Empowerment Rising: Transforming Lives - Resilence

Renewed Resilience: Empowering Lives Beyond Adversity

Dear Compassionate Supporters,

I am Penelope Lopez, the driving force behind POWER (People Organized Working Evolving Reaching) Changes Lives—a beacon of hope for those navigating the storms of poverty, inequality, and adversity. Our mission is rooted in a profound commitment to uplift low-income, minority, and underserved communities by fostering sustainable futures and eliminating disparities across various critical domains.

As a single parent raising four children, my journey was fraught with challenges that tested my resilience and determination at every turn. I navigated the harsh realities of poverty, grappling with homelessness and food insecurity while shouldering the immense responsibility of providing for my family. Despite the overwhelming odds stacked against me, I refused to be defined by my circumstances. Instead, I embarked on a journey of self-improvement and empowerment, determined to create a better life for myself and my children.

Alongside the demands of parenthood, I pursued higher education with unwavering determination. I earned my Associate's degree in Business Management from the County College in Randolph, laying the groundwork for my future endeavors. Building upon this foundation, I went on to achieve a Bachelor's degree in Business Management from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 2007. This milestone marked a significant achievement in my journey, opening doors to new opportunities and avenues for growth.

However, my pursuit of knowledge did not end there. Driven by a passion for healthcare equity and advocacy, I pursued further education, earning a Master's degree in Business Management with a minor in Pharmaceutical Studies. This additional qualification equipped me with the skills and expertise needed to address healthcare disparities and advocate for marginalized communities.

Throughout this tumultuous period, fate intervened in the form of love and companionship. In 2006, I met and married my husband, a supportive partner whose unwavering love and encouragement have been a source of strength and stability throughout our 17-year journey together. His presence has been a beacon of light in the darkest of times, providing unwavering support and companionship as we navigated life's challenges together.

Today, as I reflect on my journey from single parenthood to married life, I am filled with gratitude for the resilience that carried me through the darkest of times. My experiences have shaped me into the person I am today—a determined advocate for change, committed to empowering others and creating a brighter future for all.

In 2008, my journey took an unexpected turn when I was diagnosed with a serious heart condition that threatened to derail my path to success. The diagnosis revealed a 3 cm tumor in my thyroid gland, necessitating a thyroidectomy to remove it. Despite this initial setback, I persevered, refusing to let my health challenges define me. However, the road ahead was fraught with additional obstacles.

In 2015, my life was profoundly altered by a diagnosis that shook me to my core: stage 3 breast cancer. The news reverberated through my being, bringing with it a wave of fear, uncertainty, and determination. The subsequent journey was a tumultuous one, marked by rounds of chemotherapy, surgeries, and the harsh realities of treatment. Yet, amidst the darkness, I found glimmers of hope and strength. Supported by loved ones, medical professionals, and an unwavering resolve, I embarked on a journey of healing and resilience.

The toxicity of the chemotherapy I underwent for breast cancer led to the development of congestive heart failure, a condition characterized by a dangerously low ejection fraction of 15%. This diagnosis presented a formidable challenge, requiring me to confront the fragility of my own mortality while grappling with the uncertainty of my future. Yet, fueled by determination and an unyielding spirit, I refused to succumb to despair. Instead, I embarked on a journey of healing and recovery, embracing every obstacle as an opportunity for growth and transformation. Today, despite the lingering effects of my heart condition, I continue to push forward, guided by the belief that with perseverance and resilience, anything is possible.

Now, as I reflect on this chapter of my life, I am proud to share that I have celebrated eight years as a cancer survivor. It's a milestone that fills me with profound gratitude and serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the resilience of the human spirit. Through countless ups and downs, I have emerged stronger, more determined, and deeply committed to the mission of POWER CHANGES LIVES.

Though the journey was fraught with challenges, it also brought moments of profound growth and transformation. It taught me the value of resilience, the importance of community, and the boundless capacity of the human spirit to overcome adversity. Today, as I stand on the other side of this battle, I carry with me the lessons learned and the strength gained, fueling my passion to serve those in need and make a meaningful difference in the world.

In 2018, I channeled my experiences and expertise into the creation of POWER, a beacon of hope for those in need. Our initiatives, meticulously designed to mirror the struggles I faced, have since blossomed into beacons of change, touching countless lives across the globe.

Our programs, each a testament to our unwavering commitment, have yielded remarkable results:

• Operation Holiday: Providing gifts annually to individuals, families, seniors, and the homeless, spreading joy and warmth during the holiday season.

• The Newark Project & The Flint Project: Sponsoring full housing subsidies, food, tutoring, job search assistance, and case management services for four qualifying 9th grade freshmen and their families, offering pathways to brighter futures.

• Project F.E.E.D. (Friends Ensuring Every Dinner): Distributing over meals to combat food insecurity, ensuring no stomach grumbles with hunger.

• LavaLove: Deploying a custom-designed mobile hygiene trailer, equipped with shower-restroom facilities, washing machines, dryers, and community resource rooms, providing dignity and support to the homeless.

• The Crimson Project: Partnering with attorneys to provide pro-bono legal expungement services, offering second chances to those with low-level criminal offenses.

• Senior Connect: Distributing 300 Kindle Fire tablets annually to seniors, fostering connectivity, access to healthcare, and social engagement.

• iPlay: Providing free musical instruments and virtual instruction to over 200 K-12 students, nurturing creativity and talent.

• POWER Village: Constructing tiny homes to provide shelter to those without a place to call home, offering sanctuary amidst uncertainty.

In 2023, my journey took a devastating turn as I faced a major stroke that upended my life. The sudden onset of this medical emergency left me paralyzed on my right side, robbed of mobility, speech, and independence. It was a profound challenge that tested every fiber of my being. I found myself confronted with the daunting task of relearning even the simplest of tasks, such as walking and speaking. The road to recovery has been long and arduous, marked by intensive therapy sessions and unwavering determination. Yet, through it all, I have remained steadfast in my commitment to our cause, fueled by an unyielding passion to serve those in need. Though the stroke may have temporarily altered the course of my journey, it has not dimmed my resolve. Today, I continue to push forward, driven by the belief that every obstacle is an opportunity for growth and every setback is a chance to inspire resilience.

Reflecting on our journey, I am proud to share our achievements from 2001 to 2023:

• Launched New Jersey’s first mobile hygiene shower trailer: Providing over 8,000 showers and 1,300 critical services to the homeless and those in dire need.

• Developed strategic partnerships with homeless shelters and transitional living facilities: Extending our reach and impact throughout New Jersey.

• SHOW LavaLove events: Offering vital services such as medical assistance, clothing, food, legal aid, employment support, and mental health resources to over 2,500 individuals in need.

• Gave 300 Kindle Fire tablets to seniors: Enhancing connectivity and access to essential services through our Senior Connect program.

• Distributed 500,000 KN95 masks: Protecting vulnerable communities from the ravages of COVID-19.

• Provided 2,000 coats annually to the community: Offering warmth and comfort during harsh winters.

• Hosted weekly LavaLove sites in Newark, NJ: Offering essential services including medical aid, clothing, showers, and food to those in need.

• Operation Holiday: Delivering 2,000 gifts annually to bring joy and cheer to individuals and families in need.

• Distributed 235,000 pieces of clothing: Ensuring dignity and warmth through essential clothing items.

• Provided 500,000 meals annually: Alleviating food insecurity and nourishing our communities.

Your donations will play a crucial role in reigniting the heart of our organization, enabling us to resume our vital work of empowering communities and transforming lives. Since my stroke, I've remained committed to serving others, despite the challenges I've faced. With your support, we will revive our programs and initiatives, continuing the impactful work we've been known for.

Specifically, your contributions will help us revive the LavaLove program, which provides essential services to the homeless community. Funds will go towards putting our mobile hygiene trailer back on the road, ensuring that individuals in need have access to showers, restroom facilities, and vital resources to support their journey towards stability.

Additionally, donations will bolster Project F.E.E.D., our initiative aimed at combating food insecurity. Your support will enable us to immediately provide relief to those in need, particularly in food deserts like Newark and other underserved areas across New Jersey. Through strategic partnerships with local organizations, we will distribute meals and essential groceries to those facing hunger, ensuring that no one goes without nourishment.

Each program will receive targeted support to get up and running again. Whether it's providing gifts through Operation Holiday, offering legal assistance through The Crimson Project, or fostering connection among seniors through Senior Connect, your donation will directly impact our ability to serve those in need.

To maximize the impact of your generosity, we will utilize volunteers and interns, minimizing costs while ensuring that resources are allocated where they're needed most. By harnessing the power of our community, we can amplify our efforts and reach even more individuals in need.

However, we cannot embark on this journey alone. We need your support to reignite our operations and continue our vital work. Your donation will enable us to expand our reach, amplify our impact, and bring hope to those who need it most.

With gratitude and hope,

Penelope Lopez

President and CEO POWER Changes Lives