#USA #New York City #Oyate Group #Tomas Ramos #Bronx Rising

Celebrating Five Years of Impacts

On June 23, 2025, Oyate Group, a nonprofit dedicated to fighting poverty, celebrates its five-year anniversary. Based in New York City, the organization was founded by Tomas Ramos during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a vision to uplift underserved communities by providing sustainable solutions. Over the past five years, Oyate Group has become a beacon of hope, not just in NYC but also in places like the Dominican Republic.

A Journey of Service and Commitment

From its inception, Oyate Group has focused on making a tangible difference. The organization kicked off its mission amidst the storm of a global pandemic, where the Bronx—the most affected borough—faced staggering challenges. High rates of infection and financial strain among small businesses called for immediate action. Oyate Group’s initial efforts included the Bronx Rising Initiative, which played a crucial role in vaccinating 40,000 Bronxites who were otherwise unreachable, illustrating a commitment to community health.

In addition to enhancing healthcare access, Oyate Group facilitated over $200,000 in grants to local businesses and introduced scholarship programs. The Brandon Hendricks Scholarship—established in memory of a promising young basketball player—has been a significant stride in empowering the youth of the Bronx, helping many to pursue higher education.

Expanding the Mission

As Oyate Group celebrates its fifth anniversary, it reflects on its expanded programming, which now addresses the cycles of generational poverty through a multifaceted approach: education, resources, and community empowerment. Programs like Beyond Rising offer paid internships to undocumented youth, while the Rising Restauranteur initiative supports BIPOC restaurant owners. The Taste of Mott Haven program has channeled essential funds into local businesses, boosting the area’s economy significantly.

The results of these initiatives are striking. Oyate Group has supported over 700 small businesses and facilitated more than $1.2 million in grants and funding. Annually, the organization serves over 2,500 youth, with an impressive 93% of program graduates moving on to higher education or vocational training. Furthermore, they have distributed over 20,000 Thanksgiving turkeys to families in need across New York City, showcasing their commitment to food accessibility.

Community Recognition

The impact of Oyate Group's work has not gone unnoticed. The organization has received various prestigious awards, including the New York Women's Chamber of Commerce's Small Business Champion Award and multiple accolades from Crain's New York Business. These recognitions highlight not only the effectiveness of Oyate Group’s initiatives but also the dedication of its leadership team.

Tomas Ramos, the heart behind Oyate Group, emphasizes, "Our team is the beating heart of everything we do at Oyate Group. From our leadership to our volunteers, for five years, we've all worked under the same understanding that we rise together, or not at all."

With the leadership team committed to creating more equitable systems, the future looks bright. They are eager to continue expanding their outreach and developing programs that address the root causes of poverty.

A Look Ahead

As Oyate Group embarks on its next chapter, the organization is set to deepen its solutions to systemic issues faced by underserved communities. Creative partnerships and capacity-building strategies will guide their efforts to foster resilience among those it serves.

For anyone interested in learning more about Oyate Group, its various programs, or ways to get involved, you can visit their website at OyateGroup.org or follow them on social media.

Conclusion

Oyate Group's five-year milestone is not merely a celebration of its past achievements, but rather a renewed commitment to strengthening communities through holistic and innovative approaches to poverty alleviation. With dedicated leaders and impactful programs, Oyate Group stands as a testament to the power of service and community engagement. Together, they aim to build a brighter, more equitable future for all.