501(c)3 Nonprofit Organization

Education. Meals. Dignity.

We deliver free literacy programs across 9 countries, rescue surplus meals for families in need, and empower women and youth to build brighter futures.

9
Countries
3,000+
Lives Touched
1,500+
Hours of Free Classes
15,000+
Cumulative Meals Rescued

As of September 2026

Supported By

DuPage Foundation Naperville Sunrise Rotary Albertsons Companies Foundation Jewel-Osco KidsMatter - Teen Philanthropy Initiative Costco Wholesale Corporate Matching and Individual Donors
Our Mission

Education Changes Everything

We believe literacy is the great equalizer. When a child learns to read, their entire trajectory changes. When a family receives a meal, dignity is restored.

Through local chapters and partners in 9 countries, we design programs around each community's unique needs — from weekly English classes in rural India to rescuing surplus meals for families in Chicago.

Learn More About Us
Students learning in one of our literacy programs
How It Works

From Your Support to Real Impact

You Give

Donate, volunteer your time, or spread the word. Every form of support fuels our programs.

We Deliver

Your contribution directly funds literacy classes, meal rescues, and support services on the ground.

Lives Change

Children learn to read. Families receive meals. Women gain support. Communities grow stronger.

What We Do

Our Programs

We serve communities through interconnected programs, each designed to address specific needs and create lasting change.

Global Literacy Services

Free weekly English and STEM classes to underprivileged children, with 1,500+ hours of instruction delivered globally.

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Empower Eats

Youth-led food rescue that has delivered 15,000+ cumulative meals to date to families across DuPage, Kane, and Will Counties, powered by our Bridge 2 Meal app — winner of the 2025 Congressional App Challenge.

EmpowerHer

Financial assistance, essential resources, and critical support to girls, young mothers, and victims of domestic abuse.

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Mindfulness & Yoga

Teaching mindfulness and yoga to kids and teens in partnership with Chicago Public Schools for mental well-being.

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The English classes changed my life. Before, I couldn't read a single sentence. Now I help other children in my village learn too.
— Student, India Chapter
Transparency

Where Your Money Goes

100%
Charity

Every Dollar Goes to Charity

100% of your donation funds our literacy classes, food rescue operations, and direct support services. All operational costs are covered separately, so every dollar you give goes straight to the children, women, and families we serve.

Candid Gold Seal of Transparency
Real Impact

Stories of Change

Empower Eats volunteers delivering rescued meals

15,000+ Meals Rescued To Date

Through Empower Eats and our Bridge 2 Meal app — 2025 Congressional App Challenge Winner — we rescue surplus food from restaurants and events, delivering meals same-day to shelters and families across DuPage, Kane, and Will Counties.

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English literacy classes in action

Literacy in Rural India

In partnership with KSSD Trust, we deliver weekly English classes to children in rural Bihar who had no prior access to English education or reading materials.

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English classes in Guatemala

Empowering Women in Guatemala

Through our Guatemala chapter, we provide educational resources and support to women and children in Comalapa and San Juan, building pathways to independence.

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Trust & Support

Grants & Recognition

Over $13,000 raised through grants, corporate partners, and individual donors who believe in our mission.

DuPage Foundation
$5,000
Naperville Sunrise Rotary
$1,500
Albertsons Companies Foundation
Nourish the American Dream
$1,000
KidsMatter · Teen Philanthropy Initiative
$750
Corporate Matching & Individual Donors
$4,500
Costco
$300

Our Partners

Breath of Life Misional Iglesia VCV Vietnam KSSD Trust India
Our Team

Meet the Changemakers

From high school students to working professionals, our volunteers are the heart of everything we do.

Tanvi Shah
Tanvi Shah
Colombia Volunteer
I love reading, dancing, and spending time with my family. Volunteering with Empower Futurewave gives me the chance to help others learn and grow. I joined because I wanted to make a positive impact and share what I've learned.
John Yu
John Yu
Vietnam Volunteer
I teach the Vietnam sessions for Empower Futurewave. I enjoy swimming, listening to music, and supporting others. I was inspired to volunteer because I believe that everyone deserves access to education.
Aksheetha Santhoshkumar
Aksheetha Santhoshkumar
Vietnam Volunteer
I am currently a senior in high school and have been helping out in the Vietnam branch! I love teaching, giving back to the world, and getting to know new people! In my free time, I love hanging out with my friends and reading books.
Anna Liz Ribero
Anna Liz Ribero
Guatemala Volunteer
I'm 17 years old and am the middle child of my family. I love to read books, write, and spend time learning something new. I joined this group because I love helping others and seeing people grow as I grow along with them.

Every Volunteer Makes an Impact

Our volunteers range from high school students to working professionals and employees from Microsoft, LPL Financial, HP Services, Walmart, and more. Whether you join remotely or on the ground, your time creates real, lasting change.

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