Shora Foundation

To provide a safe place for those in under-resourced areas by creating opportunities and transforming communities.

The Academic Center: Supporting youth ages 6-22 and their families, the Academic Center provides year-round services focused on academic support, college and career readiness, trauma-informed therapy, and food sustainability. By addressing students’ holistic needs, the Center creates a solid foundation for lifelong success. The Roots Collective: This initiative empowers Black entrepreneurs through economic development, offering a coworking space, workshops, networking events, and access to capital. The Collective has made a substantial impact in the community, investing $10,000 into Black-owned businesses through The Crown Pitch Competition and over $30,000 into Black founders in Knoxville in recent years. The Healing Pathways Clinic: A recent addition, this clinic expands Shora’s reach into trauma-informed therapy for both youth and their families. In collaboration with the University of Tennessee, the clinic enhances access to mental health resources, creating safe spaces for healing and growth. Through these programs, the Shora Foundation strengthens Knoxville by creating opportunities, building resilience, and fostering a safe, inclusive community for all.