Title: Nonprofit Owner
Company: AZAS Helping Homes
Location: Montgomery, AL
Education: Pursuing Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Indiana Wesleyan University (2027); Associate Degree
Career History: Nonprofit Owner, AZAS Helping Homes (Two Years)
Tosha S. Webster, Nonprofit Owner at AZAS Helping Homes, has been recognized as a Marquis Emerging Leader for their contributions and achievements in the field of mental health services.
Leading with genuine compassion for others and an expertise in the mental health system, Ms. Webster has excelled as a caregiver with credentials as a medical assistant and a nursing assistant. For the last five years, she has run AZAS Helping Homes in Montgomery, Alabama—a 501(c)(3) that provides trauma-informed housing and mental health support for rehabilitating adults navigating such major life transitions as re-entry, recovery, homelessness, grief, and other challenges. Amid her responsibilities, she takes care of up to 16 residents who are mentally ill living on her property, gives morning and evening medications, and takes them grocery shopping and to their various appointments.
Ms. Webster’s nonprofit is named her Azariah, her son who, at the age of seven, was tragically killed by someone who was texting while driving. Despite this devastating loss, she has found the strength to carry on, dedicating herself to supporting residents—whom she views as her own children—in their times of need and struggle. One of them came to Ms. Webster when she was five months pregnant, mentally ill and homeless. After the Department of Human Resources took the baby, she signed a petition to regain custody on behalf of the mother; Ms. Webster went to court and will soon have custody of the child.
Ms. Webster is currently working toward the completion of her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Indiana Wesleyan University, after which she envisions building a recreation center for her residents because she often needs to take two or three cars to transport them for extracurricular activities. One of her main aspirations is to plan organized trips in various places. Her goal is to provide more opportunities for her residents and impart a significant change in the lives of individuals facing mental health issues, as she often receives calls from people in need and is running out of room to assist everyone. In addition, she is striving for a grant through the federal government.
Outside her primary endeavors with the nonprofit, Ms. Webster dedicates herself to helping her community, volunteering with local youth and as a foster parent, as well as a frequent participant at her Baptist Church. Growing up, she had a mentally challenged brother, and her father was a special education teacher, both of which informed her career path. She previously worked for her aunt, who owned a private-duty nursing service.
Ms. Webster attributes her success to her patience, the experiences she has had, and the many tears and stress she has overcome. She also credits her achievements to the prayers, her belief, trust, and perseverance.