Inspiring Conversations with Yolanda Franklin of Nothing Unique Organization

Today we’d like to introduce you to Yolanda Franklin.

Hi Yolanda; please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started my nonprofit with my big brother. He was a two-time felon and had the roughest time getting re-established into the community. So after spending some time getting the logistics together, we started Nothing Unique Organization. We worked on getting our 501c(3) and Second Chance Felons Program in the hands of the Kansas Department of Corrections, and sadly he passed away before the paperwork and our tax-exempt status was approved. So I continued our work together—feeding the homeless, holding one of the biggest Trunk or Treats every year, and providing full Christmas Dinner Boxes and toys to low-income families.

Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road has been challenging. We have achieved all the successes without my brother here to help celebrate with me. Grief has no timeline. Nor does it have the respect of a person. So I take it one day at a time. And one success at a time. I know he is looking down on me and cheering me on. And I make sure to make him proud every step of the way.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Nothing Unique Organization?
We are a local nonprofit organization based out of Lawrence, Kansas. We are truly known for our Trunk or Treat that we do every year. Last year we had over 2000 kids come thru our event. We specialize in helping felons get jobs, housing, personal care, and whatever they need to return to the community. What sets us apart is the Christmas Dinner Boxes we give yearly. We do not ask for any proof of income or family size. We provide meat, sides, dessert, and pans. Each box feeds a family of 6. Last year we added our first Toy Drive. We had enough to give each kid in the 150 families we served at least 2-3 toys. Our motto is “Where 2nd chances are our 1st priority. “Nothing in your past will keep us from helping you. Everyone deserves a second chance. Everyone deserves to hear a “Yes, we can help you.” That’s what we are here for. To give you that “yes.”

Contact Info:

• Website: HTTPS://nothinguniqueorg.com
• Facebook: HTTPS://www.Facebook.com/NUO785

Image Credits
Jesslyn Cooper Vice President