Our Village

From Tony:

"Special S/O to my village, it wouldn’t be US without Y’ALL!! Thank you for helping me with the mission and #SAVINGUS

“COME AS STRANGERS, LEAVE AS FAMILY”

🛟🛟🛟

At Saving Us, we believe that "It takes a village to raise a family. We are the family AND the village." Our work is made possible by the incredible people who stand beside us every day—our core team of dedicated volunteers, passionate board members, engaged committee members, supportive community partners, and generous donors. Together, we form a strong and connected network, united in our mission to build community, uplift families, and create lasting change.

Volunteer Spotlight

At Saving Us, we believe our community thrives because of dedicated individuals like Janoah. Always dependable and full of positive energy, Janoah consistently shows up ready to lend a hand—often going above and beyond to help transport event equipment and ensure our gatherings run smoothly. His commitment, reliability, and generous spirit embody exactly what it means to be a member of the Saving Us Village. We are deeply grateful for his contributions and proud to celebrate him as a shining example for others to follow.

Tony V. Chapman

Founder, Executive Director

Hey, I'm Tony V. Chapman! I wear many hats, but above all, I’m the proud father of three amazing children. I’m the founder, executive director, and lead organizer of Saving Us, where I work every day to build stronger communities.

I started Saving Us because everything is braided together and doesn't leave anyone out. We all need resources, we all need support, we all need saving. By starting Saving Us, I hope my community continues to grow and thrive by creating the village we all need.

Beyond Saving Us, I serve as an Engagement Specialist at the Roosevelt Creative Corridor Business Academy (RCCBA), coach the Jr. Warriors, and play professional basketball. I also sit on the board of other local non-profits where I help plan, promote, and organize community events in addition to helping coordinate joint events between Saving Us and other community organizations.

"It takes a village to raise a family. We are the village AND the family!"

Meet the Board!

Amanda DeWitte, Board President

A lifelong resident of Cedar Rapids, Amanda comes from a family with deep generational ties to the Roosevelt neighborhood, where she continues to live and remain actively engaged. As an educator of 12 years, she has spent six of those years serving the Roosevelt community, strengthening her commitment to youth, families, and community connection.

Amanda joined Saving Us in 2024 after meeting the organization’s Executive Director during a personally transformative time. Since then, she has been an active and dedicated member, frequently serving as the welcoming presence at community events. As Board President, Amanda is passionate about empowering the community by bringing people together, connecting families to one another and to local resources, and reinforcing the importance of building and sustaining a strong family village.

Shelia McDuffey, Board Secretary

Shelia McDuffey is described by family and friends as a hardworking, compassionate inspirational, fiercely loyal and optimistic individual. She's a self-published author with a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. She serves as Secretary of Saving Us, a nonprofit organization committed to strengthening and uplifting communities through support. She's passionate about fostering emotional growth, strengthening relationships, and communities.

Vanessa Frank, Board Treasurer

Check Out Our Community Partners

Saving Us fosters community engagement to provide a safe environment for the community.

To make this possible, Saving Us works with other community based partners to bring the community together.

All Saving Us community partners have the same goal: building the village and the family together. Be sure to check them out!

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