Advancement. Unity. Responsibility. Access.
Impassioned hearts driving initiatives to transform compassion into enduring, measurable impact.
The AURA Foundation exists to close critical gaps in access to resources, support, and opportunity for communities in need. Through thoughtful partnerships and purposeful action, we empower individuals to thrive in education, wellness, and everyday life. We are committed to creating impact that is tangible, sustainable, and rooted in unity, responsibility, and service to others.
Upcoming Events
The A.U.R.A. Foundation is proud to sponsor impactful initiatives that bring community, culture, and opportunity together. In partnership with the National Great Blacks in Wax Museum and Sisters of the East, we are supporting a dynamic Gospel Brunch experience that celebrates heritage while raising funds to advance their important work. We are also launching The Shirley Laverne Laptop Giveaway, providing high-quality, refurbished laptops to high school and college young women. By expanding access to technology, The Shirley Laverne Project empowers the next generation to thrive academically and beyond.
Support the Shirley Laverne Project
Shirley Laverne Waller was a leader unlike any other; she was an educator, mentor, and advocate whose impact reached far beyond the classroom. Shirley Laverne dedicated her life to uplifting her community, with a special commitment to young women striving to build brighter futures despite limited access to resources. Through teaching, mentorship, and the development of programs for adolescent mothers, Mrs. Waller created pathways where few existed. She was relentless in her pursuit, sponsoring initiatives, connecting with community leaders, and securing critical resources to ensure that no young woman was left without support.
The A.U.R.A. Foundation has created the Shirley Laverne Project specifically to carry that mission forward.
We are focused on improving the school retention rates of at- risk young women by identifying and removing the everyday obstacles that can quietly derail their educational journey. For many young women, the challenge is a lack of access to basic necessities and resources that others may take for granted.
The Shirley Laverne Project aims to close that gap by providing essential support, including access to food, clean clothing, menstrual supplies, and the resources or funding needed to participate fully in school and extracurricular activities. This includes items such as uniforms, athletic gear, laptops, transportation assistance, and other associated costs that, if unmet, can lead to disengagement or withdrawal from character building, fun, engaging opportunities.
Through Advancement, Unity, Responsibility, and Access (A.U.R.A) we continue her legacy by addressing many of the gaps she worked so hard to close. From providing laptops to students without access to technology, to supporting extracurricular programs, delivering essential supplies to women’s shelters, and offering direct community assistance through clothing and service initiatives, our work reflects her belief that access changes outcomes.
Every young woman deserves someone who sees her potential, advocates for her growth, and invests in her future.
Every young woman deserves a Shirley Laverne.
Navigate to the Services Link above to support.
The 2026 AURA Luminary Gala
Join us as we honor distinguished individuals and organizations recognized for their exceptional contributions to their communities and the causes they serve. Proceeds from this event will directly support the organizations affiliated with each award recipient.
If your organization needs support, we are here for you.
Many non-profit organizations struggle with resource constraints, limiting their ability to do the very work they were created for. Limited access to funding, staffing, subject matter experts, planning specialists, event coordinators, transportation, promotion, and other critical tools significantly hinder the outcomes desired for the organization and their communities alike. We are here to help.
Wear Your Support
Wear the work. Share the vision. Made from high quality material, this shirt will be a comfortable and stylish display of your support and dedication for years to come.
Collaborate with Us
Share your aspirations; together we create an impact that endures.