About Paying It Forward

tamye founder of paying it forward nwi

Our Founder

Tamye Diaferio-Longoria, the founder of Paying it Forward NWI, is a lifelong Chicagoland resident and knows firsthand what it's like to need to rely on the community to help "Pay it Forward".

Life was rough right from the beginning: Tamye's mother had severe mental health issues and decided it was best to give her up as a baby to live with her godmother. However, at the early age of five, she found herself involved in an emotional custody battle between her mother and the godmother she'd come to know as family. Her godmother won and this case set the precedent in the state of Illinois for nonbiological individuals to become legal guardians. This was a huge win that allowed Tamye to grow up safely - she's been changing lives since she was a child!

The tribulations didn't end there though. Tamye is the definition of a survivor in adulthood as well; having lived through domestic violence, homelessness, and chronic illnesses - and knows what it's like to need a shoulder to lean on. She is empathetic and kindhearted, having been through her own rollercoaster of life, as well as beyond generous; the type of person who would give you the shirt off her own back.

In July 2013, she was helping so many people in her community, that she realized she could no longer do it alone and needed to scale her endeavors. She created Paying It Forward: a charity to help connect locals who are struggling with locals who want to help. This started a movement and has only continued to grow. She and her team have been able to help supply thousands of local families over the years with necessities, safe havens, and a helping hand.

Our History

Thousands of volunteers, donors, and community members have helped Paying It Forward thrive over the years. We established in July 2013 as a small, social media-based community help group. Over the years, we banded together as neighbors and have been able to help tens of thousands of people through our local outreach programs. Seeing a need for energetic, nonprofit work in the IL and NWI area, we formed our organization to provide solutions that give back to locals. We've consistently grown since then, all thanks to the helping hands of this amazing community!

To showcase some of our recent growth, Paying It Forward opened a nonprofit office in June of 2021, followed by our community resource center in October of 2023. New parents in need of things like diapers and other baby items, as well as folks needing necessities like toiletries, can stop in for assistance. Our resource center allows people to build resumes and apply for jobs, apply to financial assistance programs, and receive guidance on other things for which they may be eligible. Donations are accepted to help fund our many programs, with 100% of the proceeds going right back to the people.

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Board of Directors

Our all-female board has a goal to help our community with the challenges they face within East Chicago and beyond. Board members start as a dedicated volunteer, going above and beyond and assisting with event after event. We know that they, along with our founder and CEO, will allow Paying it Forward to thrive!

  • Cindy Montejano

    Cindy Montejano

    Cindy Montejano, from Gary, Indiana, has been involved with Paying it Forward for many years now! Despite being a mother to TEN children — yes, you read that right! — she always makes time to help out the community. She has gone from avid volunteer to our Bilingual Director of Community Outreach. Her focus in this role is on fostering relationships with local organizations and engaging and educating the community about what we do. She wants to show her children by doing, not just saying, how important it is to lend a hand to those in need. Whether she shows up to help out at the store, runs across state lines to pick up donations or helps organize the minute details of an upcoming event, we can always count on her to show up!

  • Amanda Wolfe Paying It Forward

    Amanda Wolfe

    Amanda Wolfe, from Chicago, IL, has been helping Paying it Forward for years now! Amanda’s parents were addicts and she grew up in poverty. What started as monthly volunteering turned into her utilizing her personal finance expertise and becoming our CFO. Her focus in this role is managing the financial operations and ensuring the organization’s financial health, integrity and sustainability. Since she knows firsthand what it’s like to go without basic necessities, she has always felt it important to help those less fortunate. The birthday boxes and Christmas events are Amanda’s favorite way to give back because she knows what even a small present can mean to a kid. She helps corral donors and volunteers whenever we need. She’s always looking for ways to make an impact and we appreciate all she has done for us!

From the Community

Hear from some of the lives we have impacted down below

How Far We’ve Come

12 Years of Paying It Forward in the News

Making a Difference in East Chicago IN

Paying It Forward opened a nonprofit office and pop up store to help the community in June 2021 in the East Chicago/IN area.

It's a Pop Up Christmas Surprise for the community

Paying It Forward turns their store into a pop up Christmas Surprise for the children in the IL and IN area. Complete with free Santa pictures and gifts.

Paying It Forward spreads Christmas magic to those who need a little cheer

CBS Chicago's own Marissa Parra shares how Paying It Forward is living up to their name this holiday season.

Paying It Forward Angel Tree

Jerry Davich writes about the impact our angel tree has on the community and one local recipient that does not qualify for other angel trees.