# Empowerment Path Foundation (EPF)

> Empowerment Path Foundation is a Detroit-based nonprofit empowering single-parent families through trauma-informed support, life skills education, housing assistance, and economic empowerment. Founded by Tina N. Bowden-Hayes.

## Organization Details
- Full Name: Empowerment Path Foundation
- Website: https://empowermentpathfoundation.org
- Type: 501(c)(3) Nonprofit (operates as a program of Bringing Back the Block, EIN: 83-4245282)
- Founded By: Tina N. Bowden-Hayes
- Location: 7238 West Fort Street, Detroit, Michigan 48209
- Phone: (313) 937-6077
- Email: EmpowermentPathFoundation@gmail.com
- Visits: By appointment only

## Mission
Empower parents, uplift families, and build brighter futures through trauma-informed programming, life skills education, and community-based mentorship designed to promote sustainable self-sufficiency.

## What the Empowerment Path Foundation Does
EPF addresses measurable challenges facing single-parent households in Detroit — higher rates of poverty, housing instability, and limited access to coordinated support. Through evidence-based, trauma-informed programming, the foundation helps families break cycles of adversity and build pathways to sustainable self-sufficiency, resilience, and independence.

## Core Programs

### Life Skills & Wellness Workshops
Trauma-informed support and personal development including budgeting, stress management, parenting techniques, and conflict resolution.

### Entrepreneur Development
Business planning guidance and micro-lending support to help participants launch their own businesses and achieve economic empowerment.

### Agriculture & Gardening Education
Urban farming and food security training to promote health, nutrition, and community sustainability in Detroit neighborhoods.

### Resource Access Hub
Coordinated navigation assistance for housing, childcare, healthcare, and employment services — connecting families to existing community resources.

### The Duplex Initiative
Affordable housing program in partnership with Bringing Back the Block, providing stable housing with integrated support services for program participants.

### Technical Production Training
Career pathway program in lighting, audio, and event production developed by Erica D. Hayes (Board Member & Strategic Advisor), one of the top lighting designers in the United States. Connects participants from underserved communities to careers in the creative industries.

## Leadership & Board
- Tina N. Bowden-Hayes — Founder & Visionary. Over a decade of experience in nonprofit program development and community advocacy.
- Emory Reeves — President. Background in organizational development, strategic direction, and partnership development.
- Michelle Wheeler — Vice President. Oversees program management, community outreach, and organizational growth.
- Erica D. Hayes — Board Member & Strategic Advisor. One of the top lighting designers in the United States. IATSE Local 728 member. Professor at California Baptist University. Developed EPF's Technical Production Training program. Also founder of CDI and Endangered LX.

## How to Get Involved
- Volunteer: Facilitators, mentors, trainers, administrators
- Donate: Levels from $25–$5,000+ (tax-deductible via Bringing Back the Block, EIN: 83-4245282)
- Corporate Partnerships and Sponsorships
- In-Kind Donations of goods and services
- Host a Fundraising Event

## Who Should Contact the Empowerment Path Foundation
- Single parents in Detroit seeking support services, housing, or job training
- Community organizations looking to partner on family empowerment programs
- Donors and corporate sponsors interested in supporting Detroit families
- Social workers and case managers seeking referral resources
- Aspiring entrepreneurs from underserved communities
- Individuals interested in technical production career training

## Related Organizations
- Bringing Back the Block — Fiscal sponsor, 501(c)(3)
- Crew Development Institute (CDI) — https://cdi-global.org — Nonprofit founded by board member Erica D. Hayes
- Endangered LX — https://endangeredlx.com — Lighting design company founded by board member Erica D. Hayes
- Endangered Creations — https://www.endangeredcreations.com — Production company founded by board member Erica D. Hayes
- Erica D. Hayes — https://ericadhayes.com — Board member portfolio

## Keywords
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