Today we’d like to introduce you to Treesie Reed.
Hi Treesie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My name is Treesie Reed, Founder of Tree of Life Foundation Inc. And I’m writing to share my journey and connection with Mrs. Pinky Bemah Goll and Feeding Peter’s Kids. From an early age, I understood that my purpose in life was to serve others. As a child, I was naturally drawn to helping those in need—especially children and the elderly. I would share food with friends who had none and assist elderly neighbors by tying their shoes, doing their hair, and running errands for them. By the age of nine, I was certain that helping others was not just something I enjoyed—it was my calling.
At the age of sixteen, I met Mother Pinkly Bemah Goll, a woman who became a pivotal influence in my life. At the time, I was dating her younger brother (now deceased), and she embraced me as one of her own. She was a true mother—firm, loving, and deeply invested in my future. As we often say, she stayed on me “like white on rice,” ensuring that I completed my education and remained focused on my goals. Though years passed, she continued to watch my journey from a distance, never giving up on me.
Years later, as I began the process of establishing Tree of Life Foundation Inc., I prayed for a trustworthy and compassionate partner in Liberia—someone who would ensure that resources reached the people who needed them most. When Mrs. Goll visited, we began sharing our visions, and it was clear that our paths were meant to align. Our shared values, experiences, and passion for service made it evident that she was the right partner to help lead our mission on the ground.
Together, we joined forces and began creating tangible change for families living in poverty. Tree of Life Foundation Inc. is dedicated to supporting children and families worldwide by providing food, clean water, medical supplies, and access to education. Through our Feeding Peter’s Kids initiative, we have shipped more than 50 plus barrels of food, educational materials, healthcare items, and hygiene supplies to underserved communities. We have also helped establish access to clean, safe drinking water in several villages. And recently put up solar panels in a few villages.
One of our most urgent and long-term goals is to build state-of-the-art schools in rural villages. Many children are unable to attend school due to a lack of transportation and infrastructure, forcing them to abandon education at an early age and return to farm labor. We believe that education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty and unlocking future opportunities for generations to come.
In addition to our global outreach, Tree of Life Foundation Inc. is deeply committed to serving our local communities. We provide meals to the homeless throughout the year, both locally and statewide, ensuring individuals and families have access to consistent nourishment. We also distribute basic healthcare and comfort essentials, including blankets, pillows, hats, and other seasonal items to support health and dignity. Beyond immediate relief, we assist families in locating critical resources such as housing support, food assistance, and community services, helping them regain stability and hope.
Tree of Life Foundation Inc. was founded on faith, compassion, and action. Our mission is to restore hope, dignity, and opportunity—one child, one family, and one community at a time.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Starting a nonprofit is far from easy—it requires constant dedication, sacrifice, and perseverance. I am still learning every day, and the challenges do not simply disappear; they evolve. From navigating extensive paperwork to doing the hands-on groundwork, there have been many late nights packing shipments, preparing food, and showing up to serve those in need. Finding committed, like-minded volunteers has also been a continual challenge.
There have been moments when I felt overwhelmed and considered giving up. But when you are truly called by the Creator of the Universe, the strength to continue is always provided. Just when I feel I have reached my limit, favor shows up. God sends His angels—sometimes through people, opportunities, or unexpected blessings—to remind me to keep going. Those moments reaffirm my purpose and give me the courage to press forward.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am an educator, mentor, author, and motivational speaker with a lifelong commitment to empowering others. For the past 13 years, I have also served as a licensed childcare provider, working closely with children and families during some of the most formative years of their lives. At the core of everything I do is a passion for helping individuals—especially women, youth, and families—recognize their worth and walk confidently in their purpose.
I specialize in empowerment and mentorship, particularly for individuals who may feel overlooked, undervalued, or uncertain about their future. One of my proudest accomplishments is becoming an author and publishing my first book, Motivation of a Black Woman. This book was written to uplift women of color—especially young women—by reminding them of their beauty, strength, and power, and encouraging them to value themselves unapologetically. Stepping out on faith to share my voice through that book was a defining moment in my journey.
Another achievement I am incredibly proud of is founding Tree of Life Foundation Inc. Watching the Foundation grow and seeing the tangible impact we’ve made—both locally and globally—has been deeply fulfilling. From feeding the homeless and supporting families locally to providing food, clean water, education, and health supplies abroad, the work continues to affirm my calling.
What sets me apart is not just what I do, but who I am called to be. I believe I am chosen for a greater purpose and called to serve the nations. I genuinely enjoy being a gift to others. Those who know me often call me “Mama T” or “Aunty,” and some even refer to me as “the mother of the nation” because I am always helping someone—often opening my home, my heart, and my resources.
I have raised not only my own child, but many children and young adults along the way. When my son was younger, he often brought friends home saying, “Mom, you have to help him.” And I did—because I understood. I became a mother at 17 years old, and I know firsthand the struggles of navigating life as a young parent. God aligned me with adolescents and young adults because I had once walked that same path. I persevered, and today I stand as proof that purpose can rise from struggle.
What I am most proud of is my ability to make a difference in the lives of others, using my story, my experiences, and my faith to help people stay on the right path. Everything I do is rooted in service, compassion, and the belief that no one’s story ends where it begins.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I don’t believe in good luck or bad luck. I believe in purpose and destiny. I truly believe we are all placed on this earth for a reason, and once you understand and walk in your purpose, everything begins to align—including your life and your business.
When you are not aligned with your purpose, your business often reflects that misalignment. But when your life and your work are rooted in purpose, you are better prepared to handle whatever comes your way. Life may still throw curveballs, but you are positioned to catch them—or, if you miss one, to learn from it. Every challenge becomes a lesson rather than a setback.
In those moments, I take time to assess the situation, seek guidance from the Creator, and move forward with clarity and wisdom. My goal is to remain in God’s purpose for my life, because I know that when I do, everything will ultimately work out as it should.
I’ve experienced what it feels like to operate outside of purpose, and I’ve also experienced the peace and confidence that comes from walking fully in it. Once you are shown your purpose and choose to move in alignment with it, life becomes less about luck and more about growth, alignment, and lessons learned—lessons that equip you to help the next person who may be facing something similar.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://1tolf.org
- Instagram: treeoflife_foundation
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100082636054481
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tree-of-life-foundation-inc-31041b376/
