TAMPA, Fla. — The efforts to help communities post-hurricanes are still ongoing for I-Supplies Foundation, a nonprofit that helps low-income families.

The founder of the nonprofit was recently awarded the Spirit of Community Award by the Florida Commission on the Status of Women for those efforts before and after the storms.

It takes a village to raise a child, and Earlishia Oates knows that firsthand.

“Just knowing the relationships and the community had with my impact, my growing — I wanted to go back and give back to the community,” she said.

It’s why she founded I-Supplies Foundation four years ago.

The group helps support low-income families through education, advocacy, and essential resources.

After this year’s storms, that mission was even more important.

Oates said the Silver Oaks Apartments community in northeast Tampa is in a food desert and was without power for ten days.

“To partner with the management company to give them their first hot meal, even though they didn’t have power, they were able to come outside and eat and hang out and forget about the darkness inside,” she said.

While the storms are gone, Oates' efforts to help are ongoing.

She’s partnered with other organizations to help bring a Christmas meal and toys for the children in the Silver Oaks community.

"We do a lot of community events here, just supporting the residents. It is a low-income complex, but these ladies, they’re ready for change," Oates said.

Oates grew up in the area and knows many residents face challenges while recovering.

“Some people don’t have the resources, or know how to ask for help, so it’s good to come and help people that need it," she said.

It’s a full circle moment for her as she gives back and hopes others will do the same.

I-Supplies Foundation said they are always looking to partner with other community organizations.