Power of One Foundation
OUR STORY
Power of One Foundation (POOF) began from humble, heartfelt efforts: before its formal founding, team members and volunteers were already preparing hot meals in their homes and distributing them to homeless individuals across Santa Ana and the surrounding communities. This grassroots practice of caring for neighbors in need crystallized into a vision: that no one should go hungry, regardless of background. As POOF officially organized and grew, it embraced a mission to provide essential human resources—food, clothing, educational support, and more—to vulnerable communities both locally and beyond.
Over the years, Power of One Foundation has expanded its programs to respond to evolving community needs. Its Food Assistance Initiative rescues surplus food from partner restaurants and food chains to serve those experiencing food insecurity, supporting roughly one thousand people per month. During the COVID-19 pandemic, POOF launched a crisis relief program that delivered emergency food and diaper assistance, reaching millions across multiple counties in California. It also supports youth through programs like its “Birthdays Matter Program”, for single parents of elementary-age children. Most recently, POOF is working toward launching of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Orange County under its Youth Initiative—bringing free monthly books to children (0-5 years old) to ignite a lifelong love of reading.
Through its name, “Power of One,” POOF emphasizes unity—that a single person, acting in compassion, can spark change when combined with others. The foundation aims not only to meet immediate needs, but to empower underserved populations to become leaders in their communities. As of now, POOF reports having fed over 3 million individuals, delivered thousands of toys to children, and served millions of community members across its initiatives.
Mission Statement
The mission of Power of One Foundation is to provide basic human resources to every person in need of them, regardless of their country of origin, race, gender, or socioeconomic status. The foundation’s purpose is to empower & equip residents in under-served areas to become leaders in their communities.
Background Statement
We have been able to execute resource assistance & produce free community enrichment events for low-income families on a large scale through innovative event models, strategic partnerships, and by recruiting volunteers & community members who align with our mission. As a black-founded & black-ran organization, POOF will always prioritize treating people with equity & equality. The efforts of our volunteer team are always based on POOF’s core values of respect, compassion, & dependability. Diversification of our revenue is an ongoing objective, and we continue to work tirelessly to expand corporate partnerships and develop fundraising activities to secure sustainability for our initiatives & programs. We believe that expansive vision used with intentional direction generates innovative solutions. Our goal is to stay innovative, adaptable, and engaged with the ever-changing needs of our communities by working together more efficiently to create solutions in an uncertain world. Through the programs under our Family Support Initiative, we are annually serving 27,610 individuals (majority children) in Orange County. We are proud to have partners like Home Depot & IKEA supporting this initiative with in-kind donations. More information on the foundation’s awards & recognitions is available upon request, but some notable mentions include: • Presidential Lifetime Volunteer Service Awards by President Trump & Biden – 2020 & 2022 • California Non-Profit of the Year Award by Senator Umberg – 2020 • Presidential Award from the CA Assembly by Assemblywoman Petrie-Norris – October 9, 2021 • Key to the City of Santa Ana (received by our Executive Director) – 2022 • Special Leadership Recognition by U.S. Congressman Correa - 2020, 2021, 2022, & 2023 • Award from the USO & Gunfighters Squadron of the Marines – June 2020
Impact Statement
Goals for 2024: 1. Through the programs under our Family Support Initiative, we are annually serving 27,610 individuals (majority children) in Orange County. We are proud to have partners like Home Depot & IKEA supporting this initiative with in-kind donations. 2. Financial Goals: We currently have $40,000 committed annually from family foundations & private donors for this initiative; we raise another $25,000 each year through public fundraising & special-events sponsorships. 3. Serve a total of 27,610 individuals (majority children) in Orange County in 2024. Goals for 2025: 1. Kids First Campaign: Emergency assistance campaign to support families who lost homes in the LA Fires. POOF & partners (IKEA LA, 11 OC Home Depot stores, United Way, and others) provided resources & new bikes to the kids most impacted by the tragedy. 2. Raise the $500,000 needed to launch Dolly Parton's Imagination Library Orange County. 3. Serve 1000 kids through our annual Winter Wonderland Toy Giveaway.
Needs Statement
1. Sustainable Program Funding • Need: Reliable, unrestricted funding streams to stabilize operations across all four initiatives. • Why pressing: Heavy reliance on grants or one-time donations creates uncertainty; sustainable funding ensures continuity of services, especially for long-term initiatives like literacy and housing. 2. Launch Funding for New program under Youth Initiative • Need: Raise $500,000 to successfully launch Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Orange County under the Youth Initiative. • Why pressing: This investment is essential to provide free books to children countywide, establishing long-term literacy impact and equity of access for families. 3. Workforce & Volunteer Development • Need: Investment in 2-3 paid staff, specialized training, and structured volunteer management. • Why pressing: As initiatives scale, reliance on volunteers without consistent training and leadership can create gaps in program delivery and weaken organizational stability. 4. Technology & Data Systems • Need: Better tools to track impact, streamline reporting, manage donor relations, and measure outcomes across initiatives. • Why pressing: Strong data improves grant success, donor trust, and strategic planning — but requires upfront investment. 5. Strategic Partnerships & Corporate Sponsorships • Need: Stronger collaborations with businesses and community stakeholders to expand reach and diversify funding. • Why pressing: Partnerships bring in both financial support and in-kind resources, lowering program costs and amplifying visibility.
Geographic Areas Served
Our primary geographic area served is Orange County, but we have run campaigns and programs across Southern California since founding in 2019.
Top Three Populations Served
- All Populations
- Children ages 0-5
- Latinos
Statement from the CEO/Executive Director
It is an honor to serve as the Executive Director of Power of One Foundation. When I think about why we do what we do, I always come back to one simple truth: every single person has value, and every single person deserves dignity. At Power of One, our mission is rooted in feeding the hungry, serving where there is need, and loving those who feel forgotten. We believe that when people come together — as one — we can make a lasting difference in our communities and beyond. The phrase ‘Power of One’ is not just a name, it’s a reminder. It reminds us that while one person can spark change, true transformation comes when we unite, when we pool our strengths, our talents, and our compassion. In my role, I’ve been blessed to witness incredible stories of resilience — families finding hope through a box of food, children discovering joy through a community event, and volunteers realizing the power of giving. These are the moments that fuel our vision. But let me be clear: our work is far from finished. Hunger, poverty, and inequality are challenges that require all of us to rise up together. My vision, and the vision of this foundation, is to create a world where no child goes to bed hungry, where no family feels abandoned, and where every individual knows they are seen, valued, and loved. That vision cannot be achieved by one organization alone. It will take partnerships, community, and the willingness of each of us to use our gifts to serve others. And when we do, we not only change lives — we change the future. So I thank you for standing with us, for believing in this mission, and for proving every day that there truly is power in one… and even greater power in us together. Thank you, and may we continue this journey of unity, service, and love.”
Sincerely,
Andre Roberson
Statement from the Board Chair/President
It is an honor to serve as the Executive Director of Power of One Foundation. When I think about why we do what we do, I always come back to one simple truth: every single person has value, and every single person deserves dignity. At Power of One, our mission is rooted in feeding the hungry, serving where there is need, and loving those who feel forgotten. We believe that when people come together — as one — we can make a lasting difference in our communities and beyond. The phrase ‘Power of One’ is not just a name, it’s a reminder. It reminds us that while one person can spark change, true transformation comes when we unite, when we pool our strengths, our talents, and our compassion. In my role, I’ve been blessed to witness incredible stories of resilience — families finding hope through a box of food, children discovering joy through a community event, and volunteers realizing the power of giving. These are the moments that fuel our vision. But let me be clear: our work is far from finished. Hunger, poverty, and inequality are challenges that require all of us to rise up together. My vision, and the vision of this foundation, is to create a world where no child goes to bed hungry, where no family feels abandoned, and where every individual knows they are seen, valued, and loved. That vision cannot be achieved by one organization alone. It will take partnerships, community, and the willingness of each of us to use our gifts to serve others. And when we do, we not only change lives — we change the future. So I thank you for standing with us, for believing in this mission, and for proving every day that there truly is power in one… and even greater power in us together. Thank you, and may we continue this journey of unity, service, and love.”
Sincerely,
Andre Roberson
CONTACT
Power of One Foundation
918 N. Cleveland St.
Orange, CA 92867
Shawnee Witt
shawnee@powerofonefoundation.org
Phone: 4066729617