The B.WELL Foundation is a Des Moines-based 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to supporting students in the Des Moines metro community. The mission of the Foundation is to develop and expand young minds by building character through mentorship and education. The Foundation supports initiatives that focus on education, mentorship, and families and schools in need of resources. It’s our desire to be positive role models, teach respect and build character with a vision to build stronger futures for youth and to lift them to a place of prosperity.

Co-founded by local hip-hop artist, humanitarian, and creator, Billy, “B.WELL” Weathers and Katelyn Stessman, a children’s advocate and elementary music education teacher working within the Des Moines Public School System, the Foundation was born in response to the vast potential seen in students and pervasive inequities in opportunity. Informed by lived experience and having seen first-hand the difference that connection can make, the Foundation was created to magnify the influence of any individual to an entire community and has invested over $100,000 into local schools since its inception in 2020.

In our vision to build stronger futures for youth and lift them to a place of prosperity, the Foundation supports initiatives that focus on education, mentorship, and families and schools in need of resources. Working closely with fellow well-respected community members and organizations, the Foundation creates opportunities that are community-led, based in and of the communities of service, fostering increased community engagement and exemplifying first-hand the power community members to be the difference in their own communities.

As he continues to work with youth and facilitate events to give back, B.WELL hopes to ignite new ideas and light to the next generation.

ABOUT Billy(B.Well) Weathers

Local hip-hop artist, humanitarian, and creator, Billy, “B.WELL” Weathers, graduated from Simpson College in 2013 with a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing and Communications and a minor in Sports Administration. Upon graduation, Weathers began to surround himself with leaders, artists, creatives and educators with unique and growing perspectives. These relationships added to his creativity and served as sounding resources as he began to embrace new ideas and create resources for his community. Before long, the name B.WELL grew with numerous sold out shows and his work in local schools.