My name is Darrell Brightful, and I am the founder of Empowered Community Alliance — a nonprofit organization built on real-life experience, recovery, and a mission to help others rise out of difficult circumstances.

My journey started from one of the most painful moments of my life — finding my mother at the bottom of the steps suffering from a stroke. That moment changed everything for me. I’ve faced trauma, addiction, setbacks, and struggles that could have easily taken me out. But instead, I chose recovery. I chose growth. And now I’ve dedicated my life to helping others do the same.

Today, I am a Certified Peer Specialist and I actively support individuals in the community who are dealing with mental health challenges, addiction, homelessness, and life transitions. Through lived experience, I connect with people in a way that traditional services often cannot.

I created Empowered Community Alliance (HOPE — Helping Other People Evolve) to expand that impact. Our goal is to provide:

• Peer support services

• Outreach in underserved communities like Kensington

• Life skills and recovery support

• Court support and advocacy

• Food distribution and basic needs assistance

• Youth and workforce development programs

This fundraiser will help us build the foundation needed to serve our community at a larger level. Funds will go toward:

• Outreach supplies and transportation

• Program development and materials

• Community events and support services

• Administrative setup and operational costs

We are starting from zero — but with a powerful mission and real experience behind it.

This isn’t just a fundraiser — this is the beginning of something that will change lives.

If you believe in second chances, community healing, and real support from people who have been through it… we ask for your help.

Every donation, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to building something meaningful. $10 helps provide food for someone in need

$25 supports a hygiene kit for one individual

$50 helps fund a full outreach effort

$100+ helps expand our reach to more people

Thank you for supporting Empowered Community Alliance.

— Darrell Brightful

Founder, Empowered Community Alliance

“Support From Someone Who’s Been There”