Dawn Staley Honors Lifelong Promise to Childhood Housekeeper in Heartwarming Gesture That Sparks National Movement
Philadelphia, PA – April 17, 2025 — In a powerful and emotional story that has touched hearts across the nation, South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley has honored a childhood promise to the woman who helped raise her—her former housekeeper, Mrs. Alma Robinson.
Staley, a Philadelphia native, was shocked to learn that Mrs. Robinson, now 80 years old, was still working as a house cleaner just to make ends meet. For decades, Alma had been a quiet force in Dawn’s life—braiding her hair, packing her lunch, and walking her to practices when the coach herself was just a kid with a dream.
“Mrs. Alma was more than a housekeeper,” Staley said. “She was my protector, my encourager, and the person who taught me what strength looks like in silence.”
Upon hearing of Alma’s ongoing struggle, Staley sprang into action. She not only retired Alma from housecleaning for good, gifting her a fully paid home and lifelong monthly stipend, but also launched the Hands of Grace initiative—a nonprofit designed to provide financial support, healthcare access, and housing assistance to elderly domestic workers across the country.
What began as a deeply personal gesture has quickly grown into a national movement, with celebrities, athletes, and everyday citizens pledging support. The nonprofit has already raised over $1.2 million in its first week.
But before any of that happened, Staley quietly fulfilled a sacred childhood vow. “I promised Mrs. Alma when I was just a little girl, sitting in our kitchen in Philly, that one day, if I made it, she would never have to work again,” Staley shared through tears. “This was never charity. This was a promise. And I keep my promises.”
Mrs. Robinson, now retired and living comfortably in a home close to Staley’s family, simply said: “I always knew she’d come back for me. That’s who Dawn is.”
In a world often short on follow-through, Coach Dawn Staley has reminded us all what it means to remember where you came from—and to lift up the people who carried you along the way.
