Investing in Community Brilliance: The Training and Technical Assistance Program

Our community is full of brilliance and creativity, and the Training and Technical Assistance Program (TTAP) helps grassroots leaders turn their ideas into action by providing the tools and support they need to grow.

Launched in response to community voices, TTAP is designed to support grassroots leaders who are building organizations and initiatives that strengthen Ward 8. Whether you’re dreaming up an idea for change, in the early stages of incorporation, or running a brand-new nonprofit, TTAP connects you with tailored resources, coaching, and a community of peers who share your passion for lasting change.

Building Skills and Community

By bringing in experts from the Martha’s Table team and Spur Local, TTAP offers participants practical guidance across a range of skills from financial policy development to storytelling, from volunteer engagement to measuring impact. More importantly, it’s about investing in the vision and determination of local leaders who know their communities best.

Kesha Miller, founder of Fresh Energy Wellness, joined TTAP while already active in the community.

“I realized TTAP could help me put those missing pieces in place. Whether it was fundraising, building a board, or learning how to market ourselves, they gave us tools to fill in the gaps.” – Kesha Miller

Kesha especially valued the cohort’s sense of community: volunteers supported each other at events, shared resources, and collaborated on wellness projects, making the experience feel like a shared mission.

Scott Smith, a 2025 graduate, described the program as equally transformative. “The chance to learn directly from people who are doing the work every day was invaluable. Listening to Martha’s Table’s CFO explain compliance and budgeting opened my eyes to how different nonprofit financial management is from the for-profit world,” Scott emphasized the power of community support as well:

“I met people who believed in my vision even before my organization was fully built. That kind of support is powerful.” – Scott Smith 

Practical Tools for Long-Term Success

Communications pros sharing their marketing playbook.

TTAP’s sessions cover everything from filing for 501(c)(3) nonprofit status to program design and fundraising strategy. Kesha pointed to marketing workshops as particularly impactful, while Scott highlighted compliance and data tracking as key takeaways. Both leaders emphasized how TTAP helped them lay strong foundations for growth, whether in expanding programming, launching new initiatives, or preparing for nonprofit status.

Kesha is now expanding Fresh Energy Wellness and nonprofit programming, while Scott is focused on finalizing his organization’s vision, mission, and operational structures. Their experiences show how TTAP equips leaders to transform their ideas into sustainable, community-rooted initiatives.

Walking Alongside Leaders

TTAP provides a space for reflection, growth, and collaboration. Graduates leave with stronger organizations, renewed confidence in their vision, and the assurance that their work matters. For those pursuing nonprofit status, successful completion also includes guidance and support to file for a 501(c)(3) and cover associated costs, helping leaders lay a solid foundation for long-term impact.

Keith Keys, who manages TTAP, sees the program as more than technical training.

“TTAP is about walking alongside leaders who are making real change. We’re helping to equip them with tools, yes, but we’re also affirming their brilliance and investing in their future.” – Keith Keys

At the heart of it all is Martha’s Table’s commitment to investing in local leadership. When we support grassroots changemakers, we create ripples of impact across Ward 8.

Want to learn more about TTAP or future opportunities to get involved? Email CommunitySupports@marthastable.org.