By Greg Archer | Contributing Columnist There’s no shortage of commitment at Power Speaks Louder. The nonprofit organization, which administers seven programs and services to educate, empower and transform the lives of youths in crisis, low-income families and the homeless relies on its staff and community support to make a difference. For CEO and Founder B. Hunter, overseeing the organization has become a passionate mission and the impact is being felt. Recently, state Sen. Sabrina Cervantes, D-Riverside, named Power Speaks Louder the 2025 California Nonprofit of the Year. Ian Williams loads groceries into a waiting car at Power Speaks Louder’s food drive in 2025. (Courtesy of Desiree S. Abeyta, Power Speaks Louder) More than 200 vehicles lined up as early as 4 a.m. for a 10:30 a.m. Power Speaks Louder food distribution event in 2025. (Courtesy of Desiree S. Abeyta, Power Speaks Louder) State Sen. Sabrina Cervantes, D-Riverside, right, is seen with Power Speaks Louder founder B. Hunter as Cervantes honors the Moreno Valley-based nonprofit organization as a 2025 California Nonprofit of the Year. (Courtesy of Power Speaks Louder) Show Caption1 of 3Ian Williams loads groceries into a waiting car at Power Speaks Louder’s food drive in 2025. (Courtesy of Desiree S. Abeyta, Power Speaks Louder) Expand “It’s one of the biggest recognitions that we’ve received,” Hunter said. “It’s an extreme honor. As nonprofits, it’s really hard to get funding. So, to have the credibility of the senator of the state of California’s 31st District, it meant a lot, especially when you’ve started this in your bedroom.” Hunter launched the Moreno Valley-based group in 2016 in hopes of helping underserved communities. She wanted to enhance social-emotional development by pairing it with need-specific resources. What followed was motivational messaging, food distribution, a health and wellness initiative, artistic installation experiences, creative arts, inspirational film and collectible products. Recent grants from Inland Empire Community Foundation through the Community Impact Fund and the Youth Grantmakers Committee Fund-Riverside are further helping the organization expand its impact, specifically with food distribution. “It’s been a journey of highs and lows,” Hunter said of the nonprofit group’s overall history. “In terms of food distribution, sometimes our suppliers that donate food experience shortages and they don’t have a lot to give. As an organization, that’s really hard because we have a community waiting for us. There are people camping out as early as 3 a.m. at our distribution site and they have an expectation that we’re going to feed them.” “The IECF grants were so helpful because we were able to fill those food gaps to reduce shortages and stabilize costs,” she said. On Thursday, Jan. 8, Power Speaks Louder will host its next Free Food Drive-Thru. These events take place every second and fourth Thursday in the Moreno Valley Mall parking lot by the Crunch Fitness entrance. Food boxes are offered to anyone in need on a first-come, first-serve basis. “Power Speaks Louder wants to transform lives by the power of words and action,” Hunter said. “A lot of what we do is not only to meet the diverse needs of our community through lessening the gap of food disparities — or meeting the need through food distribution, health and wellness — but also to empower people. “I think adversity doesn’t discriminate,” she added. “Our goal is always to just meet people where they’re at and to give them hope, not only give them the immediate need, but empower them for long-term solutions as well.” Related Articles Record levels of holiday drivers expected; be careful out there amid storms in Southern California Holiday lights display still on at Ontario park Unforgettables Foundation to hold Lights for Little Lives Memorial Walk in Loma Linda Perris Raceway gets $50,000 grant for improvements Edison Scholars program offers scholarships to students in Southern California Edison’s service area She also encourages the community to watch the organization’s “Still Standing” documentary, an experience that she said evokes empathy for local neighbors, “because any of us can fall into hard times and services.” “Still Standing” had its world premiere Aug. 12. It nabbed an Emmy Award for how well it challenged the stigma surrounding homelessness and amplified voices of the marginalized. The documentary also featured several stories of individuals who have been assisted by Power Speaks Louder. It spotlighted resources and celebrated the resilience of the communities, specifically in relation to post-pandemic recovery. “Still Standing” is not merely a title, but “a testament to the enduring strength within our shared journey,” Hunter said. For information, click here. Inland Empire Community Foundation works to strengthen Inland Southern California through philanthropy. Visit iegives.org for more information. ...read more read less