You are neXt, HELP Bridge the Poverty GAP!

Touch Gift Foundation (TGF) is a 501(c)(3) BIPOC-led nonprofit service provider that was founded on the precepts of bridging the education gap, reducing hunger and homelessness, and eliminating poverty barriers by conceptualizing opportunities that exist through education, career exploration, resource distribution, mindset transformation and mentorship. We believe that a limited belief system (self-confidence) and the lack of exposure deter destinies and purposes.

Our Mission

To destroy the cycle of poverty by eradicating the poverty mindset. To empower people to want to change, by supplying them with the resources they need to make this change happen.

What started as a food pantry servicing Greater Grand Crossing, Woodlawn, and the South Shore area impacted 1,175 unduplicated families in 2018. Keona Owens (founder) used personal resources (life savings) to support 750 of the 1,175 families. Since then, we have supported over 30 organizations and over 10,000 households with daily essentials, household resources and food. We have partnered with over 15 major companies to continue the work within the communities, receiving over $1 million in in-kind donations. TGF expansion began in 2019 when we launched our Educational Division and received our first contract with the Secretary of State Library Division. Facilitating services at two (2) Chicago Public Libraries, one (1) Chicago Public High School, an American Job Center, and a transitional housing facility.

Keona Owens THE JOURNEY

As an educator and healthcare professional, Keona Owens has always seen people for who they could become instead of who they were. Hoping that each individual can reach their full potential, striving for excellence.

Owens has witnessed individuals at their worst through my years of experience in the public sector. Not having daily necessities, being unable to provide food for their families, and struggling to survive. She, too, has lived through the horrid trenches of those obstacles but overcame those barriers.

​2007-2012, being a single mother of two (2), unemployed, unemployment benefits over the financial criteria for a household of three to receive supportive governmental services, exhausting financial resources, and lacking the funds needed to provide a sense of stability for my family, house threatened foreclosure, car threatened repossession, life happens right?

​Those personal experiences birthed the hope needed to provoke change. Something needed to happen with having two (2) small individuals that looked up to her and needed her support and guidance.

2015-2018, Owens worked so aggressively that her annual income was six figures. Then, in November 2018, she decided to transition from thinking about her success to servicing the community full-heartily.

​Being financially sustained is everyone's dream; however, something was missing. Finally, through meditation and counsel, she received the call to action: to LOVE God's people from where they are in life!

Owens time was/is divided between motherhood, community activism, school, teaching, parent mentoring, mentoring, and community engagement. She has supported and led organizations with outreach and community engagement opportunities - volunteering 90% of her time to impact others.

Her impact goes beyond the four walls of her home and the parameters of her community through collaborative efforts. She has been recognized for outstanding achievement - receiving eight (8) humanitarian and community service awards by the National Urban League, Chicago Urban League, Metropolitan Board of Chicago Urban League (MetroBoard), DePaul University, Chicago Jobs Council, the National Council of Negro Women (Chicago Sector), and Taste for the Homeless. She has been identified as the Connector, connecting individuals to resources, by the McCormick Foundation.

TGF objective is to drive out the organizational mission, develop leaders, empower individuals, and holistically meet the immediate needs of individuals, families, and the community. Partnering with organizations and creating alliances that change the narrative and trajectory of our communities while building and equipping individuals to make an IMPACT with others! The true cycle of success ...

Your contribution goes beyond the daily work of the TGF, impacting our communities, their children and generations to come. Our goal for 2023 is to develop a safe haven for our community members who suffer from trauma. Please help us to create this space where families can gather to receive the resources and support needed to get to their next level.

We ask that you partner with us to make a difference in our communities.

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The community is hurting; through small gestures, we can build our communities one family at a time. This movement has/will touch so many lives.

Don't miss your opportunity to assist. Your time is now. Let's join forces!

A community united can IMPACT so many! We CAN NOT do this work alone. We are all pieces to ONE giant puzzle. It's crucial that we identify which piece of the puzzle we are, show up and play our part!

Fundraising Activity Schedule

​Keona Owens

Touch Gift Foundation