FLINT, Michigan — In 2015, Tanisha Thompson started
Sisters Supporting Sisters as a
Facebook group after a conversation with her cousin about how to get to know women in the community. At the time, she did not realize her dreams of running a nonprofit organization were coming to fruition. Within only a few months, the group grew to over 20,000 members composed mostly of women from Genesee County.
Members used the Facebook group to advertise businesses, sell products, and share encouraging messages. Sisters Supporting Sisters created an online community for women in Flint to find sisterhood amongst each other, and demonstrated how a community can work to achieve widespread success.
In 2021, Thompson realized the potential of her community impact and Sisters Supporting Sisters became a nonprofit organization. “It was just the beginning, but it was like a dream,” says Thompson. “We listen to the voice of our community.”
Establishing the group as a nonprofit organization would allow Sisters Supporting Sisters to elevate the level of support they can provide women in Flint.
Back-to-school giveaways, empowerment brunches, Christmas giveaways, business lunches, and award ceremonies are a few of the projects Sisters Supporting Sisters has been able to coordinate since becoming a nonprofit organization. “We want to provide education to help women further themselves so we give them guidance,” explained Thompson. “We ask the community what they need and we try to give them that instead of just assuming.”
Sisters Supporting Sisters intends to reach women of all ages. Programs vary from youth development to business recognition and empowerment. The 'Sparkle to Success' mentorship program and the 'Phenomenal Woman' celebration are a few of their upcoming projects.
Sponsored by Chase Bank, 'Sparkle to Success' became available to middle and high school girls on Feb. 21 and will run until May 22. This program provides girls with an opportunity to interact with each other and network. The program prepares girls for their future and consists of tutoring, goal setting, financial literacy, and mindfulness. It is free for participants and is held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Interested participants can register at
sistersworldwide.org.
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Promotional flier for the Sisters Supporting Sisters 'Phenomenal Woman' celebration.
On Sunday, March 17 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the UAW Local 651 (3518 Robert T Longway Blvd), Sisters Supporting Sisters will hold their 'Phenomenal Woman' celebration. Three women will be recognized for their courageous and bold leadership. The 'Phenomenal Woman Rising Star Award' will be given to a high school-aged girl who has proven self-confidence. It will be given to a girl who has learned to embrace self-worth and has a clear vision of who she is.
The 'Phenomenal Woman Inspiration Award' will be given to a woman who has proven personal growth, achievement, impact in her profession, and influence on her community and those around her.
The recipient of 'The Phenomenal Woman Game Changer Award' will have a proven record of going against the grain. This award will recognize a woman who moves beyond the status quo and breaks barriers for her community and those around her.
Awards and recognition will be given during the 'Phenomenal Woman' celebration.
When asked how the community can help support the organization, Thompson responded, “We really need volunteers, it’s usually just me and my mom doing everything by ourselves, but we need more hands and more ideas.”
Building partnerships, creating relationships, networking, and relying on community support has allowed Sisters Supporting Sisters to grow from a Facebook group to a largely impactful nonprofit organization. Community partners are encouraged and volunteers of all ages are welcome.
For more information on Sisters Supporting Sisters, visit: sistersworldwide.org and find it on Facebook.
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