about us
WHAT WE STAND FOR
Stand Up to Poverty is an organization founded on the belief that access to basic needs and opportunities should never depend on where you were born.
Stand Up to Poverty is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to tackling health, hunger, housing, education, and civic engagement challenges in underserved communities. Through community outreach and medical missions, we expand access to essential services—healthcare, food, housing, and education—empowering individuals and families to build stronger, more resilient lives.
Be the Change! Help People in Need All Around the World!
OUR VISION
A world where every community, regardless of resources, has access to sustainable healthcare, education, and opportunities for growth. Through hands-on, culturally sensitive care and a commitment to lasting change, we aim to break the cycle of poverty and empower communities to thrive. This leads to a just and equitable world where every person can live in dignity and reach their full potential.
OUR core values
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LOVE with Compassion
We are committed to embracing all people and treating them with empathy, understanding, and kindness.
LIVE with Purpose
We aim to live intentional lives guided by a higher purpose.
LEAD with Courage
We step out boldly in faith to serve and influence our communities with integrity and conviction.
Our Mission
At Stand Up to Poverty, our mission is to dismantle the barriers that perpetuate poverty and inequality by providing comprehensive access to essential resources and opportunities.
We believe that every person—regardless of birthplace or circumstance—deserves the chance to live a healthy, dignified life, and we are committed to making that a reality. We work tirelessly to address the interconnected challenges of healthcare, hunger, housing, education, and civic engagement in underserved communities. Through community outreach programs, medical missions, and strategic partnerships, we deliver life-changing services that empower individuals and families to thrive.
LEADERSHIP
ASTRID FIDELIA
CEO / Co-Founder
Astrid is the CEO and Co-Founder of Stand Up To Poverty Inc., where she leads with a deep passion for serving underserved communities and driving meaningful social change. She is also a Licensed Insurance Agent with New York Life and a Licensed Associate Broker with Jones Hollow Realty.
With more than 20 years of experience spanning corporate, government, and nonprofit sectors, Astrid has established herself as a respected community leader on Long Island.
Her dedication to public service is reflected in her campaigns for office, including Town of Islip Council Member, Islip Town Clerk, and Suffolk County Legislator. She has also served in elected leadership roles such as Suffolk County Director for the Long Island Board of Realtors (LIBOR) and Director for the New York State Association of Realtors (NYSAR), where she championed issues like fair housing and political action.
Astrid’s commitment extends far beyond her professional endeavors. She has served as President of both the Islandia Central Islip Rotary Club and the Islip Rotary Club, and she is an appointed member of the Suffolk County African American Advisory Board. She is also the founding president of the Haitian American Political Action Committee and an active member of the World Teaching Ministry of Jesus.
Her efforts have earned her numerous honors, including being named an Ambassador for Peace by the Universal Peace Federation—an accolade she treasures deeply. Guided by her belief that “with love, poverty will become history,” Astrid dedicates her life to uplifting others and building stronger communities. A proud mother of four, she continues to inspire hope and create lasting impact through her work and service.