January 23, 2020

Meet Doris Smith of Platform of Hope in Decatur

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Doris Smith.

Doris, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
According to the status quo, I never should have made it from the small town of Aberdeen, MS. With a drug-addicted mother who abandoned my sister, brother and I. We were fortunate to be raised by my great grandmother who was a loving kind-Pentecostal angel. As a Junior in college, I became a first-time mother. The difficulty of providing basic necessities for my only child birthed the passion within me to live for God through service for others. As a Six-Sigma Green Belt and former Corporate Trainer, I cross-referenced my skills and passion to become a dedicated champion for social service.

After a combined 20 years of working and managing for Corporate America, Non-Profits and GA Dept. of Family & Children Services I used my savings and started Platform of Hope in a two-room storefront in Decatur, GA. Due to a lack of funds, I was forced to let the building go after one year.

The concept was simple; to feed, house and clothe homeless families while transforming lives of the economically disadvantaged; although I had no idea of the financial deficit and whirlwind I would face after leaving a stable career to be a catalyst for change and change; nonetheless, I was determined—even more so after my spouse threatened divorce… Haha

After about two years of providing food, clothing, toiletries, coats and school supplies, I decided to add a component of re-entry. I thoroughly researched and dedicated numerous hours to devising a curriculum for Job Readiness/Soft Skills in addition to Basic Computer Applications. I was determined to integrate this curriculum into jails throughout metro Atlanta.

I presented the curricula to Fulton County Jail’s Chief Jailer, Col. Mark Adger who had become instrumental in the A&E show “60 Days In.” The basis of the facilitation and curriculum delivery was to reduce recidivism and upon release, partner offenders with Second-chance employers.

Eventually, Platform of Hope plans to expand to DeKalb, Gwinnett, Cobb and Douglas counties by adding two facilities per year. We currently have a network of over ten employers willing to offer employment based on Platform of Hope referral.

Since my great longing to transform lives, I became involved in mission work at my church -Ray of Hope; where the Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Hale is founder and Senior Pastor. For the last two years I have had the great pleasure of serving in Jacmel, Haiti; Anste Pitre, Haiti; and Pedernales, Dominican Republic. Seeing the extremely poor and impoverished living conditions makes me work harder to reach those in need. For the last two years, I have orchestrated and sponsored Back to School Bash initiatives that focus on Anti-bullying and “Say No to Drugs” campaigns. While 2020 is our first year to offer small scholarships for graduating seniors, it definitely won’t be the last. We were chosen by Delivering Good and Burlington Coat Factory as a non-profit to receive gently used coats for distribution throughout the winter.

Although the most difficult part of running a small 501C3 non-profit is acquiring funding, donors, and volunteers the result is no less rewarding. Impacting the lives of those who feel forgotten fuels my passion. Knowing larger organizations typically obtain more funding has not deterred my drive to change one life at a time.

Over the past few years I’ve had an opportunity to complete training in Servant Leadership, Out of the Darkness, United Way FAFSA training, Hands on Atlanta, Feeding Children Everywhere, Big Brothers Big Sisters Mentoring, Reconnect Ministry of Ray of Hope and most recently an application to become a Volunteer in Patrol (VIP) with Dekalb County Police Dept.

With four years and counting, Platform of Hope is JUST beginning. The next task is to work diligently to obtain funding for a building that will act as 10-bed Women & Children’s shelter, clothing closet, food pantry and small computer center. Much of my time is spent researching funding opportunities, attempting to increase my donor and volunteer database and delivering services.

One major part of Platform of Hope is to incorporate Suds of Hope! The idea is a mobile hygiene outreach initiative that provides laundry services for homeless individuals residing on the streets, in encampments, rotating shelters, in vehicles or other temporary spaces where there is no access to free laundry services. The platform of Hope believes access to basic hygiene is a human right.

I often ask myself, was it worth it? And as I give acceptance speeches in the shower and non-existent interviews in the mirror, I am reminded of the little boy who said “I am so glad you had this back to school bash because my mommy was crying today” or the inmate who said, “Ms. Smith, we can tell you care and because of this program, I will have a job when I am released.” I not only care, but I am deeply committed and will continue to work tirelessly even if funding never comes. I’m just a little girl from Mississippi with a dream to serve.

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?
Not at all… The difficulty has been getting others to believe in the mission and goal. A major hurdle is funding; in addition to those who feel the poor should be responsible for themselves. (Changing the minds of the heartless)

What else should we know about your organization.
Most of this is detailed in the first portion of this process… The platform of Hope is a 501C3 nonprofit in Atlanta, GA devised to feed, house and clothe homeless families while transforming the lives of the economically disadvantaged.

What sets Platform of Hope apart is our willingness to go to the client; to meet them where they are; on their level–whatever that is; be it rehab, addiction, homelessness, exploitation, etc…. I am most proud of meager beginnings and the slow and continuous increase invisibility. I am also very proud of the ability to impact with very little finances on hand. I’m proud that despite the hurdles, I refuse to quit. Quitting is not an option because someone needs us.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
We hope to create partnerships…The next task is to work diligently to obtain funding for a building that will act as 10-bed Women & Children’s shelter, clothing closet, food pantry and small computer center.

Contact Info:

Website: www.platformofhope.org
Phone: 7707892888
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: platform_of_hope
Facebook: platformofhope1
Twitter: platformofhope

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