Press Release: Invested Faith Awards Ninth Class of Fellows
For immediate release: 11.09.2023
Invested Faith Announces 9th Class of Fellows
Washington, DC: A ninth class of faith-rooted Fellows has been named by Invested Faith. These six social innovators are working to address systemic issues of injustice in their communities while building a sustainable financial model. The Fellowship includes a $5,000 unrestricted grant and an invitation to tell their story through the Invested Faith community and website.
Invested Faith has now awarded 41 Fellowships in just over 2 years. Invested Faith Fellows are working in 21 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, sees hope for congregational legacy in the Fellows. “The incredible stories of faith, creativity, and fortitude continue and it’s our honor to share them with you! We’re delighted to introduce you to Class Nine of Invested Faith Fellows and also to tell the incredible news of legacy giving by faithful congregations. Invested Faith is more and more becoming the bridge to make this possible, a dream coming to be!”
The following individuals were selected as Invested Faith Fellows in October 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.
Victoria Scott-Miller
Liberation Station, Raleigh, NC
Liberation Station is North Carolina’s first Black-owned children’s bookstore. The bookstore specializes in children’s literature by Black creators that focuses on positive Black narratives and characters.
Katie Kenyon
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.
Jen Owens
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.
Josh Hayashi
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.
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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