Today we’d like to introduce you to Kenshara Cravens.
Kenshara, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
As a social worker it’s a natural thing to want to give back, we care about humanity and change. So, one day I was talking to my now boyfriend who has a scholarship that he gives to his high school, and he told me about, and I was like wow I want to do something like that. That next day I reached out to my old high school to start my scholarship which is an extension of his name in which I called Cougar to Cougar. At the second year of giving the scholarship I said I need to do more. Which I filed the business of Craving for A Change Foundation Inc. When I filled the business, I knew I still wanted to do the scholarship but I did not know what else. Then I thought back to things I needed help with as a senior graduating going to college and this is how the other services came up.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
For the most part it has been a smooth road. Now that the business is actually a filled business and have my 501 c3 status there has been some struggle. With nonprofits there is a lot of things that have to be done to make money like fundraising, grant writing, etc. I am currently in the process of trying to implement items maybe that I sell so that the business has revenue coming in so that my services can be free to the students and community. So, if I had to pick something the business struggle has been receiving donation for the organization.
We’d love to hear more about the organization.
Craving For a Change Foundation is a 501 c3 organization that has a few different components. First, we assist high school students with transitioning to high school to college. Rather that is technical school, Junior college or university. We assist with FAFSA, college application, mentorship and provide overall support. The second competent is with me being a social worker I offer mentorship services to social work students and social worker who want to extra support as it relates to the profession of social work. Lastly, I provide education to the community in topic such as health literacy, and hospital discharge knowledge. The thing that I am most proud about is the two kids that have received my scholarship so far are still in college thriving. The thing that I feel set me apart from other organizations that provide similar services is me. I am a first generation college student who was able to thrive and be successful. With that being said I look like the people I help and they trust me because of that. We are also a very intimate organization that assist from an intimate level.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
The plan for the future is that I will be able to give my scholarship to each school in Galveston county. I am giving myself three years to accomplish this goal. The next big thing that I am planning for currently is my first fundraiser which will be held in September. We also move into our office space in September. It will include a computer lab for the clients to come in and receive assistance. I would also like to hold a health fair spring of 2021 if COVID-19 allows.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cravingforachangefoundation.com
- Phone: 832-735-0077
- Email: kenshara.cravens@cravingforachange.com
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