2025 Year In Review Rooted In Purpose And Over 30 Years Of Community Impact

The Community Empowerment Association (CEA) remains a mission-driven, social justice–centered organization. Through government shutdowns, a global pandemic, staffing transitions, and limited funding amid growing community needs, our commitment to serve has never wavered.

For more than 30 years, CEA has stood as a Black-led organization rooted in self-help and self-determination. While organizations like ours do not always fit traditional narratives, we have remained firm on a foundation of faith, resilience, and a deep belief in the transformative work we are called to do. Over the decades, we have been blessed to create nurturing, affirming spaces for thousands of children, youth, and families who have grown alongside us.

A Legacy Built Through Action

Building and sustaining a community-driven institution is never easy. It requires sacrifice, commitment, and unwavering loyalty to a shared vision. CEA’s longevity is not accidental. It is the result of intentional dedication to social justice, equity, and the ongoing fight against systemic racism.

That dedication shows up every day in our programming and events. CEA continues to center healing, culture, and truth through healing-centered gatherings and spaces for reflection and inspiration, including:

• Black Men & Boys Healing Circle

• Black Men’s Healing Circle Pancake Breakfast

• Growing in Peace: Day of Remembrance

• PIA Vision Board Event

• Nikki Giovanni Tribute Event

• Dr. Joy DeGruy Event

Day of Remembrance

Supporting Families and Creating Pathways

CEA’s work also focuses on meeting immediate needs while building long-term pathways to opportunity. We support families with dignity and care through essential resource programs, including:

• The People’s Food Pantry: Since launching in September, CEA has served hundreds of community members, increasing access to nutritious food and essential resources.

• Winter Coat Giveaway: Provided winter coats and accessories to numerous children, helping them stay warm throughout the colder months.

• Turkey Giveaway: Supported countless families, ensuring households were able to put food on their tables during the holiday season with dignity and care.

See how the Turkey Drive and other CEA initiatives make a real difference for families and neighbors across our community.

We also invest in long-term growth through workforce development and youth-focused initiatives that help young people and adults envision and prepare for brighter futures, including:

• Careers in Healthcare Event

• Pathway to Promise Resource Fair and Reentry Job Fair

• CEA Future Ready Youth

• Annual Summer Camp

CEA hosted 6 Community Conversations and convened hundreds of community members through large-scale gatherings such as the Rooted in Strength Summit, advancing collective dialogue, leadership development, and community empowerment across generations.

Moving Forward in Faith

From the beginning, CEA has stood on the principle that “God is the best of planners.” Through every challenge, we have remained forward-thinking, advocating for equitable resources, economic opportunities, and stronger futures for our communities.

2025 Year in Review

As we prepare for the year ahead we ask our youth families partners and supporters to keep CEA in prayer. Together we will continue to build, heal and empower grounded in faith strengthened by community and guided by purpose.