Food Assistance
Community food distributions and practical support developed with local partners.
Partnerships formingRooted in Chicago • Moving communities forward
Opportunity grows when community moves together.
Forward Together Foundation is building practical pathways to food support, mentorship, cultural and educational programs, community resources, and life-changing learning experiences.
We are in our founding stage. This site shows what we are building and helps identify community interest without collecting personal data.
Our purpose
Connect needs, knowledge, and opportunity.
Food access
Learning
Culture
Planned program areas
Five paths. One stronger community.
Each program area is designed to meet a real need while building long-term knowledge, confidence, and connection.
Mentorship
Guidance, accountability, and exposure to new possibilities for youth and adults.
Program designCultural Education
Community-centered learning that connects history, identity, tradition, and place.
Curriculum planningCommunity Resources
Clear referrals and connections that help people navigate available local support.
Resource mappingTransformative Learning
Workshops and educational experiences that expand skills, perspective, and opportunity.
Experiences in developmentLeadership and stewardship
Meet our board.
Our board brings together community leadership, education, cultural knowledge, public service, and practical experience to guide the foundation responsibly. With the exception of Rosie, each board member serves as a priest within Traditional African spirituality. Board members regularly travel to Nigeria to participate in cultural and educational programs, deepen their knowledge, and bring new learning back to the communities they serve.
Founder and President
Ifatola Tifase
Ifatola Tifase is a Chicago based community leader, entrepreneur, educator, and cultural advocate committed to helping people access knowledge, resources, and meaningful opportunities. Through her leadership of Tola’s Creations Botanica and experience in public service, healthcare outreach, education, and community programming, she has witnessed the challenges families face when dependable support is difficult to find. She founded Forward Together Foundation to turn that experience into organized community action rooted in dignity, knowledge, and support.
Treasurer
Justice Wysinger
Justice Wysinger is an anthropologist and educator whose work centers culture, learning, and community development. She earned her undergraduate degree in Anthropology from Colgate University and a master’s degree in Education and Anthropology from Teachers College, Columbia University. A fifth grade Humanities educator in New York City, she brings research, organizational, educational, and analytical skills to the responsible stewardship of the foundation’s resources and mission.
Director
Rosie Harris
Rosie Harris is a retired United Airlines professional, cultural storyteller, and keeper of ancestral traditions. Born in the South, she carries generations of knowledge rooted in gardening, traditional herbs, natural remedies, food preparation, and community care. Rosie expanded her culinary skills through baking studies at Olive Harvey College and helps the foundation preserve and share practical wisdom across generations.
Secretary
Jeanette Villegas
Jeanette Villegas is a Cook County law enforcement professional whose public service experience brings a practical understanding of safety, accountability, and the realities facing local families. She supports the foundation’s commitment to building trustworthy, community centered programs. Additional biography details will be added as they are confirmed.
Youth Advocate Board Member
Joshua Gipson
Joshua Gipson is a student, Certified Nursing Assistant, and youth advocate who brings a young person’s perspective to the foundation’s leadership. Raised within African spiritual traditions, he serves as a priest and understands the importance of cultural identity, responsibility, and preserving knowledge across generations. His work in compassionate care and at Tola’s Creations Botanica has strengthened his commitment to service, community wellness, and helping the board consider the needs and potential of young people.
Build it with us
Support that turns purpose into practice.
Early support is not only financial. The foundation needs reliable people, useful resources, trusted partnerships, and sound program planning.
Financial giving is not open on this site. This site does not accept payments. Giving options will appear only after the foundation’s policies and payment process are ready.
Interactive guide
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