Strengthening Communities, Inspiring Change

The Marie Woodson Foundation is dedicated to uplifting and empowering underserved communities by providing critical resources, educational opportunities, mentorship, and economic support to foster growth, resilience, and self-sufficiency across generations.

Building Foundations

Transforming Futures

Empowering Independence

Who We Are

For over 40 years, Marie Woodson has been a tireless advocate for seeking opportunities and resources for our communities. As a dedicated public administrator in Miami-Dade County, she promoted transparency and equality in every interaction. Later, as the first Haitian American State Representative to be elected in Broward County, Marie Woodson brought her wealth of experience to public office, using her voice to support meaningful legislation and secured necessary funding for programs which benefit many. Our professional team which believes in the mission of the Marie Woodson Foundation, embodies the persistence and dedication of its founder to make the world the best it can be for everyone.

Mission

The Marie Woodson Foundation’s mission is to address the unique challenges faced by underserved communities through comprehensive initiatives in collaboration with organizations and businesses to create pathways for opportunities to thrive.

Vision

Our vision is to cultivate a future where every individual, regardless of their background, has access to the resources and opportunities necessary for personal and community growth. We aspire to build a society that values diversity, promotes equity, and inspires collective action, ensuring that all voices are heard and all dreams can be realized.

What We Offer

At the Marie Woodson Foundation, we provide a range of programs and services to support individuals and families at every stage of life. Our offerings include:

Youth Mentorship & Apprenticeship

This program will aim to provide resources to the community through aiding and enhancing youth and teen programs. Its comprehensive approach in addressing issues of employment, recreational programs, and academic counseling will reduce unemployment and youth homelessness.

Scholarships & Collegiate Prep

The Scholarships & Collegiate Prep Program is dedicated to empowering students on their journey to higher education by providing essential resources, mentorship, and guidance. This program offers invaluable support for students aiming to excel academically, secure scholarships, and successfully navigate the college admissions process.

Economic Development

This program is geared to assist the small business owners and entrepreneurs in the community. The goal is to provide access to small grants or loans in order for them to stabilize and build wealth in disenfranchised communities.

Financial Literacy

Partner with local banks and financial institutions to empower individuals with essential financial skills for budgeting, saving, and planning to improve personal and family economic stability.

Program Evaluation and Research

Our partnership with university researchers ensures that each student is regularly assessed to determine their specific needs and track their progress. These evaluations allow us to continuously improve our program and measure the impact we’re having on student success. Researchers also conduct a thorough evaluation of program outcomes, helping us to stay focused on delivering meaningful results.

Assess

Analyze

Advance

Family Engagement

We understand the importance of involving the whole family in the student's educational journey. Family engagement is a cornerstone of our program, and we offer resources such as financial literacy workshops to ensure families are prepared for the financial responsibilities of college. We also encourage family participation in the student’s growth and success throughout their time with us.