Empowering the Masses works to help their neighbors in the South Dallas, Texas area gain access to sustainable, lucrative career opportunities to increase their earning potential. Tammy Johnson, executive director and founder of the organization, a new Independent Sector member, talked about their work to encourage people in the communities they serve reach their full potential as members of society.
What motivated your career in the nonprofit sector?
Tammy Johnson, executive director and founder of Empowering the Masses
Our motivation stems from a deep-seated desire to address the systemic inequalities and barriers that prevent individuals and communities from thriving. Witnessing the transformative power of community support and empowerment firsthand, we were driven to create an organization that could provide essential resources and opportunities to those who need them most.
Is there a special person or event that inspired you to be a changemaker?
One pivotal moment was meeting a single mother struggling to provide for her children, despite working multiple jobs. Her resilience and determination highlighted the gaps in our social support systems and inspired us to create a platform that could offer comprehensive assistance to families like hers, ultimately driving us to be changemakers in our community.
Tell us about the people and community your organization serves.
We serve a diverse community, primarily focusing on low-income families, individuals facing homelessness, and underserved populations in urban areas. Our efforts aim to provide them with access to education, job training, and essential services to help them achieve self-sufficiency and an improved quality of life.
How does your organization’s work help to advance a healthy, trusted, and equitable nation?
Our work promotes health by providing access to nutritious food, healthcare resources, and wellness programs. We build trust through transparent operations and community involvement, ensuring our services are tailored to meet real needs. By advocating for equitable access to resources and opportunities, we strive to create a more just and inclusive society.
Describe a moment that affirmed your organization is making a difference in your community.
A recent success story involved a young man who, through our job training program, secured stable employment and was able to move his family out of low-income housing. Seeing the tangible impact of our work on his life and the lives of his loved ones reaffirmed that our efforts are truly making a difference. He and his family of five were just getting by on 30,000 a year. When he finished our training he increased his income by 60 percent. That is the best affirmation.
What would you like people to know about your organization that might surprise them?
Many people might be surprised to learn about our holistic approach. Beyond providing immediate assistance, we focus on long-term solutions, including financial literacy programs, mental health support, and advocacy for systemic change, ensuring sustainable improvements in the lives of those we serve. We know that food insecurity is a symptom of a much bigger problem. So we also provide career training. We know that this will lead to self-sustainable longevity. We believe that the communities we serve deserve a hand up and not a handout.
How has your work changed in the wake of COVID-19, economic uncertainty, climate change, and the fight for racial justice?
The pandemic and ongoing social challenges have significantly intensified the needs of our community. We’ve expanded our services to include emergency relief, virtual education programs, and social determinants of health screenings. Our adaptive strategies ensure we continue to meet evolving needs effectively and equitably.
Learn about other Independent Sector members and becoming a member.
Lindsay Marcal is Manager, Membership at Independent Sector.
