About Us | Grounded Soles Foundation

Why Shoes Matter

The idea for Grounded Soles Foundation was born from a simple observation: proper footwear isn't a luxury—it's a necessity that opens doors to opportunity.

When a child lacks appropriate shoes, they miss school. When a parent can't afford work boots or professional footwear, they miss job interviews. When a family struggles with basic needs, the cycle of poverty continues.

But here's what we've learned: providing shoes is just the beginning. True impact comes from addressing the root causes of economic hardship and creating sustainable pathways to stability.

That's why Grounded Soles Foundation does more than distribute footwear. We connect families with educational resources, job training programs, and apprenticeship opportunities that build lasting economic mobility.

Our Values

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Dignity

We believe every person deserves respect, compassion, and the opportunity to thrive with dignity intact.

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Impact

We measure success not by shoes distributed, but by lives changed and opportunities unlocked.

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Sustainability

We create lasting change through education, training, and pathways to economic independence.

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Partnership

We collaborate with communities, businesses, and organizations to multiply our impact.

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Innovation

We continuously seek better ways to serve families and address root causes of hardship.

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Compassion

We lead with empathy, understanding that every family's journey is unique.

Our Team

Grounded Soles Foundation is building a dedicated team of professionals, volunteers, and community advocates committed to creating lasting change.

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Samantha Cambridge

Founder & Executive Director

Samantha Cambridge founded Grounded Soles Foundation after witnessing firsthand—both professionally and personally—how a simple barrier like lack of proper footwear can derail a family's path to stability. As a single mother supporting a multi-sport athlete, she knows the financial strain of providing appropriate athletic shoes and the heartbreak of watching talented children sit on the sidelines simply because their families can't afford the right equipment.

With 24 years of strategic operations leadership at Verizon Communications, progressing from frontline customer service to Associate Director of Risk Management & Compliance, Samantha brings a systems-thinking approach to breaking cycles of poverty. She understands that sustainable change requires both immediate relief and long-term opportunity creation—which is why Grounded Soles provides shoes today while building apprenticeship and training pathways for tomorrow.

Grounded Soles serves families across the economic spectrum—from those facing traditional poverty to working families on the cusp who are one unexpected expense away from crisis. A job interview, a required school uniform, a child's sports participation—these opportunities shouldn't be lost because a family had to choose between shoes and groceries.

Samantha is deeply rooted in community service as an active member of Junior League of Gwinnett and North Fulton Counties and her local church. She holds a Master's in Organizational Behavior from University of Phoenix and a Bachelor's in Criminology from University of South Florida. Based in Cumming, Georgia, Samantha is building Grounded Soles to ensure that no child misses school, no parent misses a job interview, and no young athlete loses their chance to compete—simply because they lack proper footwear.

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Board of Directors

Forming Now

We're building a diverse board of community leaders, business professionals, and advocates who share our commitment to creating lasting impact.

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Volunteer Network

Join Us

Our volunteers are the heart of our mission. From shoe drives to mentorship programs, there are countless ways to make a difference.

Our Story