Hi Tiombé, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I am Tiombé` O’Rourke, Founder and CEO of True Blue 1881, Inc.
True Blue 1881, Inc., a 501(c)3 corporation and its predecessor, 1881 True Blue, LLC, was founded out of the desire for two Spelman alumnae to aid students attending college in the Atlanta University Center. Since the organization’s inception, its mission has been to connect students directly to resources – food, mentors, housing, and even financial assistance, quickly and transparently. In 2019, it became clear the gap between students having the resources to matriculate successfully through college was widening. As a result, True Blue 1881 held its first fundraiser in December 2019, where proceeds were used to clear outstanding balances so that students could register for the upcoming Spring semester. Since 2019, True Blue 1881, Inc. and its predecessor 1881 True Blue LLC have disbursed more than $300,000 directly to students and partnered with community stakeholders who are also invested in helping students succeed.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
True Blue 1881, Inc. has encountered numerous challenges, yet the most formidable has been cementing our reputation and influence across all 107 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). As a small but mighty non-profit, our journey to make a meaningful impact in this expansive community has been both demanding and rewarding.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
True Blue 1881 is committed to providing financial assistance and community resources to full-time students at all 107 HBCUs. We desire to create a world where students are free of food, shelter, and economic insecurities. We aim to help students successfully complete their matriculation. We do this by offering the following:
-Scholarship opportunities
-Long-term impact – previous recipients return to assist students via True Blue
-Housing assistance
-Addressing Food Insecurity – Assisting with feeding students viafood drives like our Thanks & Giving Scholarship Dinner
-Volunteer Opportunities
True Blue 1881, Inc. is proud to highlight two major corporate initiatives that exemplify our dedication to supporting students in need. Firstly, we are honored to have received a $10,000 grant from the Enterprise Mobility ROAD Forward Initiative for the third consecutive year. This grant is part of the Enterprise Mobility ROAD Forward initiative launched in 2020 to support organizations that advance social and racial equity in the communities where they operate and is specifically geared toward students in Georgia. The initiative aims to focus on Respect, Opportunity, Achievement, and Diversity (ROAD) for youth and families by addressing social and racial equity gaps in three key areas: early childhood development, youth health and wellness, and career and college preparation. This generous grant empowers us to continue making a significant impact in our local community.
In addition, we are thrilled to announce a multi-year partnership with Syensqo. Through this collaboration, five scholarships totaling $30,000 over three years will be awarded to STEM majors at Spelman College. These scholarships aim to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion within the STEM field while continuing the proud legacy of pioneering women at Spelman College. This further supports our impact on the local community.
These initiatives not only allow us to reach more students but also bolster our reputation as a leading philanthropic force in the corporate world.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.trueblue1881.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trueblue1881?igsh=MXF0cGU2bGh3OG0xbg==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrueBlue1881?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- YouTube: https://youtube.com/@trueblue-jw9xn?feature=shared
