Small Sums

We love our Small Sums community! Meet MSDENISHIA TOP MODEL COACH and Jenn—two incredible women who first crossed paths while working on our Stories Matter Fashion Show. MSDENISHIA was one of our cohosts, and Jenn walked the runway as a model. You might remember Jenn's inspiring journey to becoming the owner of Minnie’s House, where she’s building her dream as a chef and entrepreneur. Small Sums had the privilege of outfitting her with the tools she needed to take those first steps toward success. This heartwarming photo was taken at an event catered by Minnie’s House, hosted by none other than MSDENISHIA herself. It’s a beautiful reminder of the connections, support, and strength within the Small Sums community! Together, we’re lifting each other up and creating opportunities. #SmallSumsStrong #StoriesMatter #CommunityPower

Over the years, I’ve had the honor of working with incredible organizations, all united by a mission to ease suffering and build a better tomorrow. My heart is with those who are often overlooked, unseen, and unheard—because I know how quickly life can change and how often people are left behind. The systems in place leave me deeply worried for those at the bottom, those whose opportunities didn’t pan out, or whose choices—often shaped by limited options—have set them back. That concern is what brought me to Small Sums and its simple but powerful mission. Too often, we hear dismissive judgments: “Why don’t they just get a job?” or “No one wants to work anymore.” What gets lost in those statements is the reality of the barriers people face. Many jobs require boots, tools, or transportation—essentials that are often out of reach for those experiencing homelessness. And even with a job, many workers are still living in cars or shelters, struggling to move forward in an economy that doesn’t offer housing wages. At Small Sums, we tackle these challenges head-on. We meet people where they are, celebrate their victories, and give them the support they need to move forward—to their first paycheck, then the next, and the next. Yes, setbacks happen. But we honor the resilience it takes to try again, because even two steps forward and one step back is still progress. This work matters. It’s not flashy, but it’s life-changing. And this Thursday, I’m asking for your support. A gift to Small Sums makes an immediate difference, and Adam and I will match every donation up to $1K. Together, we can help more workers overcome the barriers holding them back and take steps toward a brighter future. Here’s to moving forward—one step at a time. 🥾 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gGUEESVB

With less than a week to go, we’re almost halfway to reaching our $25K goal—and we have exciting news! Dena DeGroat and @Journey Financial Consulants - Thrivent have generously offered a matching gift opportunity. That means every dollar you give will be doubled! No one should have to turn down a job because they can’t afford the required uniform, boots, or transportation—and that’s where we come in. Together, with your support, Small Sums removes these barriers to employment, empowering unhoused workers to move toward stability. Don’t miss this chance to make twice the impact. Give today and help us meet our goal! 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gU9MjPYS

Frederick Melo, always reporting the truth :) Check out the Small Sums online auction! 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gvsFQnEx

Meet Kevin. He’s currently pursuing a career in construction through a job training program at Summit Academy OIC. “I’ve done construction work when I was younger, and I enjoy all aspects of it,” Kevin shared. “I like being part of a process, part of a community. When you complete a project, you can be proud that you’ve created something meaningful.” Kevin’s journey hasn’t been easy. He’s currently in transitional housing, hoping to soon find a place of his own. Navigating the system has been challenging, and he often feels frustrated by the lack of support. But Kevin’s resilience is truly inspiring. Growing up, Kevin had one true mentor, Joe, who believed in him when no one else did. “Joe taught me how to work,” Kevin shared. “He took me under his wing and helped me gain confidence and skills. He’s the reason I’m at Summit Academy and doing my best.” Although Joe recently passed away, Kevin is determined to keep moving forward, setting goals and honoring Joe’s legacy. At Small Sums, we’re proud to provide Kevin with the tools he needs to succeed: work pants, shirts, Bombas essentials, Red Wing Shoe Co. steel-toe boots, a hygiene care pack, and a 31-day unlimited Metro Transit pass. His story moves us, and we are honored to walk alongside him on his journey. This #GivetotheMax Day, we invite you to support stories like Kevin’s by making a donation to Small Sums. Your contribution will help us continue to provide the resources and support workers experiencing homelessness need to succeed. Together, we can help more individuals like Kevin reach their full potential. Donate today and help us create more success stories: https://lnkd.in/d_5x5Gxz Keep reaching for the stars, Kevin – we’re behind you every step of the way!

Andréa Kish-Bailey, MAOL, our Executive Director at Small Sums, has over 25 years in nonprofit leadership and a steadfast commitment to making sure workers experiencing homelessness have the resources they need to succeed. Driven by a passion for equity, Andréa works every day to open pathways to opportunity for those facing some of the toughest challenges. This #GivetotheMax, she’s taking action with a personal fundraising campaign, matching every donation dollar-for-dollar, up to $1,000. Each gift will go twice as far, empowering more workers with the essentials they need for success. Andréa believes no one should have to turn down a job because they can’t afford the uniform. Join Andréa in this mission. By donating, you’ll help lift up workers who are ready to build a stronger future. Let’s help Andréa reach her goal! Give now at https://lnkd.in/gjzebfGx

Tosheed Thompson joined Small Sums nearly three years ago and has been a passionate advocate for workers transitioning from homelessness to stability ever since. This #GivetotheMax, Tosh is on a mission to raise $1000 to help provide essentials for those starting over—and thanks to our friends at Dedicated Financial GBC, every gift will be matched! That’s double the impact for each dollar given, directly supporting workers in need. Let’s rally behind Tosh to reach his goal and make a real difference! 💛 🔗 Donate today to double your impact at https://lnkd.in/gAmGXCXB

MEET MASAMO, also known as “Prosper”—a name that perfectly captures his spirit and determination. Originally from Congo, he spent 16 challenging years in South Africa as a refugee, navigating survival without proper documentation. Despite the odds, he built his own carpentry business there, figuring out everything on his own. “Life was hard, and trying to survive was really difficult without help,” he shared with us. This fall, Prosper arrived in the Twin Cities with hope for a fresh start, and his journey has been remarkable. He recently received his final documents, making it possible for him to work! With support from his cousins who arrived here earlier this year, he’s already landed a job with a local construction company. Now, Prosper is eager to deepen his carpentry skills and has dreams of one day teaching young people to be their own bosses through this trade he loves. At Small Sums, we’re honored to help Prosper take these first steps by providing new work clothes, steel-toe boots, a 31-day bus pass, and essential tools to build his future. His resilience and vision are truly inspiring. “I can do better than what I am doing,” he tells himself. “Life is all about trying.” We can’t wait to see all he’ll accomplish. ✨🛠️ #SmallSums #Prosper #BuildingDreams #CommunityResilience

Are you inspired by the stories we share? Stories like Kurtis’ and so many others? Today, you can double your impact! For Give to the Max Day, every gift will be matched by our friends at Dedicated Financial GBC—making every dollar you give work twice as hard to support workers experiencing homelessness. Join us in making a difference. Make a gift today, and together, we can empower people to rebuild and move forward. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/d_5x5Gxz #GiveToTheMax #DoubleYourImpact #Support

MEET JOHN — Originally from Chicago, John has called Minnesota home for over 24 years. Recently, he faced an unexpected challenge: a fire destroyed his home. Now, he's staying at Catholic Charities Twin Cities emergency shelter as he searches for stable housing. But John’s outlook remains resilient, guided by his personal “3 P’s”—patience, persistence, and no procrastination. With his “Good Vibes” cap and a positive spirit, John is preparing to start his new job in a warehouse. Thanks to your support, Small Sums was able to equip him with work essentials: Red Wing Shoe Co. steel-toe boots for safety, a fresh set of clothes, a hygiene care pack, and a 31-day bus pass to get him to work. These small steps are part of a larger journey for John—he’s determined to earn his BS degree by the time he’s 50, just four years from now. Every day, people like John inspire us with their grit and goals. Let’s keep showing up for them. 💪 #SmallSums #EmpoweringWorkers #HousingFirst #Support #DressedAndReady