Today we’d like to introduce you to Deirra Williams
Hi Deirra, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Verlindas Village started because of a personal tragedy that touched my life deeply. When my mom was younger, she was in a serious house fire that led my grandmother’s death and led my mom into the foster care system. This event impacted my family greatly. Later on, I too entered the foster system, which is where I saw grew to found the struggles foster children face daily but thanks to the support of some wonderful people and a bit of luck, I was adopted and given a second chance at a stable family life.
Motivated by my experiences, I created Verlindas Village to help other foster kids find stability and support. We plan to transform vacant buildings in St. Louis into cozy, safe homes where foster kids can really feel like they belong. But we do more than just provide a place to live; we offer help with schoolwork, opportunities to participate in the arts, and ways to get involved in the community. This helps the kids build various skills and develop a sense of community and self-worth.
Thanks to community support and a $10,000 grant I won from Howard University and PNC bank, we’ve been able to grow and reach more kids in need. My goal for Verlindas Village is to keep expanding and to ensure that foster children have the resources and support they need to overcome their challenges, just like I was able to. It’s a way to turn my family’s difficult past into a hopeful future for others.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Starting and growing Verlindas Village has faced several challenges. Securing and renovating suitable properties for the children was a major hurdle due to strict regulations and the need for significant funding. Financing the operation continues to be a struggle, as we rely heavily on donations and grants to cover the costs of renovations, maintenance, and children’s services. Additionally, finding the right staff and volunteers who are both skilled and committed to our mission has been crucial and sometimes challenging.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Verlindas Village is a non-profit focused on transforming vacant properties in St. Louis into welcoming homes for foster children. We provide more than just housing—our comprehensive support includes educational assistance, arts programs, and civic engagement opportunities, fostering personal and community growth.
What sets us apart is our holistic approach to supporting foster children and our community-driven model. We’re proud of how we revitalize neighborhoods and empower foster children towards a brighter future.
Our brand is about community empowerment and innovation in addressing foster care challenges. We invite everyone to join us in making a significant impact, whether through volunteering, donations, or advocacy.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Starting a non-profit like Verlindas Village is both rewarding and challenging. My advice is to have a clear mission that drives everything you do and helps you communicate your vision. Building strong relationships with the community, other non-profits, and potential donors is key. Fundraising will be one of your biggest challenges, so it’s important to get creative and learn the skills to do it well. Also, make sure you understand the legal requirements to keep your organization running smoothly. Above all, stay resilient. There will be obstacles, but the impact you’re making will keep you going.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://verlindasvillage.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/verlindasvillage
