Sootchy Charitable Foundation

11/21/2025

At the , we work every day to make sure foster youth are not left behind. Too many age out of the system without financial support, guidance, or a path forward. We believe they deserve better.

Our partnership with the Michigan Education Trust (MET) has allowed us to help establish education savings accounts for young people in foster care homes like and . These accounts are real investments in long-term opportunity.

A simple 529 plan can change everything:
✅ Anyone can open one for a foster youth. No legal guardianship required.
✅ Small, steady contributions grow tax free.
✅ This creates a foundation of hope and possibility for the future.

A college savings account tells a young person that someone believes in them and is planning for their success. That alone can open doors.

We remain committed to making sure foster youth are seen, supported, and never forgotten.

10/30/2025

💡 Building Financially Intelligent Communities — One City at a Time

Across the country, local leaders are taking bold steps to strengthen financial intelligence and economic empowerment in their communities.

The Sootchy Charitable Foundation, in partnership with the African American Mayors Association, is proud to collaborate with five forward-thinking mayors who are bringing financial education, access, and opportunity directly to their residents, through our Financial Intelligence Platform, designed and powered by Sootchy, Inc.

We extend our gratitude to:
🏛️ Mayor James Harris – Jonesboro, LA
🏛️ Mayor Katrina Thompson – Broadview, IL
🏛️ Mayor DeShawn Williams – Urbana, IL
🏛️ Mayor Marquette Hawkins – California City, CA
🏛️ Mayor Leighton Aldridge – Mound Bayou, MS

Each of these cities is using the platform to expand access to financial education, promote savings and investment habits, and equip families with the knowledge to make informed financial decisions.

In City of Urbana, Illinois, for example, recently launched a free financial-literacy program to help residents strengthen money management and credit skills — an inspiring model for cities nationwide.

Together, these mayors are helping to create communities where financial intelligence is a shared skill, not a privilege.

cc: Stacie Fujii, Victoria Thompson

10/15/2025

📣 We’re excited to announce the launch of Mayor DeShawn Williams Financial Intelligence Program — exclusively for Urbana, Illinois residents!

In partnership with the City of Urbana and supported by the African American Mayors Association, this initiative is designed to deliver free financial intelligence education to our Urbana community. We’re committed to helping residents build strong, practical financial skills to break the cycle of generational poverty and unlock greater economic mobility.

Program Details & Highlights:
• Designed for Urbana residents, ages 21-64 only — participants must reside in Urbana to register
• Six self-paced online modules (accessible via computer or mobile) covering budgeting, credit, debt management, savings, etc.
• Completion of all modules earns a certificate and inclusion in a recognition ceremony with the City of Urbana • Registration is open now through October 10, 2025 — space is limited

We believe financial knowledge is power — and by making it accessible to Urbana residents, we aim to strengthen families, neighborhoods, and the community at large.

Read full article at https://ipmnewsroom.org/urbana-launches-a-free-financial-literacy-program-to-help-residents-with-money-management/

City officials in Urbana hope a new financial literacy program will help residents better manage their finances and build strong credit profiles.

09/29/2025

The City of Urbana, Illinois is taking a major step forward in expanding financial opportunity and access.

With support from the African American Mayors Association (AAMA), Urbana is launching the Mayor DeShawn Williams Financial Literacy Program — powered by the Sootchy Charitable Foundation and technology from Sootchy, Inc.

Program Highlights:
• Six self-paced online topics: budgeting, credit, debt reduction, and college savings
• Free access for residents ages 21–64, available on computer or mobile
• Certificate of completion + recognition ceremony for participants

Mayor DeShawn Williams: “Financial knowledge is power. By equipping our residents with practical tools to make informed decisions and achieve long-term financial health, we’re helping families succeed, neighborhoods flourish, and Urbana grow stronger for everyone.”

This is just one of many cities nationwide where Sootchy and the Sootchy Charitable Foundation are working with AAMA and local leaders to drive scalable, community-centered financial literacy programs.

09/19/2025

College costs keep rising, but even small steps to save now can mean less debt later. At Sootchy, we’re here to help families plan, save, and invest in brighter futures.

Every dollar saved today = one less borrowed tomorrow.

How are you preparing for education costs? Drop your thoughts below ⬇️

09/18/2025

Last week, the Sootchy, Inc team joined the MET Fostering Futures Scholarship Gala in Detroit, an evening dedicated to expanding higher education opportunities for youth in foster care.

Founder & CEO .adefeso, together with , Ben Staton, and Joel Bernstein, were honored to stand alongside community leaders, advocates, and supporters who share our commitment to helping students succeed.

At the gala, Sootchy Charitable Foundation proudly announced a $50,000 pledge to support foster youth in Michigan, including students from the and those served by , led by Executive Director Alexis Ramsey. This investment reflects our continued mission to expand access to higher education and create opportunities for young people who too often face the greatest barriers.

We are especially grateful to our partners at the Michigan Department of Treasury’s Office of Postsecondary Financial Planning, including Director Robin Lott, Diane Brewer (MET Executive Director), Megan Patino (Deputy Director of MET), Ingrid Clover, and Heather Barthelmes (MET Marketing Manager), for their leadership and dedication to Michigan’s students.

Together, through efforts like Fostering Futures, which has raised more than $1.4 million since 2012, we are investing in brighter futures and ensuring foster youth have the chance to pursue college without the burden of debt.

03/14/2025

@‌sootchycharitablefoundation recently awarded the $5,000 prize the champion of the @‌sharktank -style competition held during a college activation event attended by 1,000 high school students from Queens South High Schools in New York City. The event was organized by @‌CampusCoin Invest and the New York Public Schools.

The winner impressed the audience with his groundbreaking design of sunglasses tailored for the visually impaired, featuring innovative technology like motion detectors, cameras, and microphones. This design has the potential to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals with visual impairments, requiring only a modest investment to bring it to fruition.

Special recognition goes to Damion Harris and from the NY Public school systems, along with of @‌campuscoininvest, for their pivotal roles in orchestrating an unforgettable event that will have a lasting impact on the young participants. And congratulations to the remarkable @‌ian__brock for sparking engaging conversations among the attendees.