People, not problems
Every person brings strengths, hopes, and a story worth honoring.
Community • Care • Opportunity
Building stability.
Growing possibility.
EmpowerU Community Network helps individuals and families overcome barriers, access essential support, and create pathways toward healthier, more independent lives.
A stronger future starts with support today.
You don’t have to do it alone.
501(c)(3)Nonprofit organization
01 — Who we are
Real support.
Stronger communities.
We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to feel stable, supported, and in control of their future.
EmpowerU Community Network is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals and families through connected services, trusted guidance, and community-based care. We address the full picture—because life’s challenges rarely happen one at a time.
How we workSupport that connects
We look across needs to help create a more stable foundation.
Progress that lasts
We build practical skills and pathways that support independence.
02 — Meet our leadership
Leadership rooted in
care and connection.
EmpowerU is led by experienced professionals with a shared commitment to helping individuals, families, and communities build healthier, more stable lives.
Founder & CEO
Damaria Bates, LCPC
Damaria Bates is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, community leader, entrepreneur, and Founder & CEO of EmpowerU Community Network. With an extensive background in behavioral health, her work is rooted in helping individuals and families access the support, resources, education, and opportunities needed to build healthier and more stable lives.
Damaria founded EmpowerU with a vision of creating a community network that addresses the whole person. The organization is anchored in mental health, substance use support, domestic violence awareness and resources, financial literacy, housing support, and community connection. Through strategic partnerships with nonprofits, businesses, professionals, and community organizations, EmpowerU works to connect individuals with services both within and beyond the organization.
Beyond her clinical and nonprofit leadership, Damaria is an entrepreneur and travel advisor who believes wellness can extend beyond traditional settings. She is passionate about creating opportunities for connection, education, personal growth, financial empowerment, and meaningful experiences.
At the heart of her leadership is a simple belief: stronger people, connected to the right resources and opportunities, create stronger communities.
Board Member & Clinical Director
Danielle Washington, MA, LCPC, LPHA
Danielle Washington, MA, LCPC, LPHA, is the Founding Clinical Director and Mental Health Consultant at Purposed Peace Counseling LLC and a proud Board Member of EmpowerU Community Network.
With over 15 years of experience serving individuals, families, groups, and organizations, Danielle brings a broad, macro-level perspective to mental health and wellness. She is a breast cancer survivor, professional developer, clinical supervisor and director, and a certified mental health consultant specializing in trauma-informed treatment, care, and training.
Danielle is passionate about supporting both clients and clinicians in training. As the founder and CEO of a mental health ecosystem, she is dedicated to mentoring and developing future leaders, clinicians, and entrepreneurs in the mental health field. Her mission is to make a lasting impact by equipping others with the tools and knowledge needed to continue this important work.
She specializes in trauma-informed training and psychoeducational groups, working with schools, workforce development programs, nonprofits, and faith-based organizations.
Stronger people. Connected resources. Stronger communities.
Financial Strategist & Community Advocate
Jenean Sampson, MBA
Jenean Sampson is a faith-driven entrepreneur, financial strategist, and community advocate dedicated to equipping individuals and families with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to thrive.
EmpowerU was created to address real-life challenges and connect people to resources that build stronger, healthier, and more financially secure lives.
Her work supports mental health and wellness, financial literacy and empowerment, housing and community support, and connections to opportunities that open doors for growth.
With a background in finance, insurance, education, and entrepreneurship, Jenean leads EmpowerU with purpose and passion—creating impact today for stronger communities tomorrow.
Stronger people. Connected resources. Stronger communities.
03 — What we do
Support for the whole journey.
One community. Many pathways forward. Explore the areas where EmpowerU helps people build stability and momentum.
01
Community resources
Practical guidance and connections that help individuals and families access the support they need.
02
Behavioral health
Compassionate support that centers emotional well-being, resilience, and healthier daily living.
03
Financial literacy
Everyday tools and education for budgeting, planning, building confidence, and making informed choices.
04
Education
Learning opportunities and guidance that open doors to personal growth and long-term success.
05
Employment assistance
Job-readiness support, career guidance, and connections that move people toward meaningful work.
06
Housing support
Resource navigation and stability-focused assistance for people working toward safe, secure housing.
07
Community outreach
Meeting people where they are and building trusted bridges to care, opportunity, and belonging.
Not sure where to start?
That’s okay.
Start with a conversation.
See your next steps 04 — Our approach
We meet people
where they are.
Our work is grounded in trust, respect, and the understanding that meaningful progress looks different for everyone.
- 01
Listen
We begin with the person—not the problem.
- 02
Connect
We identify resources that fit real needs.
- 03
Support
We walk alongside people as they move forward.
- 04
Empower
We build skills and confidence for lasting independence.
What we believe
“When people have the right support, they don’t just get through hard moments—they build a stronger life beyond them.”
Stability creates room for possibility. Empowerment turns possibility into progress.
05 — Upcoming events
A weekly women’s conversation series
Let’s Talk
About It.
Join EmpowerU Community Network for an intimate space to talk honestly about the real-life issues women face. Seven women. One real conversation.
EmpowerU Network presents
Real conversation.
A welcoming space.
- Begins
- October 15
- Schedule
- Every Thursday at 7 PM
- Location
- South Loop
- Hosted by
- Damaria
06 — Community in action
Care that shows up.
Right where it’s needed.
First community feeding outreach
Our first outreach brought volunteers and neighbors together around warm meals, bottled water, donated clothing, and genuine connection. It was a day rooted in dignity, service, and the belief that every act of care can help build a stronger community.
Watch the outreach00:30
Neighbors helping neighbors
A shared meal can open the door to so much more.
Volunteers prepared and served meals, shared water and donated clothing, and spent time connecting with people in the community. These moments reflect what EmpowerU is about: meeting immediate needs while building trust, belonging, and pathways forward.
Help power the next outreach
07 — Support the mission
Give with purpose.
Help care go further.
Your contribution helps EmpowerU bring meals, basic necessities, outreach, and practical support directly to people and families in the community. Choose the payment option that works best for you.
Cash App
Scan to support EmpowerU.
Open Cash App and scan our official QR code to make a contribution.
Confirm the recipient is EmpowerU before sending.
Zelle
Send through your Zelle app.
Search for the following EmpowerU recipient in your bank or Zelle app:
OrganizationEmpowerU Community NetworkZelle handleempowerucn
Confirm the recipient is EmpowerU before sending.Venmo
Scan to give with Venmo.
Open Venmo and scan our official QR code to make a contribution to EmpowerU.
Confirm the recipient is EmpowerU before sending.
PayPal Giving Fund
Donate securely through PayPal.
Visit EmpowerU Community Network’s official PayPal charity page to make a contribution using the payment method connected to your PayPal account.
Donate with PayPal08 — Be part of the change
Stronger futures are
built together.
Whether you need support or want to strengthen the network around others, there is a place for you here.
For individuals & families
Find support
Explore resources and services designed to help you take the next step.
→For community partnersBuild with us
Bring your expertise, reach, or resources to a growing network of care.
→For supportersFuel the mission
Help make practical, compassionate support more accessible in our community.
→