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Introducing The Misstakenid Gives Back Foundation’s 5th Goal: AI for the Culture
Success Looks Different. Access Shouldn’t.
At the Misstakenid Gives Back Foundation, our mission has always been rooted in creating meaningful opportunities that strengthen communities and improve lives. Through service projects, hunger relief initiatives, educational programming, volunteer engagement, and community partnerships, we have remained committed to meeting people where they are and helping them move toward where they want to be.
Today, we are proud to announce the addition of our fifth organizational goal:
AI for the Culture
As technology continues to transform the way we live, work, learn, and build businesses, we recognize that access to emerging technologies is becoming increasingly important. Artificial Intelligence is no longer a future concept. It is a present-day reality that is reshaping industries, creating new opportunities, and changing how information is accessed and utilized.
Unfortunately, not everyone is benefiting equally from this technological shift.
Many underserved communities continue to face barriers to technology access, digital literacy, and exposure to the tools that are shaping the future. Without intentional efforts to close these gaps, the divide between those who understand and leverage AI and those who do not will continue to grow.
That is why we created AI for the Culture.
Why AI for the Culture Matters
At the Misstakenid Gives Back Foundation, we believe that innovation should be inclusive. We believe that opportunity should not be limited by zip code, income level, educational background, or access to resources.
AI for the Culture was inspired by the passion of our founder, Akeeya Umstead, who has long advocated for creating opportunities that empower people to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
This initiative is designed to help individuals, families, students, entrepreneurs, and community organizations gain greater awareness and understanding of artificial intelligence and its potential impact on everyday life.
Our goal is simple: to ensure that underserved communities are not left behind as technology continues to evolve.
What We Hope to Build
As AI for the Culture develops, we envision programming that includes:
• AI literacy and awareness workshops
• Community education events
• Technology exposure opportunities for youth
• AI readiness resources for adults and job seekers
• Small business and entrepreneur-focused training
• Strategic partnerships with educators, technology professionals, and community organizations
• Conversations about the ethical and responsible use of AI
While this initiative is still in its early stages, the vision is clear. We want to create accessible pathways for learning and engagement that help communities understand not only what AI is, but how it can be used as a tool for growth, innovation, and opportunity.
Collaboration Will Be Key
The success of AI for the Culture will require collaboration across sectors.
In the coming months, we will be inviting educators, technology professionals, nonprofits, community leaders, corporations, sponsors, volunteers, and other stakeholders to join us in shaping this initiative.
The challenges facing underserved communities cannot be solved alone, and we believe meaningful partnerships will be essential to creating lasting impact.
Investing in the Future
As we build AI for the Culture, fundraising will play a critical role in bringing this vision to life.
Community support will help us develop programming, provide educational resources, create learning opportunities, and expand our reach to those who can benefit most from increased access to technology and AI education.
Every contribution, partnership, volunteer effort, and shared connection helps move us closer to a future where everyone has the opportunity to participate in the digital economy.
Looking Ahead
The addition of AI for the Culture represents more than a new goal for our organization. It represents a commitment to preparing communities for the future while ensuring that access to opportunity remains equitable and inclusive.
Technology will continue to evolve. The question is whether everyone will have the opportunity to evolve with it.
At the Misstakenid Gives Back Foundation, we believe success looks different for everyone.
Access shouldn’t.
More information about AI for the Culture, upcoming collaborations, and opportunities to get involved will be announced soon.
Success Looks Different for Everyone: 3rd Edition (2026)
Building Community, One Story at a Time
At the Misstakenid Gives Back Foundation, we believe that success doesn’t come in one shape, size, or story. For some, it looks like landing a new job. For others, it’s finding confidence, learning a new skill, or simply feeling supported in a room full of people who understand.
That belief is what inspired Success Looks Different for Everyone, and in 2026, we’re excited to host our 3rd edition of this growing community experience.
Why This Year Is Special
Each year, our focus continues to evolve based on what our community needs most. In 2026, we’re deepening our Community theme while expanding the experience with:
Guest speakers who bring real stories, not just highlight reels
Skills workshops designed to be practical, empowering, and immediately useful
Connection spaces where honest conversations and meaningful relationships can grow
This isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress. It’s about showing up as you are and walking away with tools, encouragement, and a stronger sense of belonging.
A Safe Space for Participants
To protect the experience and privacy of our participants, event sign-up details and the location will remain private. This allows us to create a focused, supportive environment where people can feel comfortable being open, learning, and connecting without pressure.
If you are selected to participate, all necessary details will be shared directly with you.
Want to Volunteer With Us?
Community doesn’t happen by accident, it’s built by people who care.
If you’re interested in volunteering for our workshop series, we’d love to connect with you. Whether you’re a speaker, facilitator, mentor, or someone who simply wants to help create meaningful experiences, there’s a place for you in this work.
Reach out to us directly to learn how you can get involved and support this year’s series.
Let’s Redefine Success Together
We’re proud to continue creating spaces where people feel seen, supported, and empowered to define success on their own terms.
In 2026, we’re not just hosting an event — we’re strengthening a community. And we can’t wait to build it with you.
Because success looks different for everyone, and every version deserves to be celebrated!
Misstakenid Gives Back Foundation Annual Day of Service 2025 Recap: Serving With Purpose in Durham, NC
On Friday, December 5, 2025, the Misstakenid Gives Back Foundation held our Annual Day of Service in the heart of Durham, North Carolina. What began seven years ago as a simple mission to fight food insecurity has grown into one of our most impactful community traditions, and this year’s event was nothing short of incredible.
We began the morning bright and early by serving a warm and hearty breakfast to 248 of our unhoused neighbors. Plates were filled with turkey sausage, scrambled eggs, grits, hash browns, breakfast cakes, fresh fruit, juice, and hot coffee. Every interaction reminded us of why this work matters. A good meal offers more that nourishment. It offers comfort, dignity, and a moment of connection.
Once breakfast wrapped up, our volunteers shifted into the next phase of service. Together, we prepared more than 1,000 sandwiches to be delivered in lunch bags at Urban Ministries of Durham. Seeing our community come together with such focus, compassion, and energy was powerful. Volunteers of all ages and backgrounds filled the room with a shared purpose: to help our neighbors feel seen and supported.
This annual event would not be possible without the generosity of our community partners. We extend our deepest gratitude to Bimbo Bakeries, Whole Foods, and Food Lion Feeds for contributing resources that helped us feed so many. We are equally grateful for every donor and every volunteer who showed up ready to serve. Your presence made a real and lasting difference.
Seven years later, our mission remains the same: to fight the food insecurity with consistency, heart, and community partnership. We are proud of the work we have accomplished, and even more excited about the work ahead.
We invite you to mark your calendars. Our next Day of Service will be held on December 4, 2026. We welcome volunteers, donors, and partners who want to stand with us to uplift our neighbors.
Thank you for being a part of this journey. Together, we will keep transforming lives, one act of service at a time.
Here is a link to a recap video: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/17mjZEabHe/
Help us Carry our Mission Forward
Giving is not just one day for us. It is our lifestyle.
At the Misstakenid Gives Back Foundation, we spend the entire year pouring love into our community. This year we not only fed our local neighbors we even made an impact globally and were able to support a project to feed youth in the Philippines. We also completed another round of our Success Looks Different Fireside Chat- Workshop skill development series for a local homeless shelter, continued our support of Seniors and Veterans with our annual cookout, and created or assisted with meaningful service projects that remind people that compassion is always in season.
Every project that we complete is powered by people who believe in service and want to make an impact that lasts beyond a moment. Your generosity helps us provide meals, build supply kits, support families, and continue creating experiences that uplift our communities in Durham, Roxboro, and beyond.
If you would like to support our mission, here are ways to give:
Make a donation to help us continue feeding and supporting our neighbors. DONATE TODAY!
Volunteer at one of our upcoming service events.
Sponsor a project through your business, organization, or group.
Share our Mission with someone who believes in community care.
Thank you for standing with us this year. With your support we will keep showing up, keep serving, and keep spreading love far beyond the calendar.
Giving is who we are. And we are just getting started.
A Season of Gratitude and Giving: Our Thanksgiving Sponsorship Program
As the leaves fall and the air grows crisp, Thanksgiving reminds us to pause and count our blessings. For the Misstakenid Gives Back Foundation, it’s also a time to extend those blessings to others.
This year, we’re proud to launch our Thanksgiving Family Sponsorship Program with a goal to adopt 5 families in need. To achieve this goal we are working with the Triangle Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership Center in conjunction with the local DSS. Each family will receive groceries and essentials to prepare a warm Thanksgiving meal, along with the comfort of knowing their community cares.
Many families face tough choices during the holidays — between bills and food, between wants and needs. Our mission is to make sure gratitude fills their homes just as much as good food fills their tables.
We’re calling on our friends, partners, and supporters to join us in this effort. You can:
Sponsor a family to cover their full Thanksgiving meal
Donate any amount to help us reach our goal
Share our mission with others who may want to give
When we give together, we create ripples of hope that last far beyond one meal.
Help us remind these families that community is stronger when we show up for one another.
To donate or learn more, visit DONATE TODAY!
Let’s make this Thanksgiving one to remember — filled with gratitude, generosity, and love.
A Beautiful Day of Service: The Annual Wallace Umstead Legacy Cookout 9/12/25
The Annual Wallace Umstead Legacy Cookout was a true celebration of community, joy, and legacy. On this special day, our team, volunteers, and partners came together to honor seniors and veterans in memory of our founder’s late father, Wallace Umstead. The atmosphere was filled with love, music, laughter, and heartfelt moments that will not be forgotten.
Special Guests and Honors
We were honored to welcome the Mayor of Roxboro, who brought a special acknowledgement from her office and the City of Roxboro. In addition, we received a touching letter from Governor Josh Stein, acknowledging the event and the importance of uplifting seniors and veterans in our communities. We also welcomed a State House of Representatives Member and the new Executive Director of the facility, making the day even more memorable.
Residents’ Voices and Legacy Moments
The residents’ gratitude was the highlight of the day. Some of the newer residents expressed how thankful they were for the celebration, while others who had known Wallace Umstead shared private conversations about how deeply they miss him. One resident reminded us of the reality that seniors are often forgotten. Our response was simple but heartfelt: you are not forgotten, and you are still a shining light in this world.
Volunteers and Community Spirit
Our volunteer squad, made up of family and friends, was truly top notch. Their dedication and energy kept the event running smoothly and ensured that every resident felt valued. Our DJ kept the music flowing and the smiles wide, making the celebration feel like a true family gathering.
Gratitude to Our Sponsors
This event would not have been possible without the generosity of our sponsors. AuthoraCare Collective went above and beyond, not only providing immense support but also donating thoughtful door prizes for both residents and staff. Roxboro Savings Bank and UTZ Snacks also played a significant role in helping us create such a joyful and memorable event. We are so grateful for their commitment to supporting seniors and veterans.
Carrying the Legacy Forward
The Wallace Umstead Legacy Cookout is more than just an event — it is a reminder of the importance of honoring our seniors and veterans, keeping their stories alive, and making sure they always feel valued. We are proud to continue this tradition in memory of Wallace Umstead, whose legacy of love, service, and community shines through every smile and every word of gratitude shared.
At Misstakenid Gives Back Foundation, we remain committed to uplifting and serving our community, one project at a time. The cookout is a reflection of what happens when love, service, and partnership come together to create impact.
Akeeya Umstead Receives Governor’s Volunteer Service Award for Outstanding Community Service
We’re proud to share some exciting news from the heart of our organization—our founder, Akeeya Umstead, has been honored with the Governor’s Volunteer Service Award, one of the highest recognitions for volunteerism in North Carolina.
Nominated by Families Moving Forward and volunteers from the MGB Foundation, presented by Triangle Nonprofit Volunteer Leadership Center for Durham County, this award acknowledges individuals who make significant contributions to their communities through volunteer service. Akeeya’s work through Misstakenid Gives Back Foundation has long reflected a deep commitment to accessible, high-impact community service: from feeding the unhoused to organizing supply drives and educational workshops.
“This recognition is bigger than me,” Akeeya shared. “It’s about what happens when people show up for each other with purpose and heart. I’m so grateful to every volunteer, partner, and supporter who makes this work possible. I am also thankful for my late parents that instilled volunteerism in me”
Although she’s still working toward receiving the prestigious medallion designation, this milestone highlights the impact MGB continues to make across Durham, Roxboro, and beyond.
We hope this moment inspires others to step into service—whether for a day or a season—and join us in building stronger, more connected communities.
Stay connected with us as we continue to grow and serve.
Thank you for being part of our journey.
Misstakenid Gives Back Foundation x Rise Against Hunger: Join Us to Make a Global Impact!
We are thrilled to announce the first-ever collaboration between Misstakenid Gives Back Foundation and Rise Against Hunger! On May 17, 2025, at 10:30 AM, we’re coming together for a powerful mission: packaging 1,000 meals to be sent to Haiti or the Philippines—wherever the need is greatest.
This event is more than just meal-packing—it’s a chance to create change beyond our own communities. With just 10-15 volunteers, we can make a direct impact on food insecurity worldwide.
We invite you to be a part of this movement by volunteering or donating to help make this event a success. Every meal we package brings hope to those in need, and your support means everything.
Sign up or donate here: https://www.riseagainsthunger.org/register/?id=701Pj00000AEg1eIAD
For this project all donations and volunteer sign ups will be done at the link above. Address to the event: Rise Against Hunger Warehouse
3200 Wellington Court Suite 112
Raleigh, NC 27610
Let’s come together, take action, and show that giving back has no borders!
Will you join us?
Looking Ahead: Misstakenid Gives Back Foundation 2025
As we move forward in 2025, the Misstakenid Gives Back Foundation is ready to make an even greater impact. Our mission remains the same to serve, uplift, and inspire. But this year, we’re taking things a little further.
We’re continuing our Success Looks Different for Everyone- Fireside Chat Series, proving that transformation isn’t about where you start, but about the consistency and commitment to growth. This year we’ll provide more opportunities for individuals to learn, develop and create their own paths to success.
For the first time, we’re partnering with Rise Against Hunger in May to package 1,000 meals for communities in Haiti or the Philippines. Hunger knows no borders and we are honored to expand our reach beyond our local community to fight food insecurity on a global scale. To donate or sign up for that project, click here https://www.riseagainsthunger.org/register/?id=701Pj00000AEg1eIAD .
We will continue our support of Seniors and Veterans at the Canterbury House in September in Roxboro, NC with our 2nd Annual Cookout in Honor of Mr. Wallace Umstead (Our Founder’s late father) giving them some great food and warm vibes.
Closer to home we will be sponsoring 4 families for Thanksgiving this year, making sure that they have a table full of food and a holiday filled with love. And as always, we’ll host our 7th Annual Feed the Homeless and Hungry Breakfast, in December, a tradition rooted in honoring Mrs. Cassandra W. Umstead ( Our Founder’s Late Mother) and ensuring that those in need don’t go forgotten.
But this is just the beginning. We are always open to working with new organizations and groups to expand our reach and deepen our impact. If 2024 taught us anything, it’s that when people come together for a common purpose, change happens.
In 2025, we’re also focused on educating the public about the work we do and how we can work together. Our foundation thrives on collaboration, and we want more people to understand how they can join us in making a difference. Our Founder is open to speaking engagements for this reason. If you want her to come speak to your group/organization please let us know. Connect With Us!
Here’s to another year of service, growth, and giving back.
Let’s make 2025 unforgettable. Are you in?
HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM MISSTAKENID GIVES BACK FOUNDATION!
WELCOME TO 2025!
As we step into a new year, we’re filled with gratitude for the incredible impact we’ve made together in our communities. Your support and dedication to our mission of “Empowering Communities through impactful service, one project at a time” have been truly inspiring.
This year, we’re excited to continue our meaningful work and announce a brand-new initiative that will expand our reach and impact. Stay tuned for more details—we can’t wait to share what’s in store!
We’re also thrilled to open individual sign-ups for our larger volunteer projects in 2025. If you’ve ever wanted to get involved and make a difference, this is your chance to join our amazing volunteer squad. Together, we can achieve even greater things this year!
Here’s to a 2025 filled with service, growth, and positive change. Thank you for being part of the Misstakenid Gives Back family. Let’s make this year one to remember!
With gratitude,
The Misstakenid Gives Back Foundation Team
MGB Foundation (Misstakenid Gives Back Foundation) 