About Us
Helping people move toward stability, opportunity, and self-sufficiency
Sledge Empowerment is a community-focused nonprofit organization committed to helping people overcome barriers and build a stable, productive future.
Who we are
Sledge Empowerment is a community-focused nonprofit organization committed to helping people overcome barriers and move toward stability, opportunity, and self-sufficiency. We serve through practical programs that respond to real needs, including transitional housing, workforce development, trade education, mentoring, youth enrichment, outdoor experiences, and community assistance.
Our mission
Our mission is to empower individuals and strengthen communities by providing housing support, education, workforce opportunities, mentoring, and resources that promote personal responsibility, independence, and lasting change.
Our vision
We envision communities where people facing hardship, limited opportunity, or a difficult past can receive meaningful support, develop practical skills, and build a stable and productive future.
Our values
- Compassion
- We treat every person with dignity and respect.
- Opportunity
- We believe a person's future should not be limited by past circumstances.
- Responsibility
- We encourage accountability, consistency, and personal growth.
- Service
- We respond to community needs with practical action.
- Faith and hope
- We believe encouragement, purpose, and spiritual support can help transform lives.
- Community
- We create stronger results by working together.
Who we hope to serve
Our programs are designed to support adults and young people who may be low-income, unemployed or underemployed, disconnected from school or career opportunities, returning from incarceration, experiencing housing instability, or simply in need of a second chance and a supportive path forward.
Our leadership
Anthony “Tony” Sledge
President
Anthony “Tony” Sledge is a devoted husband and father of six — five adult children and an 11-year-old son. He has worked in the HVAC industry for more than 20 years and has owned and operated Sledge Total Protection Heating & Air Conditioning for 11 years.
Tony currently serves on four boards, including the Board of Trustees at Transformation Fellowship Church. He also serves as President of Huntcrest Condominium, President of Section 5 in the community where he lives, and President of Sledge Empowerment.
For the past 25 years, Tony has served his community in various volunteer and leadership roles. Throughout his 58 years, he has worn many hats — as a husband, father, business owner, volunteer, community leader, and mentor.
Tony's lifelong dream is to help rebuild the village by strengthening neighborhoods, supporting families, and creating opportunities for others. He considers it a privilege to use his experience, leadership, and resources to serve people and make a lasting difference in his community.
Candis Epps
Vice President and Treasurer
Candis Epps is a devoted wife, mother of one, and bonus mother to five children. She brings more than 15 years of experience in public schools and the childcare field, serving children and families throughout Prince George's County and, for the past eight years, Anne Arundel County.
Helping children learn, grow, and reach their next milestone has always been a source of great joy for Candis. She is grateful to the many parents who have trusted her to teach and care for their children while they are away.
Candis's commitment to children and families extends beyond her professional career. In her spare time, she volunteers at a local elementary school, teaches children's church at her church, and serves families through a soup kitchen in Lothian during the holiday season.
As Vice President and Treasurer of Sledge Empowerment, Candis brings extensive experience, compassion, and a strong commitment to helping children, families, and communities thrive.
Roberta Gladden
Secretary
Roberta Gladden is a retired home caregiver with a compassionate background in supporting children with disabilities. As a devoted mother of five adult children, she has dedicated much of her life to caring for and strengthening her family. Roberta continues to play a central and loving role in the lives of her grandchildren.
Her lifelong commitment to caregiving, children, and family reflects the values at the heart of Sledge Empowerment. As Secretary, Roberta brings compassion, patience, practical experience, and a strong desire to help individuals and families thrive.
Be part of the work
There are many ways to help Sledge Empowerment create opportunities and strengthen lives.