Cindy Witteman of Driving Single Parents: 5 Things You Need To Know To Successfully Lead A Nonprofit Organization
Clearly Define Your Mission: Before starting a nonprofit, it’s crucial to have a clear and specific mission. Know exactly what issue you aim to address and how your organization will contribute to solving it. For instance, when I founded Driving Single Parents, the mission was clearly defined to provide transportation support to empower single parents.
As part of my series about “individuals and organizations making an important social impact”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Cindy Witteman.
Cindy Witteman, residing in San Antonio, Texas, is a multifaceted individual excelling in various fields. As a business owner, she has achieved the status of a 3x International Best Selling Author and is the host of the “Little Give” TV Show. Her entrepreneurial spirit is complemented by her roles as a speaker, podcaster, life and confidence coach, and beekeeper. Cindy is not only the Founder and CEO of Driving Single Parents Inc. but also a former single parent and a proud stepmom to six children, with one grandson and two granddaughters.
Her life is marked by a passion for travel, family time, and a deep-seated desire to help others see the positives in life. Cindy’s commitment to giving back is particularly evident in her work with single parents, aiding them in regaining their independence. In 2017, she founded Driving Single Parents Inc., a 501(c)3 Non-Profit organization, which, under her leadership, is approaching its seventh anniversary. The organization has been instrumental in changing the lives of multiple single-parent families by providing them with reliable vehicles at no cost, thereby enabling these parents to overcome challenges and achieve success.
Cindy’s dedication to showcasing ordinary people making extraordinary contributions is further highlighted in her work with the Little Give TV Show. To learn more about her initiatives and the positive impact of Driving Single Parents Inc., interested individuals can visit DrivingSingleParents.org. Additionally, insights into how the Little Give TV Show highlights the power of altruism can be found at LittleGive.com.
Thank you so much for doing this with us. Before we begin our readers would like to get to know you a bit more. Can you tell us a bit about your “backstory”?
Residing in San Antonio, Texas, I am a parent to six children, which includes two bonus kids, and I am also a grandparent with three grandchildren and another one on the way. My upbringing was financially challenging, lacking many basic necessities. Marrying at a young age led me into a domestic violence situation. Despite the hardships, I broke free from that relationship, embracing single parenthood.
Today, I proudly hold the titles of a 3-time international best-selling author, the Founder and CEO of a nonprofit, a TV and podcast host, a business owner, a life and confidence coach, and even a beekeeper. My journey fuels my passion for giving back and aiding others.
Can you tell us the story behind why you decided to start or join your non nonprofit?
I was motivated to create a nonprofit that could genuinely transform the lives of single parents and their children, I aimed to address substantial issues rather than applying temporary solutions. The breakthrough came during a dinner at a restaurant. In a moment of inspiration, I stood up and declared, “That’s it! I’m giving away cars to single parents.” Within 24 hours, I built the website and crafted a business plan. Today, Driving Single Parents has been successfully providing cars and making a lasting impact on lives for nearly seven years.
Can you describe how you or your organization aims to make a significant social impact?
Our organization, Driving Single Parents, aims to make a significant social impact by addressing a tangible need — transportation. Recognizing the challenges faced by single parents, we provide a practical solution that goes beyond short-term assistance. By giving away cars, we empower single parents to overcome transportation barriers, facilitating their journey toward success and creating a lasting positive impact on their lives and the lives of their children.
Without saying any names, can you share a story about an individual who was helped by your idea so far?
I’m thrilled to recount a wonderful story. Thanks to a partnership, we provided a vehicle to a woman in 2020. Using the car as a tool, she secured a higher-paying job, earned a college degree, and found love, ultimately improving her life. Upon achieving stability, she joined our board of directors, eventually becoming the VP of philanthropy. In a heartening turn of events in 2023, she donated the car back to the organization, bestowing the gift of transportation upon another single parent. This full-circle moment truly underscores the profound impact these vehicles can make on people’s lives.
Are there three things the community/society/politicians can do to help you address the root of the problem you are trying to solve?
Certainly, to address the root of the problem we aim to solve, the community, society, and politicians can contribute in three key ways:
1. Supportive Policies: Advocating for and implementing policies that recognize and address the challenges faced by single parents, especially in areas like transportation, can significantly contribute to our cause.
2. Community Engagement: Creating awareness and fostering community support is crucial. This involves encouraging local initiatives, volunteerism, and collaboration to strengthen the network of assistance available to single parents.
3. Financial Assistance: Increased financial support, whether through grants, donations, or public funding, can enhance our ability to provide more vehicles to single parents. This support is vital for sustaining and expanding the positive impact we aim to make.
How do you define “Leadership”? Can you explain what you mean or give an example?
Leadership, to me, is the ability to inspire and guide others towards a common goal through vision, influence, and effective decision-making. A leader empowers their team, fosters collaboration, and leads by example. An example of leadership is when the person in charge not only sets clear objectives for a project but also actively supports and encourages team members, ensuring everyone’s strengths are utilized for the collective success.
Based on your experience, what are the “5 things a person should know before they decide to start a non profit”. Please share a story or example for each.
1. Clearly Define Your Mission:
Before starting a nonprofit, it’s crucial to have a clear and specific mission. Know exactly what issue you aim to address and how your organization will contribute to solving it. For instance, when I founded Driving Single Parents, the mission was clearly defined to provide transportation support to empower single parents.
2. Understand the Legal Requirements:
Familiarize yourself with the legal aspects of starting and running a nonprofit. This includes obtaining proper licenses, adhering to tax regulations, and fulfilling reporting requirements. I once encountered a situation where a well-intentioned individual faced legal challenges because they hadn’t thoroughly understood the legal obligations of running a nonprofit.
3. Build a Strong Support Network:
Creating and maintaining a robust support network is vital. Establish connections with like-minded individuals, potential donors, and community partners. I learned early on that collaborative efforts enhance the impact of a nonprofit. Networking helped secure partnerships that significantly benefited Driving Single Parents.
4. Financial Management is Key:
Before starting a nonprofit, grasp the basics of financial management. Ensure you have a sustainable funding plan and are capable of managing resources efficiently. I recall a nonprofit facing financial strain because they didn’t have a solid financial strategy in place, impacting their ability to fulfill their mission.
5. Impact Measurement and Reporting:
Understand how to measure and report the impact of your nonprofit. Donors and supporters want to see tangible results. Implement systems to track your organization’s effectiveness. I observed a nonprofit thrive when they consistently reported their impact, fostering trust and engagement among their stakeholders.
We are very blessed that very prominent leaders read this column. Is there a person in the world who you would like to talk to, to share the idea behind your non profit? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂
I wish to share my story with Dr. Phil. During an abusive marriage, I hesitated to leave, wanting to provide a two-parent home for my daughters, fearing the challenges of single parenthood based on my mother’s struggles. One day, as I folded laundry while watching Dr. Phil, his words, “It’s better to come from a broken home than it is to grow up in one,” felt directly aimed at me. In that moment, I stood up, gathered a basket of clothes and diapers, and left. Dr. Phil profoundly changed my life and my daughters’ lives. Now, I dedicate my life to serving others and helping them succeed. Thank you, Dr. Phil!
Can you share your favorite “Life Lesson” Quote? How is that relevant to you in your life?
Whether you think you can or think you can’t — you’re right — Henry Ford
How can our readers follow you online?
https://linktr.ee/cindy.witteman
https://www.facebook.com/DrivingSingleParents/
This was very meaningful, thank you so much. We wish you only continued success in your mission.
Cindy Witteman of Driving Single Parents: 5 Things You Need To Know To Successfully Lead A… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.