STACIE L. COLE
✨ ABOUT THE FOUNDER
I founded Sweeping Our Own Porch from a place of truth, the kind of truth that takes years to name, years to confront, and even longer to heal from.
For most of my life, I was taught to be strong, silent, respectful, and accepting of the emotional weight put on me by the people I loved most. Like many daughters, I grew up believing our mothers, grandmothers, and elders were superheroes, women who could do no wrong. But that belief became the very thing that silenced me.
There were moments when I knew I needed to speak my truth, moments when I felt unheard or dismissed, moments when I was forced to shrink myself out of respect, fear, or generational loyalty. Confronting the people who raised you, the ones who taught you everything you know, takes a level of emotional courage most girls are never taught.
And like so many Black daughters, I learned early that if you go against the narrative, you risk being labeled disrespectful, ungrateful, or rebellious.
But what about when your spirit is the one being harmed?
What about when silence becomes the first generational curse you inherit?
Sweeping Our Own Porch was born from that struggle, from finally understanding that the first place you have to clean is within yourself, even if that means challenging the people you love
National Cancer Surviver's Day
June 1, 2025
Do to contruction at Northwestern hospital, there was no ringing the bell. It was just a quit moment with self, still uplifting myself and choosing to show up for me. This is never easy but this is me realizing that nothing ever is. Its about your perspective, your foresight. No one needed to clap for me, I clapped for myself.
The Story Behind The Name
As Founder of Sweeping Our Own Porch, I, Stacie L. Cole, am proud to lead an organization born from personal experience and a deep connection to my roots. Growing up as a Black woman on the southwest side of Chicago, Illinois, I was raised in a family that never shied away from picking up a broom. Cleaning and attention to detail were not merely chores but a way of life, instilled from the top down. My mother’s militant cleaning style taught me that the flow and peace of a home often rest on a foundation of order and specifics.
Meanwhile, my father’s mother and my aunts dedicated themselves to a different kind of caretaking — sweeping the porch and curb of my grandmother’s home. As a young girl, I watched them meticulously sweep, thinking to myself how small and, at times, meaningless the task seemed. New leaves would always blow in, new dirt would settle, and litter would inevitably return, but my aunts remained undeterred, consistently sweeping with purpose. It wasn’t until years later, as time ran its course and that porch became less attended, that I realized how these small actions, once seeming insignificant, could suddenly stand out.
Sweeping Our Own Porch now represents a mission far beyond literal cleaning. It’s about paying attention to the details in life and taking responsibility for creating peace and purpose within ourselves. Just as sweeping a porch can offer a sense of calm and renewal, our organization aims to foster a space where individuals can build self-discipline and embrace the process of self-care with generosity and grace.
Thank you for supporting Sweeping Our Own Porch.
The Journey to Establishment
November 28, 2023
Since being a teenager, a profound desire to create an organization that addresses the deep-seated issues we all face but often struggle to confront: self-love, self-worth, acceptance, and the generational traumas that shape our lives. It all began during my time at Curie Metropolitan High School (in Chicago,IL), Club Virtue, founded by our English teacher, Miss Lane (now Mrs. Jones). When Miss Lane left, my classmates and I re-established Club Virtue for our senior year. Hearing the stories of the diverse girls in our club—each grappling with their own challenges—fueled passion to start something more.
Phenomenal Woman an initial endeavor, evolving over time into what is now Sweeping Our Own Porch. This organization isn’t just a goal; it’s what we all should be doing. It’s a place where I’ve found purpose in fostering mental wellness and healing within our community. Every day, I’m reminded that I belong here, guiding S.O.O.P. as a nurturing force for all of us, offering support, understanding, and pathways to growth.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we are creating a space where healing is possible, where each person can find solace, strength, and the courage to embrace their truest selves.
With gratitude,
Stacie L. Cole,
Founder
The Logo
We wanted a strong representation
The creation of our logo is a deeply personal and intentional process that reflects the heart and soul of Sweeping Our Own Porch (S.O.O.P.). It had to represent the power of unity, strength, and resilience within our community. The logo embodies the essence of who we are, standing firm in our mission to promote mental wellness, healing, and empowerment. Empowering adolescent girls to develop emotional awareness, communication skills, and confidence by teaching them how to express their needs, speak their truth, and navigate difficult conversations with courage and compassion. Through healing, centered mentorship and peer-supported environments, we interrupt generational silence and strengthen family relationships, beginning with the mother–daughter bond.
Each detail was carefully thought out to ensure inclusivity and relevance to our journey. From the hair design, which symbolizes the diverse, powerful, and proud identities within our community, to the protesters in the middle, the logo reflects the courage it takes to stand up for oneself, fight for one’s rights, and exercise the memory to process and heal from past experiences. These details were chosen purposefully to remind us that our voices matter, and our stories are worthy of being heard.
The central phrase, “Power,” running up the middle of the logo, is a statement that represents the strength that exists within us all. It is a call to stand tall, embody strength, and confidently face the challenges ahead, knowing that through it all, we are empowered to rise above.
The journey to this final version of the logo was not without its challenges. Through were several different versions before finding the one that truly captured our vision and values. The evolution of this logo is a reflection of our own growth, resilience, and commitment to staying true to our mission.
On December 2, 2023, we proudly launched this logo across all our platforms, symbolizing a new chapter for Sweeping Our Own Porch. It is not just a logo; it is a representation of all the women and individuals who have contributed to our journey and the many more we will continue to serve.
With each detail, we’ve created a visual testament to the work we’re doing and the power of community, and we’re excited to carry it forward as a beacon of hope, strength, and transformation.
Thank you for being a part of our mission.
With love and gratitude,
Stacie L. Cole
President
