1. Tell us about your nonprofit organization? The Diamond Diva Empowerment Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals affected by domestic violence. One of our key initiatives is the Pathways to Housing program, a 12-month domestic violence stabilization program designed to support survivors in their journey toward safe and stable housing. We also provide comprehensive services, including counseling, legal assistance, and educational resources, to help survivors regain control of their lives. Our goal is to create a supportive community where individuals can heal, rebuild, and thrive after experiencing domestic violence. Through our programs, we aim to raise awareness about domestic violence, advocate for survivors, and provide them with the tools and resources they need to achievelong-termstability and independence.
2. How many members do you have on your board?
The Diamond Diva Empowerment Foundation has a board comprising six dedicated members. Each board member brings a unique set of skills and experiences to guide our organization in achieving its mission of empowering survivors of domestic violence.
3. What sets you apart from other agencies in the city?
The Diamond Diva Empowerment Foundation stands out from other agencies in the city for several reasons:
1) Specialized Focus on Long-Term Stability. Our Pathways to Housing program offers a comprehensive 12-month domestic violence stabilization plan, emphasizing not just immediate safety but long-term stability and independence. This extended support is crucial for survivors to rebuild their lives fully.
2) A Holistic Approach to Healing. We provide a wide range of services and warm referrals including counseling, legal assistance, financial literacytraining, and educational resources.
3) Empowerment-Centered Philosophy. Empowerment is at the core of everything we do. We focus on helping survivors regain control of their lives, encouraging self-sufficiency, confidence, and personal growth. Our programs are designed to not only address immediate needs but also to empower individuals to thrive in the long term.
4) Community and Advocacy. We are deeply embedded in the community and actively work to raise awareness about domestic violence through outreach and advocacy efforts. Our goal is not just to support survivors but to drive systemic change and create a community that understands and combats domestic violence.
5) Personalized Support. We recognize that each survivor’s journey is unique, and we tailor our services to meet the individual needs of each person. Our dedicated team works closely with survivors to create personalized plans that address their specific circumstances and goals. These elements combined make the Diamond Diva Empowerment Foundation a unique and impactful organization in the fight against domestic violence in our city.
4. I hear a lot about how some local St. Louis non-profit do not really network with one another, why is that?
Well in St. Louis, like many other cities, nonprofits sometimes facechallenges in networking and collaborating effectively. Here are a few reasons why we think that this is the case in most situations. 1. Competition for Funding. Many non-profits depend on similar sources of funding—such as grants, donations, or government support—which can create a sense of competition. This can lead organizations to operate more independently rather than forming collaborative networks. 2. Mission Differences. While some non-profits may have overlapping goals, others might focus on very specific niches. This difference in mission and focus can result in less collaboration, as organizations may prioritize their own unique objectives. 3. Limited Resources: Non-profits often operate with limited staff and resources, meaning there is often less capacity for extensive outreach or collaboration with other organizations. Their primary focus tends to be on their own programs and services.
5. When considering ‘Founding’ your business, what did you look for, what did you do differently, and why did you think that you would succeed?
When founding the Diamond Diva Empowerment Foundation, we focused on addressing a critical gap in long-term stabilization for survivors of domestic violence, particularly in securing housing through our Pathways to Housing program. Unlike many organizations that offer short-term assistance, we aimed to provide 12-months of sustainable, holistic support that empowers individuals beyond immediate crises. By fostering collaboration with local partners and designing specialized services tailored to survivors’ unique challenges, we believed our mission not only succeed but thrive by making a lasting impact in the community.Passion, a clear purpose, and building a dedicated team were key elements that currently drives the confidence in the foundation’s success.
6. You are coming off an excitinggala just recently, how did it turn out?
The 2nd Annual Fifty Shades of PurpleCharity Gala was an outstanding success, exceeding all expectations and solidifying its place as a premier event for supporting domestic violence survivors. The evening was filled with energy, elegance, and generosity, with an incredible turnout from the community, sponsors, and advocates who came together to support the cause. The event not only raised significant funds for the Diamond Diva Empowerment Foundation’s vital programs but also heightened awareness about the ongoing need for services like our Pathways to Healing program. The overwhelming support and participation made this year’s gala a true celebration of hope, resilience, and empowerment.
7. Why do you think most nonprofits fail in St. Louis?
Well based on our research most nonprofits in St. Louis, like in other cities, fail due to a combination of factors that make sustaining long-term operations challenging. One major reason is financial instability, as many rely heavily on donations and grants, which can be unpredictable. Without diversified funding streams, nonprofits can struggle to maintain consistent cash flow. Another issue is leadership and management challenges; many nonprofits are founded by passionate individuals who may lack the experience or capacity to handle the complexities of running an organization over time. Additionally, competition for limited resources including funding, volunteers, and community attention can strain smaller organizations, especially when they’re vying for support in an already saturated nonprofit landscape. Lastly, we believe that the lack of collaboration among nonprofits also plays a role, as organizations that don’t network effectively miss opportunities to pool resources, share knowledge, and strengthen their impact.
8. What is one thing you would like to improve at Diamond Diva’s?
One area I would like to improve at the Diamond Diva Empowerment Foundation is expanding our outreach and community partnerships. While we’ve made great strides in supporting domestic violence survivors, strengthening relationships with more local organizations, businesses, and government entities could significantly broaden our impact. By enhancing these connections, we can access more resources, share expertise, and collaborate on larger initiatives that address the root causes of domestic violence and housing instability. This would not only help us reach more survivors but also create a more sustainable support network for the long-term success of our programs.
9. What is your next project that you are looking forward to?
We are excited to announce the upcoming 4th Annual Domestic Violence Awareness RallyWalk on October 19th at 10 a.m., held in the vibrant Grove neighborhood! This year’s event promises to be a true celebration, with a lively partyatmosphere featuring marching bands, danceteams, local vendors, and an array of social serviceresource agencies. It’s a day of empowerment and community unity as we raise awareness for domestic violence survivors. Thanks to the advocacy of the Diamond Diva Empowerment Foundation and State Representative Chantelle Nickson-Clark, this annual event is now officially held on the third Saturday of October – Which is Domestic Violence Awareness Day for the State of Missouri ! Don’t miss your chance to compete for the coveted 2024 Rally Walk trophy by registering your team and collecting the most registered walkers at www.2def.org/rallywalk. We can’t wait to see everyone there!
10. Before we go, I want to congratulate you on becoming an official member of the St. Louis County Domestic and Family Violence Council. Let’s talk about that?
Thank you so much! It was both an incredible honor and a genuine surprise to receive the invitation to join the St. Louis County Domestic and Family Violence Council. Being recognized for the work we do at the Diamond Diva Empowerment Foundation and invited to contribute on this level feels like a milestone in our mission to combat domestic violence. Serving on the council will allow us to directly influencepolicy, collaborate with other leaders in the field, and ensure that the voices and needs of survivors are heard and prioritized across the county. This opportunity will have a profound impact on the lives of domestic violence survivors in our community, as it strengthens our ability to advocate for systemic changes, create more resources, and drive forward initiatives that promote safety and empowerment for all. I’m excited for the positive change we’ll bring together!
11. It was great meeting you during the giveaway, and I do look forward to working with you guys again very soon.
We are truly grateful for the opportunity to connect and highlight the work we do at the Diamond Diva Empowerment Foundation. Your support and the digital platform to share our mission mean so much to us as we continue advocating for domestic violence survivors. If you or anyone you know is in need of assistance, they can contact us at www.2def.org. We look forward to collaborating with you as well. Best of luck!
