Ep.5 Surviving the Struggle: Breaking Cycles and Building Community

In this powerful episode of Break That Cycle, we sit down with Earlishia Oates, founder of the I-Supplies Foundation, to talk about what it truly means to survive—and then turn that survival into purpose. A mother of four and a fierce community advocate in Tampa, FL, Earlishia opens up about her journey, the moments that shaped her, and the fight she's been leading to create a better future for families in underserved communities. From navigating her own struggles to being featured in The New York Times for her bold housing advocacy, Earlishia doesn't just talk about change—she lives it. We dive into her mission to dismantle the school-to-prison pipeline, her work as an ombudsman for families in crisis, and the message she's been shouting from every rooftop: "We must do better for our kids." Whether you're a parent, a community leader, or someone just trying to survive your own struggle, this conversation will leave you inspired, challenged, and hopeful. 00:00 – Intro 01:17 – Earlishia's roots and personal journey 26:06 – The I-Supplies mission and community work 50:13 – Earlishia's vision for the future and message to the next generation 👉 Linktree – https://linktr.ee/breakthatcycle Connect with Earlishia and I Supplies: 🌐 Website: https://isuppliesinc.org/