Leveraging technology for community upliftment: Moore 4 You Community Development Center's story

Candist White, Founder of Moore 4 You Community Development Center, understands the daily challenges and obstacles faced by small organizations, particularly in the nonprofit sector. Despite the hurdles, the visionary Candist remains unwavering in her passion for advocating for childcare and community upliftment—values that have been instrumental in shaping the organization’s mission and impact.

The inspiration for Moore 4 You was created by Gail White-Moore in 1998. In 2017, her daughter, Candist White, expanded this legacy by opening Moore 4 You Community Development Center. Since then, it has become a beacon of hope and transformation in Freeport, Long Island, Brooklyn, and New York City. Moore 4 You’s mission is to educate, uplift, and support youth and adults through comprehensive after-school and community center programs.

The organization had already been providing indirect support to families, and the establishment of the Center made it possible to directly and formally offer support to everyone, not just the children. This change brought a more well-rounded approach to helping the community. Moore 4 You is committed to providing instructional, recreational, and enrichment services that positively impact the lives of those they serve. From hosting Thanksgiving dinners to organizing clothing and toy drives and offering after-school and summer enrichment programs focused on health, wellness, and STEM topics, Moore 4 You Community Development Center caters to a diverse age group. These activities foster a well-rounded foundation for individual development and community growth.

Recognizing the importance of efficiency in a small nonprofit, Candist has embraced technological advancements to help Moore 4 You thrive. By integrating Verizon Business solutions, the organization streamlines operations, enhances communication, and improves outreach efforts – enabling Moore 4 You to effectively manage resources, coordinate programs, and track progress. This strategic use of technology not only eases the burden on staff but also amplifies the organization’s ability to serve more individuals, making a lasting difference in the lives of those in Freeport, Long Island, Brooklyn, and New York City.

I recently sat down with Candist to discuss how technology and strategic partnerships are transforming Moore 4 You Community Development Center's impact and operations.

Q: Can you bring us up to speed on the latest developments and upcoming initiatives at Moore 4 You?

We've achieved significant milestones since my mom retired a few years ago. Most recently, Moore 4 You operated out of two schools as a community-based organization. The latest endeavor in Freeport represents our first dedicated building and hands-on center, which launched in August 2023. Securing licensing for our Freeport center was a lengthy process, but it has allowed us to expand our services and reach more people. Witnessing our own building in action and seeing people come in with smiles on their faces has been incredibly rewarding firsthand.

An ongoing challenge we face is raising community awareness and ensuring that local members are aware of the welcoming space we've created for gatherings. Recently, the Freeport basketball team volunteered with us, demonstrating our commitment to community engagement through volunteer opportunities. Looking ahead, we're gearing up for our annual backpack drive on August 24th, continuing our mission to provide essential resources and support to our community.

Q: What have been the primary challenges you’ve faced as the founder of a small organization?

As a young Black woman leading an organization, securing funding remains a major hurdle for our nonprofit. While we strive to meet our community's needs, demand often exceeds our current resources. At Moore 4 You, our vision is to establish a robust resource center to provide comprehensive support to those in need.

Q: What have been your biggest wins?

Seeing everything come to life for Moore 4 You, such as hosting recurring events in a dedicated space and partnering with organizations sharing complementary goals and missions, is incredibly fulfilling. Securing our own building has also been a pivotal achievement. However, amidst all my other accolades, becoming a mom stands as my greatest success. Personally, my happiness and success hinge on reaching and positively impacting people's lives.

Q: Could you describe the impact of the technology you've implemented at Moore 4 You?

As someone who isn't personally very tech-savvy, having my technology for the organization consolidated into one plan and one bill is fantastic. Now, when people call in, they can choose between the center and different locations. Automating operational hours and locations has significantly eased my workload and made managing everything much simpler. Being constantly on the move, I appreciate having access to these options wherever I go. Previously, without much experience with technology and lacking someone to simplify it for me, I had to navigate these decisions independently.

Plus, it doesn’t hurt that my Verizon Business representative lives just down the street from me. The first time I called the main Verizon Business line, I was connected with Davny Noel. We quickly realized we were nearby and literally walked out our front doors to wave at each other from down the street. Knowing he's always close by provides reassurance that help with our tech is readily accessible.

Q: Knowing August is National Black Business Month, what advice would you give to future Black entrepreneurs who are unsure about starting their own business?

My friends, team, and I discuss these topics frequently. I rarely leave work at 5 p.m. and completely disconnect; I'm always engaged, driven by my passion for what I do. I'm eager to explore opportunities where we can make a meaningful impact. I strongly advise everyone to absorb as much knowledge as possible. If you share something new with me, I'm eager to learn every detail—I'm known for asking countless questions. Sometimes, we're caught up in our own thoughts, but asking questions and sharing insights can be incredibly beneficial.

I believe in trusting your dreams. Seeing my mom pursue her dreams has inspired me to do the same. It's important to cherish every moment, even if your impact is smaller than intended, like feeding one person instead of a hundred.

For more information on Moore 4 You Community Development Center, visit: https://www.m4ucenter.org/.