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(WE) Lead Fellowship Program

January 20, 2021

Since Woodlawn Foundation's founding in 2010, Woodlawn Foundation's mission has been to serve as a catalyst and facilitator for the transformation and revitalization of the Woodlawn community in Birmingham into a vibrant and sustainable community in which its residents have an opportunity to thrive.

The (WE) Lead Fellowship Program was developed to address the Woodlawn Community's gap in access to leadership development opportunities

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A Journey Across America: Insights From Eight Weeks of Community Development - Mashonda S. Taylor

January 20, 2021

The last quarter of 2023 was a whirlwind tour across various cities in the United States - from the vibrant streets of Washington, D. C

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Transformational Healing Through the Power of Yoga

January 20, 2021

This Black History Month, Woodlawn United is sharing the stories of local leaders supporting Black Health and Wellness in our Woodlawn neighborhoods.   Meet Jamella Stroud, owner of Sacred Body Fitness

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Woodlawn United: New Brand, Same Mission

January 20, 2021

Since 2010, the Woodlawn Foundation has served as a catalyst and facilitator for the transformation and revitalization of the Woodlawn community.

Our goal: to work alongside Woodlawn's residents and business owners to create the vibrant and sustainable community they envision

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(WE) LEAD FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM CREATES SUSTAINABLE LEADERSHIP IN WOODLAWN

January 20, 2021

Change doesn’t happen overnight, but (WE) Lead is where the rubber meets the road for program fellows, an intergenerational group ranging from early 20s through retirement. (WE) Lead’s priority is to give fellows real-life skills they can use as members of the Woodlawn community in personal, professional, and civic capacities

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Woodlawn Foundation Now Accepting Cryptocurrency

January 20, 2021

BIRMINGHAM, AL (December 28, 2021) - Woodlawn Foundation, a nonprofit organization committed to the holistic revitalization of the Woodlawn community in Birmingham, is excited to begin accepting cryptocurrency. On Tuesday, December 28th, 2021, the organization accepted its first Bitcoin donation from supporter Clay McInnis, owner of Commerce Consulting based in downtown Montgomery, Alabama, and early adopter of cryptocurrency

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Our Blog

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Why Programs Matter

A Week of Growth, Joy, and Purpose

This week reminded me exactly why I love what I do. Our Programs Team at Woodlawn United hosted Rise and Thrive Camp: Thrive Week—a week of engaging, structured activities designed for children who were out of school for intersession, or as many call it, “fall break.”

From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day, the Kingston Community Recreation Center became a place where children could learn, create, and connect in a safe and joyful environment.

Takeoff Tuesday: A Day to Remember

Tuesday was Takeoff Tuesday, and it truly lived up to its name. We “took off” from the gym and headed to the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute with 50 children and nearly 25 parents plus our amazing program coordinators, HABD staff, interns, and UAB student volunteers!

For many, it was their very first visit to the Institute. Watching their faces light up as they connected history to their present lives was nothing short of powerful. These moments—of discovery, reflection, and inspiration—are what make community programming so worthwhile.

Creating Safe Spaces That Heal

This week, I witnessed more than fun and field trips, I saw transformation. The Rec Center became a safe haven.

Children found protection there from the ills of the street, the instability of home, and the pressures that often come with growing up in challenging environments. Inside those walls, they found mentorship, compassion, structure, and a sense of belonging.

That’s the beauty of programs like these: they don’t just fill time—they fill hearts. They nurture confidence, build resilience, and connect community across generations.

The Work Ahead

This experience also solidified something I’ve long known: our communities need more.

We need:

•     After-school programs that extend safety, structure, and learning beyond the school day. •     Volunteer literacy coaches to help children strengthen their reading and comprehension. •     Funding to support field trips, enrichment experiences, and exposure opportunities—museums, fine dining, CEO conversations, and career exploration visits.

These experiences protect and empower our youth. They inspire them to dream bigger and aim higher.

Why I Love This Work

I love my job because it allows me to witness growth, unity, and joy every single day. I see parents and children laughing together, elders guiding youth, and neighbors turning into a community family.

Programs like these build bridges—between people, between generations, and between hope and opportunity.

That’s why programs matter. That’s why I’ll always advocate for them.

About the Author

LaShunta “Shun” Boler

Chief Programs Officer, Woodlawn United

Shun is a visionary leader and community advocate with over 20 years of experience in social wellness, urban education, and community development. As the Chief Programs Officer at Woodlawn United, she leads initiatives that strengthen families, empower youth, and foster intergenerational connections across the Woodlawn–Kingston footprint.

Shun is deeply passionate about creating programs that offer safe spaces, build resilience, and expose children and families to opportunities beyond their everyday experiences. Known for her trauma-informed approach and compassionate leadership, she believes that when communities are given access, they find the power to transform themselves.

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Bridging Policy and Community

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Podcasts

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Annual Reports

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2024 Annual Report

May 1, 2025

Our 2024 Annual Report reflects a year of momentum and impact in Woodlawn

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Woodlawn Sunday Dinner

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