Small Sums: An Impactful Organization and True Partner of Repowered

Small Sums: An Impactful Organization and True Partner of Repowered

Last week, I had the opportunity to sit down with Leika Pierre-Louis, the new Interim Executive Director at Small Sums. During our conversation, we discussed her new role, what Small Sums means to her, and the organization’s vital mission to support individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Leika shared her excitement about leading the team, which consists of just five dedicated individuals, and the ways in which Small Sums provides essential resources like work gear, transportation, and professional development resources to help people overcome employment barriers. We also talked about the importance of their partnership with Repowered and how together, they are creating opportunities for long-term success.

A New Role, A Renewed Vision

Leika’s transition into the Interim Executive Director role has been met with strong support from the team and a clear sense of purpose. “I feel incredibly supported in this transition,” she shared, reflecting on her experience so far. “It’s been a great opportunity to step into a role where I can truly make a difference.”

Leika’s passion for helping those experiencing homelessness stems from her background in shelter work, including her time at Listening House in St. Paul, a day shelter supporting individuals in crisis. “The most rewarding part of my work has always been seeing the progress people make—helping them move from a place of instability to one of hope and opportunity,” she said. Now, at Small Sums, she continues that mission, providing essential support to individuals who need it most.

(Leika Pierre-Louis, Interim Executive Director)

Breaking Barriers and Building Confidence

Small Sums’ mission is simple but profound: to provide individuals experiencing homelessness or at risk of it with the resources they need to secure and sustain employment. From bus passes and boots to tools, and certification fees, Small Sums helps break down the barriers that make entering the workforce difficult.

Leika shared that the greatest joy in this work comes from seeing individuals’ transformations. “When someone leaves here with the confidence to start their new job, it’s incredibly rewarding,” she explained. “They no longer feel like an ‘odd man out.’ Instead, they feel empowered and ready to succeed.”

The relationships Small Sums builds with its clients—whom they call “workers”—are at the heart of its mission. “It’s about hearing their stories and witnessing their success,” Leika said. “When you see someone smile after receiving the resources they need to start a job, it makes all the difference.”

Small Sums’ Accomplishments in 2024

In 2024, Small Sums reached an impressive milestone, serving over 1,250 individuals. This marks a significant achievement in the organization’s ongoing efforts to expand its impact. “In 2025, we’ll launch our strategic plan, focusing on what we do well and continuing to improve,” Leika shared. “We want to be better partners and advocates in the community, understanding the needs of those we serve beyond their immediate challenges.”

The organization has already seen positive outcomes, with many individuals who have received support from Small Sums going on to secure stable housing, start businesses, and share their success stories to inspire others. “It’s a full-circle experience,” Leika said. “Watching our workers become success stories is what keeps us going.”

Looking Toward the Future: Celebrating 19 Years of Impact in 2025

As Small Sums approaches its 19th anniversary in 2025, Leika is filled with optimism about what lies ahead. “We’ve made significant progress, but the best is yet to come,” she shared. “We are committed to helping more people achieve long-term success, not just temporary relief.” With plans for greater community engagement, continued growth, and even deeper partnerships, Small Sums is well-positioned to make an even greater impact in the years to come. 

Partnership with Repowered

The partnership between Small Sums and Repowered is a powerful example of collaboration that aligns with both organizations’ missions. Both are committed to providing second chances to those who have faced significant barriers to employment. “At Small Sums, we see the potential in people who have faced challenges, and we believe in their ability to succeed,” Leika said. “Repowered is a natural partner in this work, helping individuals gain the skills they need to thrive.”

Small Sums‘ ultimate goal is to help individuals secure “living wage” jobs, and Leika emphasized the importance of partnerships like the one with Repowered, which help bridge gaps for people who may face obstacles such as criminal records or lack of skills. “By referring people to organizations like Repowered, we help them gain valuable skills and find meaningful employment,” she explained. “It’s about filling in the gaps and ensuring they have everything they need to succeed.”

Together, Small Sums and Repowered offer a comprehensive suite of resources, from job development and professional training to transportation and work gear. By working hand-in-hand, the two organizations fill crucial gaps and provide individuals with the support they need to enter and stay in the workforce.

(Workers from Repowered that Small Sums helped out!)

Final Thoughts

Small Sums is more than just an organization providing material goods; it’s about empowering individuals to build sustainable futures. Leika’s leadership, combined with the hard work and dedication of the Small Sums team, ensures that the organization will continue to be a vital resource for individuals in need. As the organization celebrates 20 years of service, its commitment to breaking barriers and building stronger communities remains stronger than ever.

With partners like Repowered, Small Sums is not just helping people find jobs—they are giving individuals a second chance at success. Together, they are transforming lives by providing the tools, training, and support necessary to overcome obstacles like criminal records, skill gaps, and lack of resources. By offering opportunities to learn new skills, find meaningful work, and regain confidence, both organizations are creating lasting change, one worker at a time.

If you would like to support the important work of Small Sums and Repowered, please consider donating to these organizations and helping individuals in need get the second chance they deserve. Click the links below to contribute:

Small Sums Donate: https://www.smallsums.org/donate

Repowered Donate: https://getrepowered.org/giving/

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