Conversations with Marcia Caldwell

Today we’d like to introduce you to Marcia Caldwell.

Hi Marcia, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story? 
I became a nonprofit business owner to children who have lost a parent to gun violence because I personally have gone through the same situation with my children. My two children, Oubrey and Omari, lost their father, Julius Moore, to gun violence on March 16, 2019. When their father passed away, I didn’t understand or know which direction to turn in for help or assistance or simply someone that understood me or my situation. To the world, it was just another African American man shot and killed, but to us, it was another father taken away from his children and the children losing a father figure to gun violence. It hit home personally. I didn’t feel like anyone understood my pain, I didn’t feel like anyone understood my children’s pain, especially once they realized their father was never coming back. The many questions with no answers to give or trying to explain to children who won’t ultimately understand until they’re older. When I tried to seek counseling, I had no help in locating it. When I tried to solely provide for my children it became very hard. When I tried to seek assistance with resources and holiday help, there were very few. So, after 2 years of grieving, in 2021, I decided to organize a foundation for families in the same situation as I and to help these families find and locate FREE resources to help bridge the gap between the deceased parent and the existing parent. I organized a foundation of families to help one another mentally and emotionally. I wanted to be the person to come to in time of need and want or as simple ear to listen or shoulder to lean on. I built GDHU- Guns Down Hopes Up! 

We’ve help those mothers, fathers, and children believe life is worth living after burying or losing the opposite parent. Guns Down Hopes Up gives them a support system like no other, which is scarce in communities and very rare, and we provide them with free resources they lack. Those children whom lost their parents see that they are no longer alone as we invite them in with open arms. Our organization is made up of people of all different races & backgrounds. 

Guns Down Hopes Up Foundation mission is to become one “family”. We are here to help fill the loss of losing a parent due to gun violence, to bridge the gap between the deceased parent and existing parent, and to help strengthen children and parents both mentally and emotionally by providing assistance with free resources for them to utilize. We will host charitable events, activities, provide food security, literacy, sponsor gifts for the children’s birthdays, provide free clothing, shoes, coats, boots, assistance with funeral expenses, transportation, school supplies, and book bags, and provide counseling services to help sponsor children that have to overcome these adversities and tragic obstacles. We are here to embrace, love, comfort, support, and welcome each other with open arms. Our “Promise2Keep!” And this is how we are pursuing greater possibilities for us and the community!!!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
For the most part, yes, it has been a smooth road. But with every smooth road, there are potholes somewhere, just like Cleveland. Some of the struggles along the way were starting this foundation from the ground, no help, no handouts. Finding the families in the same situation as I. Picking and trusting the board members to be a part of my foundation. And last but not least, finding the resources to help my families involved. 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar with what you do, what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a serial entrepreneur! I am the President and Founder of Guns Down Hopes Up – a nonprofit foundation that supports children that have lost a parent to gun violence. I am a clothing boutique owner named TeenTique; we sell affordable clothing and accessories for women and teenagers. I also sit on a nonprofit board called Nurturing Angels, and we help children who have incarcerated parents. I am also a licensed nail technician. 

I am known for being one of the most helpful people you can think of and also having my hands in every opportunity available. 

I’m most proud of being a mother and being able to juggle mom life and business life. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
There’s no luck! It’s hard work, love, and dedication. 

Pricing:

• Nonprofit Classes $1500

Contact Info:

• Website: www.gunsdownhopesupfoundation.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/gunsdownhopesup
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/gunsdownhopesup
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/gunsdownhopesup