Hidden Gems: Meet Traci Brown of United To Bless

Today we’d like to introduce you to Traci Brown. 

Hi Traci, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
For a little over 20 years, I have enjoyed working with families and youth throughout the city of Cleveland. My passion for simply wanting to be of help to people in need started at a young age and is what remains at the core of who I am today. After working in social services for a number of years, and seeing how great the need was with the families I provided services to through government-funded programs, in 2008 I decided to start a nonprofit organization of my own, United To Bless, Inc. I can remember wanting to provide extra help to families and would gather donations here and there to assist them with clothing and diapers for their children. Fast-forward 14 years, United To Bless, Inc. continues to be of help to those in need and is currently focusing on three areas of service: Our Toiletry and Hygiene Pantry; Our Mid-Year School Supply Drive; and Our women empowerment groups. I know first-hand how just a little bit of help can make a huge impact in someone’s life. During the course of those 14 years, I obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in nonprofit administration and a Master’s Degree in Human Services Counseling to better effectively meet the need of those I currently supported and would support in the future. In July of 2021 I took the big leap of leaving my career in social services to pursue entrepreneurship, continuing to build and further establish my nonprofit, and now Simply4.2&Co. LLC which provides merchandise and services to help motivate and inspire, Mind Body and Soul. Like many others, I took advantage of this period of uncertainty during the Covid 19 pandemic to better myself, heal, and focus on my physical and spiritual health. Lastly, In February of this year, 2022, I self-published by first book; Fear Lost Faith Won, which is a journal/tool to help people move pass fear and towards living and more faith-focused life. 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
The short answer to this question is no. In fact, there was about 6 years that I had very little movement within my nonprofit. I struggled with wanting things within my organization to be perfect, and feeling that I did not have what it took for my vision to come to light. I would compare myself to others and would talk myself out of simply trying. But there was still something inside that would not allow me to give up. I would use so many things as an excuse to put united to bless (U2B) off to the side. When it all boils down to it, it was a matter of fear and feeling like I did not have what it takes. 

As you know, we’re big fans of United To Bless, Inc. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
United to Bless, Inc. is a nonprofit whose mission is to help strengthen and empower women and youth who are economically disadvantaged, through a spirit of love, compassion, and peace. United to bless works to seek out people to be of support to, who may typically not be aware of the support that’s available to them, or may not typically seek out resources they are in need of for themselves. U2B is currently known for three components; our toiletry and hygiene pantry, our annual mid-year school supply drive, and our quarterly women empowerment group. Our heart is what sets us apart from others. We are a firm believer in providing good quality to those we serve, whether it’s high-quality name brands from our pantry or the professionalism attached to our approach when helping to empower and inspire others, people in need deserve to receive support that leaves them feeling good and loved, and this is what I am most proud of. 

I would like the readers to know that U2B is a small organization, with a huge heart to help meet the basic needs of people throughout our communities. Although our current operating components are as we mentioned above, (Toiletry Pantry, Annual Mid-Year School Supply Drive, quarterly women empowerment group) we are not locked into only these, but remain open to lending help and support to those in need and host impromptu outreach by giving food and blessing bags to those who are homeless, partnering with other businesses to host family game days/field events. These are just a few additional ways we step in to help and provide support. 

The readers can also visit our website: unitedtobless.org 

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My Family (Dad (Al Brown), mom (Tracey Brown), brother (David Brown), my grandmother, and a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins) are my number one supporter – They provide funding – and they also participate and volunteer as needed or whenever they can. They are ALWAYS willing to help. 

My board members who hold me accountable; and ensure that we are “Sticking to the mission” and that funds raised are going towards its purpose. 

Dr. Willie Patton and Jonea Patton (Also family) who helps to brainstorm for planning and provide support and accountability to follow through; and also volunteer. 

My close friends; who take the time to be my sounding board about ideas and events, and also helps to design marketing material. They play a big role in U2B and are definitely part of the team. 

There have been so many people over the years that have given advise and have offered support and still do today, they are too many to name, but I am VERY appreciative of them all. 

Two people, in particular, are at the core of my inspiration and they are Richard Calloway and Michelle Burkes-Boclear (My supervisors in the youth department at St. Martin DePorres Family center about 20 years ago or more); under their leadership and guidance I developed a love for nonprofit services and programs, it all started under the leadership of these two, I will never forget the impact they have had in my life. 

Contact Info:

• Email: u2b.cle@gmail.com and simply4.2andco@gmail.com
• Website: unitedtobless.org
• Instagram: @u2b.cle and @simply4.2andco