Today we’d like to introduce you to Shatonga Oliver.
Hi shatonga, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My Nonprofit Journey: I’m So Grateful
I started I’m So Grateful with a simple but powerful vision: to bring hope and resources to those who need them most. What began as a small effort to feed the homeless has grown into a movement that touches lives through food, mental health awareness, and youth mentorship.
Since our founding, we’ve served over 1,500 homeless individuals, partnering with other organizations to make a real impact. Today, we’re proud to operate independently, running a community thrift store and creating programs that empower home-based businesses and promote mental wellness.
Our mission is rooted in gratitude and service. We believe that every person deserves dignity, opportunity, and support. Through mentorship, we guide young people toward brighter futures, and through advocacy, we raise awareness about mental health challenges that affect so many in our communities.
This journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth every step. Every meal served, every conversation shared, and every life touched reminds us why we do what we do. I’m So Grateful isn’t just our name—it’s our promise.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, the journey has not been smooth. Starting I’m So Grateful came with challenges that tested my resilience and faith. One of the hardest parts was dealing with people who didn’t share the same integrity or vision. At one point, someone I trusted as a partner used me and the organization for their own benefit, which was heartbreaking. It taught me the importance of boundaries, transparency, and staying true to the mission no matter what.
We also faced financial struggles, limited resources, and the constant need to prove our value to the community. But every obstacle became a lesson. Those experiences shaped us into a stronger, more focused nonprofit that prioritizes accountability and compassion above all else
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At I’m So Grateful, we specialize in feeding the homeless, mental health advocacy, and youth mentorship. Our mission is to restore hope and dignity by meeting basic needs and creating opportunities for growth.
We’re known for our community thrift store, which not only provides affordable goods but also funds programs that empower home-based businesses and promote mental wellness. We’ve served over 1,500 homeless individuals, and we continue to expand our reach through partnerships and grassroots efforts.
What sets us apart is our personal approach—we don’t just provide meals; we build relationships, offer mentorship, and create pathways for self-sufficiency. We believe in treating every person with respect and gratitude, and that philosophy drives everything we do.
The thing we’re most proud of? Seeing lives transformed—whether it’s a young person finding confidence through mentorship or a family getting back on their feet with our support. Every success story reminds us why we started.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
At I’m So Grateful, success isn’t measured by numbers alone—it’s measured by impact. For us, success means:
Every person fed who feels seen and valued.
Every conversation that brings hope to someone struggling with mental health.
Every young person mentored who discovers their potential and takes steps toward a brighter future.
Success is creating a ripple effect of gratitude and empowerment in the community. It’s when someone we helped comes back to help others. It’s when lives are transformed—not just temporarily, but for the long term.
We believe success is about changing hearts and circumstances, one person at a time.
Pricing:
- Event Sponsorship Package
- Bronze: $100
- Silver: $250
- Gold: $500
- $1000
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.imsograteful.net
- Instagram: imsograteful_inc
- Facebook: I”m So Grateful
- LinkedIn: Im So Grateful INC
Image Credits
I’m So Grateful volunteers and staff.
