Organizational Background & Mission: Founded in 2019, The TSOS “Do Good” Foundation emerged from a single act of community unity: the first official tree lighting ceremony in Kansas City’s historic 18th & Vine Jazz District. What began as a celebration quickly revealed deeper needs within the community, particularly among individuals with disabilities and the families who support them. Since that inaugural event, The TSOS “Do Good” Foundation has grown into a multifaceted nonprofit organization delivering year-round programming that addresses economic stability, food insecurity, mental health, education, and inclusive community engagement. The mission of The TSOS “Do Good” Foundation is deeply personal. It is inspired by Aria Lott, daughter of founder Tucker Lott. Aria lived with epilepsy, a condition often misunderstood as something individuals may outgrow. Instead, Aria’s epilepsy worsened over time, resulting in frequent grand mal seizures that significantly impacted her independence, mobility, and career aspirations. In 2018, she returned home to be closer to family due to the severity of her condition. After having to end her pursuit of a career as a chiropractor due to her disability, Aria pivoted to teaching students with special needs, work she found meaningful but that came with financial limitations. Despite her education and dedication, she struggled to meet basic needs without family support. Through Aria’s lived experience, the Foundation’s leadership gained firsthand insight into a broader and often overlooked reality: approximately 25% of the U.S. population lives with a disability, and individuals with disabilities frequently experience lower wages, underemployment, and systemic barriers even when equally qualified. The TSOS “Do Good” Foundation exists to close these gaps by reducing barriers, alleviating stressors, and creating pathways to long-term stability, dignity, and independence for individuals with disabilities and their caregivers. The Foundation prioritizes transformational support, services that do not simply meet immediate needs, but change outcomes. Programs & Impact: - Aria Camille Empowerment (ACE) Program In 2022, Aria passed away. Her legacy lives on through the Aria Camille Empowerment (ACE) Program, the Foundation’s flagship initiative. The ACE Program provides scholarships or grants paired with professional mentorship, personal development, and wraparound services to high-functioning individuals with disabilities and their caregivers. Participants include college students, trade school students, and small business owners, all of whom receive structured support over a 12-month period. One ACE participant, Terrence, exemplifies the program’s impact. When the Foundation met Terrence, he was working three retail jobs simply to survive while aspiring to become a teacher. He faced multiple barriers, including lack of transportation, limited access to technology, and an unsustainable schedule. Through the ACE Program, The TSOS “Do Good” Foundation provided transportation assistance, a laptop, and reliable internet access. With these supports, Terrence earned his teaching accreditation, secured a full-time teaching position, and nearly doubled his income. Additional support enabled him to launch a vocal coaching business based on his classical singing background. Health and wellness resources further supported his physical and mental well-being, resulting in improved confidence and self-worth. - Community Assistance & Food Security: Beyond ACE, the Foundation operates a Community Assistance Program that responds directly to urgent needs. Over the past three years, this program has resulted in nine vehicle placements along with additional transportation assistance, appliance repairs, and emergency basic-needs support. Food insecurity remains a significant challenge in the communities served. In partnership with Harvesters and Calvary Chapel, The TSOS “Do Good” Foundation distributes over 300,000 pounds of food serving more than 3,000 families annually through food distributions each First Friday of the month as well as a weekly food pantry. A majority of households served include individuals with disabilities or caregivers. - Education & Youth Engagement: Education is a cornerstone of the Foundation’s work. Through original children’s books authored by Aria and Executive Director Dennis Powell, the Foundation addresses diversity, belonging, and financial literacy. These books anchor the It’s Never Not Christmas program, which delivers year-round reading experiences, financial education, toys, and snacks to schools and community organizations. - Mental Health & Caregiver Support: The Soul Support Network expands the Foundation’s reach through three integrated components: - SOULdiers Standing Tall, a podcast spotlighting resilience and lived experience - Did You Know?, an educational series highlighting disabilities and chronic conditions impacting underserved communities - A caregiver support group led by a licensed clinician The Foundation’s Mental Health Awareness Walk in partnership with Uplifting People and Properties (UPP) further addresses disparities affecting individuals with disabilities and caregivers. This initiative highlights the compounding mental health challenges caused by isolation, financial stress, stigma, and limited access to culturally competent care. The walk creates a non-clinical, community-centered entry point to education, healing, and connection, linking participants to resources and ongoing support. - Community & Cultural Activation: Signature events such as multiple disability-centered tree lighting ceremonies, free community breakfasts, and cultural celebrations reinforce dignity, belonging, and access. The Foundation also hosts fundraising events including a Christmas Karaoke competition and an annual benefit Gala delivering a “Hollywood meets Kansas City” experience. Our Foundation has also introduced a pop-up ice-skating rink in Kansas City’s historically underserved East Side, creating access to recreation, jobs, and community gathering, with plans for continued expansion. Conclusion: The TSOS “Do Good” Foundation is committed to building a more inclusive, equitable, and compassionate community. Through integrated programming, strong partnerships, and lived-experience leadership, the Foundation continues to deepen its impact and expand access for individuals and families too often left behind.