#OurStory

How we got started:

We are the Ladies of the IE for Strong Communities, Inc. founded 09/30/2015 in Upland, CA. in what began in a fight to get crossing guards back in Upland after Isaiah Shelton was hit and killed while walking to school Oct. 23rd, 2014. Fighting for months and finally, after an arduous victory,our kids would be safe on their journey to school every day with crossing guards back in our community. After that victory staying up to date on community and city affairs was a common conversation as well as engaging in debates on various topics. When a community issue would come up it was never a question of "if it needs to be looked at" but rather "why it happened and how to resolve correctly, as soon as possible."

Ladies of the IE grows:

In working on these various projects it presented opportunities to meet other like-minded individuals that have a sincere concern for our community and becoming a pioneer in resolving some of the issues that plague communities across the US and beyond. All of the board members have been advocates and/or activists on various community issues over the years and are all from the Inland Empire. We purposely have board members with a range of diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and ideology. We consider a diverse board important because it allows us to look at any community issue from multiple perspectives and views so we can address the issue in a manner that is inclusive to the entire community. To date, our executive board consists of 4 men and woman.

Ladies of the IE becomes official:

In September of 2015, there was a total of 10 projects on our list and a 40-50 hour week with often times being up until the wee hours of the morning overlooking documents, questions, and a variety of other items. The natural flow of progression was clear in that an official non-profit organization needed to be formed and filed. So it was in motion. Ladies of the IE for Strong Communities was officially formed 9/30/2015. We received our EIN number and our 501(c)3 form certifying us as an official tax-exempt non-profit organization dedicated to building strong communities one project at a time within the IE. There is so much work to be done and great excitement in knowing our success resides on each of us, working as a team, putting in the focused time, effort and energy solely on building a stronger community.

What's next for the Ladies of the IE:

Regardless if it's going before the City Council or conducting meetings for community groups, fundraising, research, and reporting; we always have our community in mind which is why completing some necessary changes was recently on our list. Our goal is to be able to raise funds by way of donations and community fundraisers so we have more resources available to us to put back into the community so we may continue to help make strong communities for all. We are advocates of children and their safety, animal rights, human rights, civil rights, government accountability, and the common good for the community and citizens alike. Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to making our communities stronger and safer together.