Malica Williams grew up surrounded by stories of dedication, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to community. Her family’s legacy is woven into the history of Fort Pierce and St. Lucie County, Florida, where her grandfather, Havert L. Fenn, was a local legend. Fenn, a former educator, coach, longtime Commissioner for both St. Lucie County and Fort Pierce, was deeply committed to environmental conservation and public service. His legacy still echoes through the Havert L. Fenn Center, a community hub that reflects his vision for a place where people could come together for public events, sports, and government functions.

From an early age, Malica witnessed her grandfather’s profound influence on his community. She spent many summers with him and her cousins, riding through the streets of Fort Pierce as he shared the rich history of the area and demonstrated the importance of giving back. Malica saw firsthand the way her grandfather served others, from helping build local infrastructure to protecting the natural beauty of the county. He instilled in her the belief that service was not just an obligation; it was a calling.

Malica’s grandmother, Dorothy Bowe, also played a significant role in shaping her worldview. As the first Black nurse in Indian River County, her grandmother broke barriers and cared for the sick with compassion and dignity. Her mother followed in those footsteps and too, played a pivotal role in shaping Malica’s heart for service. A caregiver by profession, Malica’s mother had a giving spirit and a compassionate heart that extended to anyone in need. Whether it was opening her home to those going through difficult times or offering her time to help others, she exemplified the very essence of kindness and selflessness. These values were instilled in Malica from an early age, creating a foundation for her future in serving others.

Growing up, Malica witnessed the struggles of family members dealing with homelessness and substance abuse. These experiences hit close to home and left a deep-rooted mark on her heart. It was during these formative years that she recalled the lessons of those summers with her grandfather, realizing she wanted to make a difference in her community, just as her family had done before her.

Although Malica’s professional journey led her into the world of accounting, a field she excelled in for over 20 years, there was always a deeper calling tugging at her heart. Whether it was raising donations in high school, volunteering during her college years, or later giving back to the community through random acts of kindness, Malica knew that her true passion lay in helping others. This calling grew stronger over time, particularly as she and her family, her husband Lathan and daughters, Amani Lynette, Alysha Lee, and Amaya Leigh — embarked on their own journey of giving back.

As a family, the Williamses embodied the spirit of service. Their “Random Acts of Kindness (RAKs)” campaign became a cherished holiday tradition, where they raised funds to pay for someone’s groceries, cover layaway payments, or buy toys for children during the holiday season. Each act of kindness was a reminder of the values her family instilled in her: generosity, compassion, and humility.

The founding of ALW Cares, Inc. in 2023 was the culmination of these experiences and family traditions. The organization is not just named after Malica’s three daughters — Amani, Alysha, and Amaya — but also serves as a living tribute to the legacy of her grandfather and the family’s dedication to caring for others. ALW Cares, Inc. represents more than just a nonprofit; it is a continuation of a family tradition that spans generations.

ALW Cares, Inc. was born out of the desire to provide stable housing and comprehensive support services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Malica and her family’s experience during the pandemic, witnessing firsthand the rise in homelessness, food insecurity, and the need for compassionate community support, solidified her resolve to make a lasting impact. As they cared for Malica’s mother, who is diagnosed with dementia, they experienced the challenges of accessing resources for seniors and those in need of full-time care, further shaping the organization’s mission to one day include services for seniors.

For Malica, founding ALW Cares, Inc. was not just about offering housing; it was about creating a holistic support system where people could find stability, rebuild their lives, and regain hope. Drawing on the values her family lived by, the organization focuses on Compassionate Advocacy for Resilience and Empowerment Support (C.A.R.E.S.) to help individuals achieve self-sufficiency.

Through ALW Cares, Malica and her family are carrying the torch lit by her grandfather, her grandmother, and her mother. The organization is more than a mission; it is a movement fueled by a legacy of giving, compassion, and unwavering service to others. Malica’s journey from those summer car rides with her grandfather to the founding of ALW Cares is a testament to the power of family, community, and the belief that we can all make a difference, “one act of kindness, one home, and one life at a time.”