The LaStraw

The LaStraw, Inc., is a community based, tax exempt, nonprofit organization working to address issues perpetuating poverty since 2003. Programmatic objectives and activities are developed and implemented by individuals representing negatively impacted populations. 

Mission: 
To create an accessible network of human and social services empowering people living in economically distressed and under-resourced areas improve their quality of life. 

Our Work: Microenterprise Capacity Building
Gifted Giving Hands Program - 
Program Objective: To advance entrepreneurship as an effective poverty alleviation strategy by increasing access to capacity building and technical support resources for entrepreneurs operating a business in economically distressed and under-resourced areas.

     C-BAM! - (Community – Building and Accountability via Microenterprise) to achieve revenue parity among businesses operating for the benefit of individuals living in economically distressed and under-resourced areas, through a series of virtual and in-person technical assistance and capacity building support trainings​

     Creator's Initiative  - To create new businesses, support existing businesses and increase positions of power within fields of creative expression easier for “creatives of color” and specifically “creatives” who identify as (b)Black/ or African American by providing capacity building and technical assistance while advocating to address issues related to systemic racism and discrimination as it relates to individuals who identify as (b)Black/ African American within the film and TV ecosystem. 

Targeted Community Health Initiative
Program Objective - to address the impact of catastrophic illness on the fragile family dynamic found in economically distressed and under-resourced areas. 

           Cultivating Community Wellness - through community gardening The LaStraw  seeks to improve access to fresh, nutritious food, combat food insecurity in "food desert" neighborhoods, promote community building, provide opportunities for physical activity, and even offer educational benefits regarding healthy eating and sustainable agriculture practices, all while potentially lowering food costs

    Community Council -  advocate on all levels (individual, community, city, county, state, and federal) to raise awareness about the impact systemic racism and discrimination