Andeana Stewart
By Hazel Scott/ASU
Alabama State University senior Andeana Stewart's nonprofit, Tiny's Blessing, has become a beacon of compassion in the River Region. Her dedication to uplifting a forgotten community of assisted living residents is beautifully captured in her inspiring documentary, created in partnership with John Knox Manor Nursing Home.
"I’m passionate about giving back to the community and using my journey at ASU to inspire others. I believe this story highlights the spirit of service, leadership, and excellence that ASU represents," Stewart said.
The documentary was filmed on-site at John Knox Manor in Montgomery. It highlights powerful testimonies from senior residents and nursing staff about Stewart's nurturing spirit. The 22-year-old is depicted as someone who distributes "Blessing Bags" filled with treats and necessities, reads stories to residents, organizes arts and crafts activities, and spends time with individuals who are often overlooked.
The inspiration behind Tiny's Blessing is Stewart’s late grandfather, Mozell Shelby.
"I used to visit my grandfather after he moved into the Crowne Healthcare of Montgomery facility. Every time I visited him, I saw residents without visitors. To help brighten their days, I began bringing gifts for the other residents and organized activity time for everyone," said Stewart.
She honored her grandfather's legacy by creating Tiny's Blessings in 2022. "Even though my grandfather is no longer here with us, I continue to spread love and joy to those who need it the most,” she says. I saw the (residents') spirit lift and the happiness it brought the residents, and I wanted to continue that after my grandfather died."
As part of her nonprofit's mission, Stewart coordinates group activities that help residents feel valued, socialize, and exercise motor skills.
Backed by community support, Stewart, an Early Childhood Education major, plans to expand the nonprofit's reach throughout Alabama and beyond. "When I started, I bought everything by putting money aside from my paycheck. Once I was able to advertise a little, I started receiving donations."
For Christmas, Stewart noted she packed 500 Blessing Bags with the help of ASU faculty members. "I always want to credit others who've helped me along the way, including the Pike Road and Rufus A. Lewis Libraries, Grace Harvey of Pinks and Pearls, and especially my parents. Ruben and Anna Stewart."
Stewart's nonprofit also supports children and foster homes.
Additionally, Stewart founded Tiny's Tots – a profit-driven business offering a variety of products, including books, clothing, lip gloss and accessories – and Tiny's Achievers Mentorship LLC, also a profit-driven business focused on mentoring and tutoring children of all ages.
The young entrepreneur is also an author who has written 20 books available on Amazon, a mentor, a dancer and a coach.
"My mission is to give back to the community and spread love and joy to those who need it most, ensuring that every individual feels valued and cherished," she added.
The documentary can be viewed online at https://youtu.be/TB459VKkmck?feature=shared and in Montgomery area community centers.