Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonathan L Dotson.
Hi Jonathan L , it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My story—and the story of Friendship That Gives—began at home.
My father battled Amyloidosis, a rare and often misunderstood disease. My mother continues to live with Parkinson’s, a condition that slowly changes how she moves, speaks, and lives. Watching them walk through these diagnoses changed me. It taught me the meaning of quiet strength, of relentless love, and of what it really means to care for someone when the world doesn’t always know how.
What I realized through those experiences is that so many families—especially in Black and underserved communities—are facing similar battles. Often without support. Often without understanding. Often in silence.
I created Friendship That Gives to change that.
It started as a tribute to my parents, but it’s grown into a mission: to educate, connect, and empower individuals and families through programs that are as heartfelt as they are impactful. Whether it’s through our Fashionably Healthy Conversations, A Night of Fashion, or our Couples Empowerment Retreat, everything we do is about turning pain into purpose, and grief into growth.
Today, Friendship That Gives is more than a nonprofit—it’s a community. It’s a way to make sure no one walks this road alone.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has not been smooth, but it has been purposeful.
After my father’s passing, I was deeply grief-stricken but also guided by a clear vision that God gave me. That vision became the foundation for Friendship That Gives. Starting an organization while processing such a personal loss was incredibly challenging.
Some of the struggles along the way included:
1. Managing grief while trying to build something meaningful and sustainable.
2, Facing the complexities of chronic illnesses like Amyloidosis and Parkinson’s within my family, which added emotional and logistical weight.
3. Navigating limited resources and overcoming skepticism about the importance of culturally competent health advocacy.
4. Learning how to balance faith, hope, and action when progress sometimes felt slow or uncertain.
But through it all, my faith sustained me. That divine vision propelled me forward and reminded me that even in struggle, there is purpose. Friendship That Gives is not just a nonprofit—it’s a calling born from love, loss, and hope for change.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Friendship That Gives is more than an organization—it’s a movement dedicated to empowering individuals and communities through inspiration, connection, and impact. Rooted in personal experience with chronic illnesses like Parkinson’s and Amyloidosis, our mission is to break the silence, reduce stigma, and provide culturally responsive education and support where it’s needed most.
What We Do
We specialize in creating intentional, high-impact events and programs that engage underserved communities—particularly Black and minority populations—in conversations about health, wellness, and emotional resilience. Our signature offerings include:
Fashionably Healthy Empowerment Series: Dynamic community conversations blending health education with cultural relevance.
A Night of Fashion: Chronology of Church Fashion: A unique event highlighting fashion history while raising awareness for Parkinson’s and Amyloidosis.
We Are One: One Heart, Many Seasons Couples Empowerment Retreat: A transformative retreat designed to strengthen relationships through healing and empowerment.
Annual College and Career Expo: Providing young people with resources and mentorship to achieve academic and professional success.
What Sets Us Apart
Friendship That Gives stands apart because of our authentic connection to the communities we serve. We don’t just talk about health—we embed it within culture, faith, and everyday life. Our programming honors the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—while addressing real barriers faced by minority communities.
We’re known for our culturally competent approach, intentional partnerships, and creating safe spaces where difficult topics become accessible and relatable. Our work bridges gaps between awareness and action with grace and style.
What We’re Most Proud Of
We are most proud of the community we’ve built and the stories we’ve helped bring to light. Every event, every conversation, every resource is an opportunity to uplift voices that have too often been unheard. Our brand is synonymous with hope, dignity, and resilience.
What We Want You to Know
Friendship That Gives is here to be a resource, a guide, and a catalyst for change. Whether you join us for a community conversation or participate in one of our retreats, you become part of a family committed to walking the journey of health and healing together. We invite you to be part of this movement—because when friendship gives, lives are transformed.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I’m incredibly grateful for the many mentors, supporters, and teammates who have played a vital role in the success of Friendship That Gives.
First and foremost, my family has been my foundation—especially my mother, whose ongoing courage with Parkinson’s inspires me daily, and my late father, whose legacy fuels this mission.
I’ve also been blessed with mentors who have provided guidance and wisdom, helping me navigate the complexities of nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and community engagement. Their advice and encouragement have been invaluable in shaping our strategy and impact.
Our partners and collaborators—from healthcare professionals to community leaders—have helped us stay authentic and culturally relevant, ensuring our programs truly meet the needs of the communities we serve.
Finally, our clients and community members are the heart of everything we do. Their stories, feedback, and resilience inspire us to keep pushing forward.
Together, this network of people has helped transform a vision into a movement. Their support reminds me daily that Friendship That Gives is not a solo journey—it’s a collective effort rooted in shared hope and commitment.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.friendshipthatgives.org
- Instagram: @friendshipthatgives
- Facebook: FriendshipThatGives
- Youtube: FriendshipThatGives
Image Credits
Jonathan L Dotson
Porsh Smith Photography
