In 2010, Emily and Keith Davis, owners of Fleet Feet in both Winston-Salem and Clemmons, initiated Mission: Feet First as an opportunity to provide well-fitting shoes to those in need around our community. With faith, family and caring for others always at the heart of their personal and professional journey, the mission was a blessing to build!

“Mission: Feet First has been the resource for shoes for so many in our local community,” shares Emily. “But over the years, our charitable efforts have been able to expand, and God has brought new opportunities for us to serve and invest our financial resources.”

Closely involved with charitable efforts in Kenya and with a local prison ministry, Emily and Keith organize mission trips for first-time visitors to Kenya and have provided the resources to build three churches there. Closer to home, they organize an annual 5K at the local prison and recently provided 300 sports bras to the Winston-Salem State University cheer camp.

“So, this year, we decided to rename the charity Good Works Engine and restate its legal purpose, so we could have the flexibility to be involved in more than just giving shoes,” Emily explains. “We also wanted to be able to invite the Winston-Salem community to participate in the broader scope of what the charity really represents – helping underserved populations both locally and globally.”

Good Works Engine is based on a core mission to help people activate their faith by experiencing the needs of others. In daily life, it’s about putting your faith to work and answering the call to serve others. 

As their own faith continues to grow, Emily and Keith have found themselves enlightened so much more to the needs of the world, with fundraising for the charity steadily growing. Emily shares the following initiatives where their efforts are largely focused:

* Mission: Feet First: Provides proper fitting shoes for homeless adults, sheltered adults and low-income students in Forsyth County.

* YMCA: With Keith’s big heart for the at-risk youth in our community, they have invested in the development of the YMCA Reach Center – and are excited to see this project come to life. 

* ICM: International Cooperating Ministry’s goal is to build a healthy church within walking distance of everyone in the world. With a focus area in Kenya, the Davises have helped fund three new church buildings.

* Forsyth Jail & Prison Ministry: Fleet Feet provides a shoe scholarship for men who are released from the Forsyth Correctional Center and coordinates an annual 5K at the prison.

* Transcend Talent Academy: This running academy in Cherangany, Kenya was founded by Boston Marathon Champion Wesley Korir. The academy provides a high-level high school education and run training to Kenya’s most talented student-athletes. In 2022, Emily and Keith partnered with Wesley to build a school for the academy, and the group now partners with Forsyth Country Day School. FCDS has opened their international scholarships to welcome Transcend students. Emily is also the VP of Kenyan Kids Foundation USA, the governing and fundraising entity for Transcend.

* SOUL Ministries: This group provides assistance to the street children of Busia, Kenya to be able to return to their families. 

Emily and Keith gratefully invite you to join in their efforts both locally and worldwide. Contributing to Good Works Engine is easy by selecting the donate button under “community” on their website – fleetfeetws.com, by visiting goodworksengine.org or by emailing emily@fleetfeetws.com. Good Works Engine always seeks volunteers to help out in the Winston-Salem community. Sign up to volunteer at the “community” menu on fleetfeetws.com.

Fleet Feet Winston-Salem is located at 278 Harvey Street in Hanestowne Village Shopping Center, 336.722.8477 and at 6339 Jessie Lane in Clemmons, 336.293.8660. Hours are Monday through Friday 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. and Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram @Fleetfeetws, and also learn more about their running gear, fit process and fitness inspiration at Fleetfeetws.com.