Toshamakia Acevedo on Why DRM Matters

Toshamakia Acevedo is a survivor of domestic violence, bullying and molestation, and she uses her personal story to help empower others and be a voice for women and teens. She
has been on air for more than a decade. You can catch her on KS 107.5 Mondays through Fridays from 3 to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Will you share about the partnership between the Mission and KS 107.5 and why you felt inspired to get involved?

At KS 107.5, our heart is all about the community, and we wanted to partner with an organization that gives mothers a second chance. Each year, we team up with the Mission to share stories of mothers who have been uplifted by the STAR Transitional Program. When I started at KS about a year and a half ago and my boss told me about this partnership, I was emotional. I wanted give it a bigger voice and get the wonderful work of the Mission out there. Working with the Mission has made us at KS feel a lot fuller and has allowed our hearts to be bigger. We love you guys. It’s such a big deal for us.

What sparks your passion to support mothers and families at the Mission?

I’m a single mom, and I know what it’s like to lose everything. I’ve been in the music and radio industry since 2002. I had it all and then moved to North Carolina and lost it all. My children watched my cars get repossessed, the lights turn off and food not be there. I thank God for good friends and for the people around me. It was the hardest thing to feel like that and have my kids watch me. I thought, if God can help me get through this—if I’m ever able to get back on my feet—I’m going to do whatever it takes to help other moms. I want them to know that they still have so much life left. Just because we go through stuff, doesn’t mean it’s going to be the end of the road.

How did your experience volunteering at The Crossing last year on Mother’s Day impact you?

Going in, I was dealing with all these emotions because I’ve been at a similar place before in my
life. Once we walked in, the staff was amazing and showed us exactly what to do. Seeing the smiles on all the children’s faces was just incredible. In every person who came up to receive a meal, I saw myself, I saw my mother, I saw my kids. It made me remember how far I’ve come, how far these people are going to go, and how much of an impact they’re going to make on others. It was a very empowering event.

Why do you think the Mission’s work is important?

When I moved to Denver, I was really upset to see the high rate of homelessness. Sometimes people just lose themselves, but the Mission helps them remember who they are and where they want to be. They’re helping people have sight again and have that fire again.

Is there anything else that you’d like to share about the Mission?

After I worked with the Mission last year, a mom called me to say she listens to me on the radio every day and that she is living in her car with her three children. We were both in tears, and I told her about the Mission. She said that she got in touch with you, and the next time I heard from her, she was doing great. The fact that she had a place where she could go—that’s huge. The Mission is giving life back to moms who feel like they’ve lost it all.