legal empowerment law firm dedicated to social justice and ending domestic abuse in Hawaii. The team at Speak Out & Up Law is focused on working to end violence against women and girls, building community with uncommon allies, elevating the voices of those who have been silenced, and enhancing service provision to underserved communities.
Candice Wynn
BOON: The Black Next Gen Network
Atlanta, Georgia
Founded by Candice Wynn, BOON is a community of Black Children’s and Youth Ministry Faith-Leaders. BOON, which stands for Born Out of Necessity, is the first National Network of its kind. BOON equips Black churches and leaders to cultivate thriving Children’s and Youth Ministries by providing inclusive community, culturally responsive ministry strategy, and opportunities for amplified influence through networking, educational resources, staffing services, and speaker's bureau.
Summer Rothwell
Open Mind Yoga Hawai’i
Honolulu, Hawai’i
Founded by Summer Rothwell, Open Mind Yoga Hawai’i is a yoga based after school program with a simple mission - to create a space for autistic kids to play, learn and grow, through aerial yoga, sensory play and social activities. With the use of a hammock, children who have difficulty participating in other sports can have a safe supportive experience through yoga.
These Fellows are supported in part by a grant from the American Baptist Home Mission Societies (www.abhms.org).
About Invested Faith: Invested Faith is a fund for faith-rooted social innovators founded by Rev. Dr. Amy Butlerin 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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