Today we’d like to introduce you to Toshia Gray.
Hi Toshia, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
As an outsider not being from Maryland let alone Baltimore you see it through a different lense and that can be good or bad. In my case it’s great. Baltimore is beautiful and full of art and talented individuals but because of the negativity some people will never get to fully enjoy that part. On the other hand the poverty and crime can be blinding. Coming from a mother who gave to everyone in her communities and took care of the whole family sometimes with limited resources, it is not in me to turn a blind eye. I created The Gray Foundation in her honor to pay homage to her and the love and care she put into everyone she came across. And made her graduation picture our logo because education as a foundation is important. Not just school, but the education of fundamentals that assist everyday life to become better. Dorothy Ann Watts Gray was the biggest light to many people of all ages in Newark, Keansburg, and Long Branch NJ. We aspire to do the same in Baltimore.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s has not because when we have events we have to ask for spaces where we are welcomed for little to no money. As a start up non profit financially we do not have access to an abundant amount of funds to pay for many places while still providing the resources needed. Finding a permanent home is difficult for that same reason. But we have been blessed with the assistance given thus far. Which is why our monetary donations are so imperative.
We’ve been impressed with The Gray Foundation Inc., but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Edmondson Village will soon be our specific focus but thus far we have helped people all over Baltimore City and Baltimore County. Edmondson Village specifically because I have worked very close to that area for 7 years now and seeing that community not be provided with the resources it needs touches me. Due to its lack of resources and being a food dessert we plan to bring awareness and assistance to make a more connected community. We plan to work alongside some staples in the community to assist them to further do what they have already long been doing, trying to make the community thrive! We are a 501C3 that was founded in October 2024 . In less than a year we have assisted 150+ teens and children, 20 women, 22 men, and 24 small businesses. When we say the community we mean everyone! Currently we are supplying the homeless and people in need with slightly used clothes and shoes. We are also providing mothers with diapers and wipes as they are stocked. We have had many events in the community thus far geared towards the youth and one was for small businesses. There are many moving parts of the community and we plan to eventually touch them all with time. We are working out of a storage unit but looking for a permanent home where we can then roll out programs for the youth, small businesses, and the elderly. Through being on CCBCs resource list, they have sent us people with many needs coming from house fires, moving from being homeless for years, and just people who simply need a few things. We are in the business of helping. That’s it, just that simple. I am proud to say we have won our first pitch contest and plan on more in the future.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
We are always taking new boxes of diapers and wipes. We are always taking monetary donations to further our events and assistance with the resources we give back to the community. Contact us via our website, social media, or email.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegrayfoundation_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566912343478
- LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/the-gray-foundation-100355333
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@thegrayfoundation?si=-PZ_Qh2-EWXJtF6X
- Other: https://www.zeffy.com/donation-form/donate-to-make-a-difference-8386
