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The Full Story
Nice to meet you!
A Southern tradition of ours to extend courtesy. We celebrate when others triumph and more importantly we celebrate together. Our family knows tragedy and our family knows faith and good will. We understand firsthand what it means to face adversity. We were raised in communities where being innovative and inclusive wasn't just a choice but a necessity for survival.
In 2020, tragedy struck us both when Asya lost her son suddenly in June, and in September when Billy’s brother, a veteran who had served in both the military and law enforcement, took his own life. Their deaths left a void in our lives, a painful reminder of the struggles many veterans face when transitioning back to civilian life. Just a year before, Billy said goodbye to his grandmother, a strong and loving woman whose life was cut short by diabetes and other health complications.
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Amidst these losses, a ray of light entered our lives in 2021—our youngest daughter, Odis Ella. She is a symbol of resilience, curiosity, and hope, reminding us daily of the beauty and goodness that requires love, care and energy. Her arrival sparked a fire within us, igniting a desire to turn our grief into action and make a positive impact in our communities.
We know the challenges faced by underserved and middle-class families all too well. We've felt the sting of loss and the weight of uncertainty. But we also know that change starts with us—with our actions, our choices, and our determination to create a better future for all.
That's why we founded The Odis Ella Foundation. Our mission is to unite communities and leverage the resources already at our disposal, working together to uplift and empower those around us. We believe that by building stronger, more supportive communities, we can create a ripple effect of positivity that will resonate for generations to come.
Join us on this journey of transformation. Together, we can make a lasting difference that reflects our love for each other.
