Local & National News | July 28, 2025
Written By JR Robinson
"Having personally navigated a high-conflict divorce and witnessed others endure similar experiences, I have collaborated with Divorce Support Network to identify resources, raise awareness, and advocate for reform within the family law system, which currently perpetuates harm by prioritizing profit over healing. To address this issue, I have authored a workbook entitled ‘12 Steps to Finding Your Yes’ to provide hope and empower individuals to heal after experiencing trauma from divorce and navigating the family law system, or simply to serve as a reminder to anyone needing inspiration on how to rise back up and find one’s purpose, with the ultimate goal of helping them achieve inner peace and live healthy, safe, and fulfilling lives. Everything I do has a purpose as a rhyme and reason and interconnects to create healthy change."
We live in a time when communities are increasingly aware of the profound impact trauma has on individuals and families, especially children. Recognizing this, MVP3 Foundation has committed itself to harnessing the transformative power of film, music, and community engagement as catalysts for meaningful healing and change. This multifaceted approach is more than just creative expression—it’s a deliberate and compassionate strategy to break the cycles of dysfunction that have long afflicted many in our community.
At the heart of MVP3’s mission is a deep dedication to mitigating the traumatic effects experienced by children who often bear the silent burdens of violence, neglect, and instability. Protecting women and children stands as a top priority, understanding that their safety and emotional well-being is foundational to rebuilding stronger families and neighborhoods. However, MVP3’s vision extends beyond these demographics; it embraces a holistic approach by also providing support to young men and fathers, recognizing that healing and empowerment must engage everyone for true community transformation.
Currently, MVP3 Foundation urgently needs $25,000 to aid three women and four children who require immediate assistance. These individuals are at critical points in their lives, transitioning out of abusive and unstable circumstances, often following divorce proceedings fraught with conflict and hardship. As Marie Pizano, President of MVP3 Foundation, explains, “These women will require additional help securing employment after their divorce proceedings conclude. We are tending to their immediate needs to smooth their transition and believe strongly in their determination to succeed.”
This immediate support is vital, yet MVP3’s work is intentionally designed to foster sustainable progress. Just handing resources temporarily is not enough; the foundation is committed to empowering individuals toward independence, success, and healthier futures. This philosophy is embedded in their various programs and partnerships that work collectively to foster opportunity and healing.
A shining example of this collaborative approach is MVP3’s strategic partnership with Morris & McDaniel. In this collaboration, Morris & McDaniel has donated comprehensive job assessment tools that help MVP3 support 200 students, women, and juvenile re-entry students each year. These assessments enable participants to discover their strengths, interests, and potential career paths—essential steps in securing fulfilling, sustainable employment.
Additionally, MVP3 partners with local banks and wealth management firms to deliver financial literacy programs, equipping participants with essential knowledge to manage their finances and build a stable economic foundation. These collaborations illustrate MVP3’s understanding that financial empowerment is a critical component of breaking the cycle of poverty and dysfunction.
While prioritizing women and children, MVP3 also recognizes the invaluable role men must play in healing and strengthening community fabric. The foundation extends its resources to young men and fathers, acknowledging that healthy, present fathers profoundly affect children, families, and society as a whole. Empowering men to overcome challenges and engage positively in their families and communities is core to MVP3’s holistic vision.
The foundation’s programming through the arts—film, music, and community engagement—reflects this belief. These creative avenues are powerful tools to promote healthy relationships, dialogue, and collective well-being. MVP3’s arts-centric approach is unique; it brings people together, sparks dialogue about core issues, and fosters understanding and healing in a way that traditional interventions can sometimes miss.
Healing from trauma and breaking dysfunctional cycles requires more than quick fixes. It demands a multifaceted, comprehensive approach that addresses root causes and provides ongoing resources. MVP3 Foundation embodies this by weaving together services, advocacy, education, and creative empowerment into an integrated platform for change.
One critical initiative under the foundation’s umbrella is the Esther Fund, which addresses a significant gap in support for individuals navigating divorce and high-conflict situations. This fund provides vital financial assistance for safety, shelter, child-related needs, legal aid, transportation, clothing, furniture, and food, facilitating a transition to independence and safety away from abusive environments.
Moreover, the Esther Fund supports programming based on addressing Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), parenting classes, annual Empowerment Forums, and Financial Literacy classes. It also helps cover initial therapy visits, recognizing that mental health support is essential in healing from trauma. The fund’s goal is ambitious yet deeply compassionate—to empower up to 100 women and children each year with tailored resources that have the power to transform lives sustainably.
MVP3 Foundation’s success and growing momentum are rooted in collaboration. The foundation partners with established organizations like the YWCA of Greater Memphis and the Divorce Support Network, both leaders in providing specialized support to women and families. These alliances enable MVP3 to extend its reach, fill gaps in services, and avoid duplicating efforts, ensuring a more comprehensive safety net.
In raising awareness about ACEs, MVP3 also works with Legacy of Legends and Rotary Family Youth Initiatives, leaders in childhood trauma education and training. Such partnerships ensure programming is grounded in the latest research and best practices, providing participants with the most effective tools for healing.
In the financial realm, MVP3 collaborates with BankTennessee in Collierville and Evolve Bank to deliver financial literacy programs, teaching essential money management skills that support long-term self-sufficiency.
True to its name—MVP3 stands for Music, Video, and Voice—the foundation places artistic expression at the core of community healing. Films and music serve as vehicles for storytelling, awareness, and connection. They engage hearts and minds, helping to break down stigma and open pathways to dialogue.
Community engagement programs built around these art forms foster connection, creativity, and resilience. These efforts help unify different parts of the community, bringing together diverse voices and perspectives to collectively address issues of trauma, violence, and dysfunction.
This arts-integrated approach, paired with practical support services, helps create a sustainable roadmap for healing—a model in which temporary relief is replaced by enduring growth and empowerment.
MVP3 Foundation operates with the understanding that meaningful change requires resources. Any contribution—small or large—has value in supporting the urgent and ongoing needs of vulnerable women, children, families, and young men in Memphis.
The foundation is actively pursuing grants and hosting fundraising events to secure additional funding. They encourage community members and organizations to join this collaborative effort rather than work in isolation. As CFO and CPA Will Scott expresses, “This unified effort enables us to create a more profound impact and drive meaningful change in people’s lives.”
To support this mission, MVP3 offers a Monthly Giving Program, welcoming donors who wish to contribute regularly toward expanding the reach and sustainability of their programs. Their overall fundraising goal of $125,000 aims to empower 100 women, children, families, and students annually through the Esther Fund and associated initiatives.
For interested individuals or organizations, information is available at MVP3Foundation.org, and inquiries can be made via email at info@mvp3foundation.org to learn more about giving opportunities.
The progress MVP3 Foundation has made so far is well documented through its annual reports, showcasing a momentum built “one step at a time.” These reports testify to lives changed, hope restored, and communities strengthened by the dedicated work of the foundation and its partners.
As Chairwoman Marie Pizano, who is also a bestselling author and community leader, continually emphasizes, the path toward healing requires courage, dedication, and collaboration. Her vision through MVP3 Foundation is to evolve systems of support that not only respond to crises but proactively nurture healthy, empowered individuals and families.
MVP3 Foundation stands as a vital force in Memphis, one dedicated to addressing the complex and multifaceted challenges faced by vulnerable populations impacted by trauma. Their holistic approach—rooted in creative arts, strategic partnerships, financial empowerment, and comprehensive support—embodies a hopeful and effective model for lasting change.
By protecting women and children, empowering men, and engaging the community through innovative programming, MVP3 offers a blueprint for breaking cycles of dysfunction and building a future where everyone in Memphis can thrive.
Your support can help turn this vision into reality. In a city striving for healing and justice, MVP3 Foundation calls upon all of us to be part of the solution—one that honors resilience, fosters empowerment, and champions an enduring community renewal.
For more information and to join the mission, visit www.MVP3foundation.org and consider becoming part of the MVP3 Monthly Giving Program. Together, we can help heal our community, one life at a time.
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