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ABOUT EMPOWERMENT DRIVEN BY KNOWLEDGE COALITION

Empowerment Driven by Knowledge Coalition is a 501c3 nonprofit founded by Sophia A. Strother. Sophia is a LOUD SURVIVOR of sexual/child abuse and of just plain life. She founded this organization to help others overcome their adversities and empower them to have a stake in their own future.

OUR VISION

We are a starting point for tomorrow's leaders. We believe that years from now, the Empowerment Driven by Knowledge Coalition will be viewed as the organized that helped to launch the careers, businesses and community leaders.

We partner with businesses and organizations that enable innovative and quality programming that responds to the needs of the community and its residents. This contributes to the economic and social health of our community.

We are committed to excellence in all of our endeavors and pride ourselves on the reputation that we attain in the academic, business and employment communities. Our standards of service and program quality are high and these standards are reflected in the positive outcome of the communities and families we serve.

OUR CORE PROGRAMS

• Youth Mentoring- We partner with local youth oriented organization to promote higher education, diversity, healthy family structure and healthy living habits.

• Attitude of Success- Promoting self confidence and professionalism when applying for a job, college and in everyday interactions.

• Education/Leadership Workshops- Opportunities for individuals to receive a career not just a ‘job’. We will host seminars or promote opportunities where they're focusing on interview skills, proper cover letter/resumes, breaking glass ceilings, financial responsibility, homeownership, and entrepreneurship.

Empowerment Driven by Knowledge Coalition remains driven by their purpose to help rebuild communities one family at a time. Here's a summary of our 2009 successful summer of events:

1) "A Time for Change Symposium" hosted by LaDainian Tomlinson's mother Loreane and EDKC May 1

-Highlighted 3 organizations that are bringing hope and a voice to their poverty stricken to help them obtain resources and helpful ideas for continued success.

2) "A Time for Change Investors Brunch" hosted by CenTex African American Chamber and EDKC

July 1 special guest LaDainian Tomlinson Running Back San Diego Chargers

-Invited community/religious leaders, politicians, investors and citizens to the table to learn of all the good reasons to invest in East Waco and Marlin TX

3) "A Taste of Falls County" hosted by EDKC July 6

-100% of proceeds benefit the "Make Your Mark on Education Scholarship" dedicated to helping Falls County Resident. Established in 2007 by Sophia A Strother and TSTC. It has since been expanded to include in any higher education institution.

4) Martin Luther King III's "Looking and Listening" Poverty in America Tour partner EDKC July 7-9

-MLK III and his organization Realizing the Dream worked very closely with EDKC to host their national poverty tour in East Waco and Marlin. This tour included town hall meetings and complete walking tours of each city/community. MLK III is dedicated to returning and working with EDKC to promote change and empower the citizens to stand up and speak out.

5) "Entrepreneur Forum" hosted by EDKC September 17

-Invited ACCION Texas nontraditional lending to educate on how people can start or expand their own business in Marlin TX.

We are so glad to report that we were able to fund 5 Scholarships to individuals that are either striving to attain their GED or continue onward to higher education.

We'd like to thank ALL of our VOLUNTEERS, SPONSORS, DONORS, Loreane Tomlinson, LaDainian Tomlinson, Coach Carter, Martin Luther King III and Realizing the Dream that helped to make 2009 so successful.

EDKC in 2010 Making a Difference

Our upcoming agenda for 2010 will focus on youth and sexual abuse survivors. The founder, Sophia A Strother has an intimate passion and desire to help others survive what she has been able to overcome...one day at a time.

1) Presenting Sponsor - "1st Annual Marlin High School Teacher's Award Banquet"

- May 27 EDKC Sponsored entire banquet celebrating the individuals that work so hard to build a solid foundation for our youth. Over 60 faculty, staff and school board members attended and enjoyed the food catered by "Sophia's Euro Cuisine" and service provided by EDKC volunteers. Thank you for letting be apart of your education family and look forward to supporting your continued efforts to provide a healthy and sound future for our youth.

2) Charity Car Wash

- June 26 EDKC first charity car wash hosted at Exxon Mobil on Baylor University Campus. Local sororities and paternities helped to staff and volunteer this event and the proceeds went toward scholarships and resources for abuse victims.

- June 29 EDKC will be at McAlister Deli from 5:00pm - 9:00pm and 20% of all meals will be donated to our local community efforts regarding educations and support resources for women.

3) Back to School Bash

- August 28 EDKC COORDINATING "MARLIN 1ST ANNUAL BACK TO SCHOOL BASH" PARTNERING WITH 104.9 THE BEAT, CITY OF MARLIN, MARLIN POLICE DEPT., COACH CARTER IMPACT ACADEMY, & TRENDZSETTA ENT

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