The first iteration of the Foundation, known as the Eva Lee Parker Fund, began in 2020. It started by providing emergency financial support for Black survivors of intimate partner violence. We also provided community programs such as “Domestic Violence: A Barrier to Black Liberation,” “Nourished: a virtual half-day retreat for survivors,” and monthly survivor circles. By the end of 2022, the Fund had distributed more than $40,000 to Black survivors nationwide. 

In 2023, we launched the “Reclaim You” tote bag. This initiative aims to remove the barriers to escaping for victims of intimate partner violence by providing immediate necessities in a discreet bag accessible throughout the community. We partnered with several community organizations, including Pauline’s Tea-Bar Apothecary, For the Struggle, and Dupp&Swat: a creative studio. The following year, we hosted Black Financial Health Week, a series of virtual and in-person programs to support survivors in becoming financially stable after experiencing intimate partner violence. The “Reclaim You” tote bag and Black Financial Health Week were financially supported by the North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence funding via an Allstate Foundation grant

Looking ahead, we are setting our sights higher. In February 2025, we secured our 501(c)3 status and established our foundational board of directors. We have meticulously developed our guiding principles, bylaws, strategic plan, and branding, paving the way for an even more impactful future. 

Named after our founder’s paternal grandmother, the Eva Lee Parker Foundation is on a mission. Our goal is to disrupt the impact, biases, and stigma surrounding relationship abuse in our communities. We envision a future where every Black survivor is safe, valued, supported, and respected. We invite you to join us on this mission.