We had the good fortune of connecting with Pamela Whitfield and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Pamela, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I started Will2Way Foundation because I’ve always served others in some capacity however, my son was homeless for about 3 years and someone took care of him and I made a vow to God that I would do the same for others until the day I die. 

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
What sets me apart? I remember being a young child and my mother would always give me little nuggets or gems that I still carry with me to this day. She would say Gayle (middle name) don’t let nobody out work you for what you want. That’s what sets me apart. You can’t out work me, out serve me. I support everyone, I’ve served all over the world with others. I’ve given my all to those that don’t support me and my vision but it’s just who I am and will always be. Was it easy? No its still hard, discouraging and sometimes you want to quit. Its like a constant begging of people to support you and you see others that don’t do half of what you do get it all. But we keep moving, the people we serve love us, and know that we love them and will always do our best to provide their needs and a few of their wants. I’ve had so many proud moments. One of my favorites is reuniting an older man Clarence with his mother. The bus ticket costs $65 to get to Augusta. After a few weeks he called me back and said I sent you something. He sent me $65 he said this is not to repay you because I never could. This is to pay it forward so that you can send someone else home. That’s really what its all about. We’ve served close to 900k people in seven years and started a new chapter in Charlotte NC area. Spreading our wings, while spreading love that makes me proud. Lessons, that’s a book within it self. Don’t take this personal. The people you expect to go on this journey won’t and some will turn their backs on you (love them anyway). You can’t pour from an empty fountain. Rest, refuel You can’t help everyone. You can’t do this journey alone. What do I want people to know? When you support Will2Way Foundation your money goes right back into the community. Your funds don’t pay operating cost, salaries (none of us get paid). Your money helps a single mother get groceries or keeps the lights on for her family. It allows us to feed over 100 people weekly and provide toiletries, socks, clean undergarments, shoes, coats etc. Your donation is prayed over, and blessed 100x’s over. You donation changes lives.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This is a loaded question to me and I’m different than others. Im not the hang out type especially with Covid. But my friend know if you come to see me you have to be ready to volunteer and serve. So thats definitely on the agenda. We would prep, cook and serve the homeless and underserved. Thats what my friends know about me and don’t expect anything different. Since retiring from corporate America I started a catering company Buy Your Side Catering Co (unshameless plug). So I would prepare them all of their favorites. We would laugh, drink wine, and eat until we couldn’t. Thats how I roll and my friends wouldn’t have it any other way.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I actually have two. First the ladies in my organization who are some of the hardest working people ever. To serve tirelessly, give unselfishly and do it not only here but all over the world. I am blessed to have my tribe and I am eternally grateful for them all. Next is my partner, best friend and my husband Carlos Whitfield. No one has devoted, served, financed or supported their wife as much as he has. He’s always had my back and have given and provided for me, my vision and my dreams. I am blessed to have him and his eternal love for me.

Website: www.will2wayfoundation.org
Instagram: Will2Way Foundation
Linkedin: Will2Way
Twitter: Will2way
Facebook: Will2Way Foundation
Youtube: Will2Way

Image Credits
Photo taken by @ Carlos Whitfield CPW Photography

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