Today we’d like to introduce you to Daniel Powell II.
Hi Daniel, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My story began in Miami, Florida then eventually went to Georgia. Raised in a loving home by both my parents. However, my journey took a turn and I got involved in the streets. What started as good intentions turned into pursuing something I thought was greater. I became a top gang banger. And was known across various states. In the midst of that lifestyle, I went to prison. I was incarcerated for 2 and a half years. While in prison, I was still gang banging and running things. It grew stronger. Fast forward, I got out of prison and had to go back to the real world but as a convicted felon. I had to find a job quickly, had a curfew and had to frequently report to my probation officer. It was a lot to adjust to and on top of that I had to eventually change my living situation. So now I’m back in the environment that I didn’t need to be in.
To make a long story short, after going to prison then getting out and being on the run. I met my beautiful wife, I gave up the gang banger lifestyle. Though I did go back to jail a couple times due to violation probation. I knew after finding out our family was growing… things had to change. We moved to Atlanta to provide a better life. We had our first child, Marley. I started working for a well-known restaurant for 4 years. I was promoted 3 times from dishwasher. But I knew there was greater purpose in my life.
So we moved again to Tampa, Florida. To start a brand new life in Christ. Though we faced challenges adjusting to the move. Our family grew again, we welcomed our second child Daniel the 3rd, within the first year. I started with a new restaurant. I continued to turn my life around with the help of joining Heaven to Earth Worship Center and the wisdom, guidance and teachings from my leader Daniel Powell Sr.
My life in ministry and walk in Christ shaped who I am today. We purchased our first home and have been able to do many amazing things that we always talked about doing.
Last year, our family grew again and we welcomed our third child, Miracle. My career in the restaurant industry continued from a Kitchen Manager to a General Manager. Along this journey, I have met so many amazing people. But again, I know the plan for my life was much deeper.
That brings us to today. One day, I was sitting and thinking and I heard “Powell’s Foundation”. I said to myself, “huh?” Then it all came to me. From my own experiences with the justice system and the challenges I personally encountered throughout that journey. Powell’s Foundation will help those previously incarcerated and also teens that are going down the violent path. My experiences gave me a deeper understanding of the barriers people face when attempting to rebuild their lives.
This inspired me to become a source of hope and support for others.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. Very bumpy to be honest. When I was released from prison, it was difficult finding a job and adjusting to my new reality as a convicted felon. Housing and transportation were also a big barrier for me. But the biggest ongoing challenge and obstacle is the way that people perceive me (or you) after you have been incarcerated.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Powell’s Foundation is a nonprofit established to serve individuals who are often overlooked and underserved — particularly those impacted by gang involvement, incarceration, and systemic barriers to reintegration.
Our mission is to provide structure, opportunity, and purpose to individuals returning from incarceration, including juveniles transitioning into adulthood and individuals with histories of violence. We do not discriminate based on race, gender, or background. We are committed to serving those who are most in need — especially those who feel they have no one.
This work is rooted in lived experience. We understand the realities of reentry: the frustration of being denied employment, the instability of homelessness, and the challenge of rebuilding a life while carrying a criminal record. Powell’s Foundation exists to ensure that no individual navigating this transition is left without support.
We are committed to restoring dignity, building accountability, and creating pathways to long-term success. The program will serve formerly incarcerated individuals, including high-risk populations such as former gang members, violent offenders, and justice-involved youth transitioning into adulthood. By transforming an underutilized school into a structured, supportive environment, the program will bridge the critical gap between incarceration and successful reintegration into society.
At Powell’s Foundation, we provide comprehensive support and resources to help individuals rebuild their lives, restore their purpose, and create a better future for themselves and their families. We provide: HOUSING, JOB READINESS, LIFE SKILLS, FINANCIAL LITERACY CLASSES, ADULT & YOUTH MENTORSHIP, FAITH-BASED COUNSELING PROGRAMS, TRANSPORTATION ASSISTANCE and HOUSING SUPPORT.
Ongoing support and resources to help those maintain stable housing and build brighter futures.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me personally, is my family building generational wealth so when I leave this earth, I will sleep away peacefully knowing that I’ve built a legacy that will stand the test of time.
What matters most to me in regard to my foundation, is that thousands of individuals will get a second chance at life and be successful. Building long term wealth and knowledge with their loved ones.
Pricing:
- We are Accepting Donations/ Contributions towards our Housing, Transportation, G.E.D and Mentorship Services:
- Donate Today via PayPal: https://bit.ly/paypalpowellsfoundationorg
- Donate Today via Give Butter: https://givebutter.com/powellsfoundationorg
- Donate Today via Donorbox: https://donorbox.org/powells-foundation-contribution
- Donate Today via CashApp: $powellsfoundation
Contact Info:
- Website: https://powellsfoundation.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/powellsfoundation/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Powells-Foundation/61590531336672/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/powellsfoundation/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Powellsfoundation
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@powellsfoundation_?_r=1&_t=ZP-99IBx13sC9W
