OUR STORY!
The Stephens Foundation (TSF) is inspired by the life and legacy of Kim Stephens, a woman shaped by resilience, faith, and community. Raised in a home where social capital was valued as much as financial capital, Kim and her four siblings were instilled with the power of faith, service, and connection. Their parents, Nathan and Diane Sweatt, ensured that six days a week, their family was engaged in church and community, fostering a strong foundation of support and spiritual fulfillment. While material wealth was not always present, their home was rich in love, generosity, and collective strength. Today, Kim and her siblings remain committed to continuing this legacy through dedicated community engagement.
Kim co-parented her five children with their father, Derrick Stephens, united in their commitment to instilling values that would shape their children’s future success. As a single parent, Kim quickly recognized the lack of programs offering meaningful, long-term support for families like hers. Fueled by determination, she became deeply involved in community work, forged partnerships with local organizations, and served on the boards of emerging businesses. These experiences inspired her to create a lasting solution—The Stephens Foundation. More than a nonprofit, it is a movement focused on empowering individuals and families by promoting economic stability and social resilience.
The Legacy and Mission of The Stephens Foundation
The Stephens name is a proud inheritance from Derrick Remone Stephens, I. Raised in Birmingham, Alabama, Derrick began his career path through military service, where he first developed his commitment to leadership and discipline. A lifelong public servant, he has dedicated his career to working in municipalities, ensuring communities have access to clean, healthy drinking water. Beyond his professional work, Derrick is a passionate historian who teaches his children the power of history as a tool to understand the present and challenge injustices a Black American with African ancestry.
The Stephens Foundation carries his name with pride—a living tribute to the integrity, work ethic, and community values Derrick instilled in both his children and the many students he has mentored. His dedication to public health and community wellness is deeply rooted in his ancestry, and his legacy continues through the mission and work of his family's nonprofit.
