Our Story. Our Purpose. The Way Forward.

About the Way Forward Foundation AZ

Founded in 2000, The Way Forward Foundation AZ is a community-focused nonprofit committed to helping individuals and families move beyond barriers toward greater stability, opportunity, and independence.

We understand that life’s most difficult challenges rarely occur one at a time. Housing instability can intersect with unemployment. Reentry may involve healthcare, behavioral health, family reunification, technology access, transportation, and the need to rebuild financial security. For individuals and families navigating these circumstances, simply finding the right resources—and understanding how to access them—can become another barrier.

TWFF AZ exists to help create and connect pathways forward.

Through community partnerships, resource coordination, supportive services, workforce development, health and wellness initiatives, education, reentry support, and technology-based resource navigation, we work to strengthen the systems surrounding people while connecting individuals with practical opportunities for progress.

Our Approach 

Our approach is human-centered, trauma-informed, and grounded in collaboration. We recognize that sustainable progress requires more than addressing an immediate need; it requires understanding the interconnected circumstances that affect an individual’s ability to move forward.

Under the leadership of April Winston-Amen Ra and Chef Shakha Amen Ra, TWFF AZ brings together professional expertise, community commitment, strategic partnerships, and practical resources to help build pathways toward healthier, more stable, and self-sufficient lives.

We seek to work alongside healthcare providers, employers, community organizations, educational institutions, businesses, faith communities, and other partners who understand that stronger communities are built when people have meaningful opportunities to succeed.

People. Pathways. Possibilities.