For the Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis, the story of South Memphis has never been about what once stood there.

It has always been about what is possible when communities are met with intentional investment, strong partnerships, and long-term commitment.

For more than a decade, WFGM has intentionally invested in South Memphis — working alongside residents, nonprofit organizations, schools, businesses, healthcare providers, and community leaders to help strengthen pathways to opportunity for women and families.

Today, that vision is taking shape.

Where Foote Homes once stood, families are returning to quality mixed-income housing designed for stability, dignity, and opportunity. Just steps away, children are learning and growing at the Porter-Leath Early Childhood Academy at South City — a milestone years in the making that helps ensure children enter kindergarten ready to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

At Booker T. Washington Middle and High School, WFGM investments helped establish a Community School model that connects families to tutoring, mentoring, wellness support, career pathways, and critical wraparound services. Inside the school, the Food and Essentials Hub now serves families across more than 96 Memphis-Shelby County schools by providing food, hygiene products, school supplies, and connections to additional support services.

And the investment continues long after high school graduation.

Through the Women’s Foundation Vocational Scholarship Program, women across Memphis are receiving support for tuition, transportation, childcare, and workforce training programs at institutions including Southwest Tennessee Community College, Moore Tech, Code Crew, TCAT, and Memphis Welding School.

Because real transformation requires more than one program.

It takes an ecosystem of support.

It takes investment across generations.

And the impact is measurable.

Since launching Vision 2025, WFGM investments have reached more than 66,000 individuals across Memphis. More than 14,000 individuals have received wraparound support services, over 11,000 youth have participated in leadership and development programs, and nearly 1,300 individuals have been placed in jobs.

In South Memphis, the progress is especially significant. Since WFGM began intentionally focusing investments in ZIP code 38126, overall poverty has declined by 18%, while household income has increased by more than 50%.

But this work is far from finished.

“What we are building in South Memphis demonstrates what is possible when communities, partners, and donors come together around a shared vision,” said Shante K. Avant, President and CEO of the Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis. “This work is about more than programs. It is about creating pathways to opportunity, strengthening families, and investing in the future of Memphis for generations to come.”

Now through June 30, supporters can help expand that impact even further. Thanks to a Challenge Grant from the Hyde Family Foundation and a generous anonymous donor, every gift made to WFGM will be matched twice — tripling its impact for women and families across Memphis.

The future of Memphis depends on all of us.