Form990EZ
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Short Form
Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax
Under section 501(c), 527, or 4947(a)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code (except private foundations)
bullet Do not enter social security numbers on this form as it may be made public.


bullet Go to www.irs.gov/Form990EZ for instructions and the latest information.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2023
Open to Public
Inspection
A
For the 2023 calendar year, or tax year beginning 01-01-2023, and ending 12-31-2023
B
Check if applicable:
C Name of organization
Starting Over Strong
 
Number and street (or P. O. box, if mail is not delivered to street address)6355 Riverside Ave Ste 100
  Room/suite
City or town, state or province, country, and ZIP or foreign postal code Riverside, CA92506
D Employer identification number

32-0682473
E Telephone number

(818) 749-6856
F Group Exemption
Numberbullet  
G Accounting Method: Other (specify) bullet   H Check bulletI Website:bullet   J Tax-exempt status (check only one) - ( 4) bullet (insert no.) or
K Form of organization:  
L Add lines 5b, 6c, and 7b to line 9 to determine gross receipts. If gross receipts are $200,000 or more, or if total assets (Part II, column (B) below) are $500,000 or more, file Form 990 instead of Form 990-EZ ...........................bullet $ 125,000
Part Ⅰ
Revenue, Expenses, and Changes in Net Assets or Fund Balances (see the instructions for Part I) Check if the organization used Schedule O to respond to any question in this Part I.....................
VerticalRevenue 1 Contributions, gifts, grants, and similar amounts received .................... 1 125,000
2 Program service revenue including government fees and contracts ................ 2 0
3 Membership dues and assessments ............................. 3 0
4 Investment income .................................... 4 0
5a Gross amount from sale of assets other than inventory ....... 5a 0
b Less: cost or other basis and sales expenses ............ 5b 0
c Gain or (loss) from sale of assets other than inventory (Subtract line 5b from line 5a) ...... 5c 0
6 Gaming and fundraising events
a Gross income from gaming (attach Schedule G if greater than $15,000) 6a 0
b Gross income from fundraising events (not including $ 0 of contributions from fundraising events reported on line 1) (attach Schedule G if the sum of such gross income and contributions exceeds $15,000) ..6b 0
c Less: direct expenses from gaming and fundraising events ... 6c 0
d Net income or (loss) from gaming and fundraising events (add lines 6a and 6b and subtract line 6c) 6d 0
7a Gross sales of inventory, less returns and allowances ...... 7a 0
b Less: cost of goods sold ............. 7b 0
c Gross profit or (loss) from sales of inventory (Subtract line 7b from line 7a) ......... 7c 0
8 Other revenue (describe in Schedule O) .................... 8 0
9 Total revenue. Add lines 1, 2, 3, 4, 5c, 6d, 7c, and 8 .............. Bullet 9 125,000
.
VerticalExpenses 10 Grants and similar amounts paid (list in Schedule O) ................ 10 0
11 Benefits paid to or for members ...................... 11 0
12 Salaries, other compensation, and employee benefits ................ 12 27,000
13 Professional fees and other payments to independent contractors ............ 13 0
14 Occupancy, rent, utilities, and maintenance ................... 14 9,600
15 Printing, publications, postage, and shipping ................... 15 0
16 Other expenses (describe in Schedule O) ................... 16 0
17 Total expenses. Add lines 10 through 16 ................. Bullet 17 36,600
VerticalNetAssets 18 Excess or (deficit) for the year (Subtract line 17 from line 9) ............ 18 88,400
19 Net assets or fund balances at beginning of year (from line 27, column (A)) (must agree with
end-of-year figure reported on prior year’s return) ................. 19 51,800
20 Other changes in net assets or fund balances (explain in Schedule O) ........... 20 0
21 Net assets or fund balances at end of year. Combine lines 18 through 20 .......... 21 140,200
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the separate instructions.
Cat. No. 10642I Form 990-EZ (2023)
Form 990-EZ (2023)
Page 2
Part ⅡBalance Sheets (see the instructions for Part II)Check if the organization used Schedule O to respond to any question in this Part II.................

(A) Beginning of year(B) End of year
22Cash, savings, and investments................
88,400
22
176,800
23Land and buildings....................
0
23
0
24Other assets (describe in Schedule O) ..........
0
24
0
25Total assets......................
88,400
25
176,800
26
Total liabilities (describe in Schedule O) .............
36,600
26
36,600
27Net assets or fund balances (line 27 of column (B) must agree with line 21)
51,800
27
140,200
Part ⅢStatement of Program Service Accomplishments (see the instructions for Part III) Check if the organization used Schedule O to respond to any question in this Part III . . Expenses
(Required for section 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations; optional for others.)
What is the organization's primary exempt purpose? Starting Over Strong (SOS) is dedicated to advocating for individuals re-entering society, ensuring they have access to essential services such as housing, job placement, retraining programs, and addressing food insecurity. We amplify their voices through policy advocacy, public awareness campaigns, and by supporting candidates and organizations that align with our mission. Our vision is a society where every person re-entering society receives the support and resources necessary to rebuild their lives and thrive. Key activities include championing policies that provide comprehensive services, conducting public awareness campaigns, educating voters on critical issues, organizing grassroots mobilization efforts, endorsing and supporting aligned candidates, and lobbying for policies that promote long-term stability and self-sufficiency.
Describe the organization’s program service accomplishments for each of its three largest program services, as measured by expenses. In a clear and concise manner, describe the services provided, the number of persons benefited, and other relevant information for each program title.
28 During 2023, Starting Over Strong focused on securing initial funding through grants, strategic planning, and preparing for the launch of our programs and services, including the onboarding of an Operations Director in the second quarter of 2024. We applied for grants from foundations and government programs, tailored proposals to meet specific criteria, and engaged in follow-up communications with potential funders. These efforts were crucial for building a financial base to support future operations and program services. We refined our strategic plan to outline our objectives and strategies, setting priorities, identifying critical resources needed, and establishing metrics for measuring progress. This plan was a collaborative effort involving the board of directors, staff, and community stakeholders, providing a clear vision for the organization's future. We finalized operational procedures, developed partnerships with community organizations, and set up necessary infrastructure for program launch, including securing office space and creating detailed program plans. By focusing on these foundational activities, Starting Over Strong is positioned for significant impact in the coming years. We are ready to launch our programs and services, supported by a robust organizational structure, clear mission and values, and a strategic plan to guide our efforts. Total expenses related to these accomplishments were approximately $36,600, including $27,000 for the Executive Director and $9,600 for office space.
(Grants $ 0) If this amount includes foreign grants, check here ...MediumBullet		 28a 0
29
(Grants $   ) If this amount includes foreign grants, check here ...MediumBullet 		29a
30
(Grants $   ) If this amount includes foreign grants, check here ...MediumBullet 		30a
31 Other program services (describe in Schedule O) ................
(Grants $   ) If this amount includes foreign grants, check here...MediumBullet		 31a
32 Total program service expenses (add lines 28a through 31a).......... bullet 32 0
Part Ⅳ
List of Officers, Directors, Trustees, and Key Employees (list each one even if not compensated ; see the instructions for Part IV)Check if the organization used Schedule O to respond to any question in this Part IV............
(a) Name and title (b) Average
hours per week
devoted to position		 (c) Reportable compensation
(Forms W-2/1099-MISC) (if not paid, enter -0-) 		(d) Health benefits, contributions to employee benefit plans, and
deferred compensation		 (e) Estimated amount
of other compensation
Vonya Quarles  
 
Interim Executive Director 		10 27,000    
Avalon Edwards  
 
Director 		3 0    
Renee Quarles  
 
Director 		3 0    
Form 990-EZ (2023)
Form 990-EZ (2023)
Page 3
Part Ⅴ
Other Information
(Note the Schedule A and personal benefit contract statement requirements in the
instructions for Part V.) Check if the organization used Schedule O to respond to any question in this Part V.......
Yes
No
33
Did the organization engage in any significant activity not previously reported to the IRS? If "Yes," provide a detailed description of each activity in Schedule O ...................
33
 
No
34
Were any significant changes made to the organizing or governing documents? If "Yes," attach a conformed copy of the amended documents if they reflect a change to the organization’s name. Otherwise, explain the changeon Schedule O. See instructions. ..........................
34
 
No
35a
Did the organization have unrelated business gross income of $1,000 or more during the year from business activities (such as those reported on lines 2, 6a, and 7a, among others)? ............
35a
 
No
b
If "Yes," to line 35a, has the organization filed a Form 990-T for the year? If "No," provide an explanation in Schedule O
35b
 
 
c
Was the organization a section 501(c)(4), 501(c)(5), or 501(c)(6) organization subject to section 6033(e) notice, reporting, and proxy tax requirements during the year? If "Yes," complete Schedule C, Part III
35c
 
No
36
Did the organization undergo a liquidation, dissolution, termination, or significant disposition of net assets during the year? If “Yes," complete applicable parts of Schedule N ................
36
 
No
37a
Enter amount of political expenditures, direct or indirect, as described in the instructions. bullet
37a
0
b
Did the organization file Form 1120-POL for this year?...................
37b
 
No
38a
Did the organization borrow from, or make any loans to, any officer, director, trustee, or key employee or were
any such loans made in a prior year and still outstanding at the end of the tax year covered by this return?..
38a
 
No
b
If “Yes," complete Schedule L, Part II and enter the total amount involved .
38b
 
39
Section 501(c)(7) organizations. Enter:
a
Initiation fees and capital contributions included on line 9.......
39a
 
b
Gross receipts, included on line 9, for public use of club facilities.....
39b
 
40a
Section 501(c)(3) organizations. Enter amount of tax imposed on the organization during the year under:
section 4911 bullet   ; section 4912 bullet   ; section 4955 bullet  
b
Section 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(29) organizations. Did the organization engage in any section 4958 excess benefit transaction during the year, or did it engage in an excess benefit transaction in a prior year that has not been reported on any of its prior Forms 990 or 990-EZ? If “Yes," complete Schedule L, Part I
40b
 
No
c
Section 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(29) organizations. Enter amount of tax imposed on organization managers or disqualified persons during the year under sections 4912, 4955, and 4958bullet0
d
Section 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(29) organizations. Enter amount of tax on line 40c reimbursed by the organizationbullet0
e
All organizations. At any time during the tax year, was the organization a party to a prohibited tax shelter transaction? If "Yes," complete Form 8886-T ................
40e
 
No
41List the states with which a copy of this return is filed. bullet
42a The organization's books are in care of bulletVonya Quarles
 Telephone no.bullet (951) 898-0862


Located at bullet6355 Riverside Ave Ste 100Riverside, CA ZIP + 4 bullet92506
Yes
No
b
At any time during the calendar year, did the organization have an interest in or a signature or other authority over a financial account in a foreign country (such as a bank account, securities account, or other financial account)? . .
42b
 
No
If “Yes," enter the name of the foreign country: bullet
See the instructions for exceptions and filing requirements for FinCEN Form 114, Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR).
c
At any time during the calendar year, did the organization maintain an office outside the U.S.? . . .
42c
 
No
If “Yes," enter the name of the foreign country: bullet
43 Section 4947(a)(1) nonexempt charitable trusts filing Form 990-EZ in lieu of Form 1041 - Check here ...... bullet
and enter the amount of tax-exempt interest received or accrued during the tax year ....bullet43
 
Yes
No
44a
Did the organization maintain any donor advised funds during the year? If "Yes," Form 990 must be completed insteadof Form 990-EZ.............................
44a
 
No
b
Did the organization operate one or more hospital facilities during the year? If "Yes," Form 990 must be completedinstead of Form 990-EZ.............................
44b
 
No
c
Did the organization receive any payments for indoor tanning services during the year? .........
44c
 
No
d
If "Yes," to line 44c, has the organization filed a Form 720 to report these payments? If "No," provide an
explanation in Schedule O ............................
44d
 
 
45a
Did the organization have a controlled entity within the meaning of section 512(b)(13)?.........
45a
 
No
45b
Did the organization receive any payment from or engage in any transaction with a controlled entity within the meaning of section 512(b)(13)? If "Yes," Form 990 and Schedule R may need to be completed instead of Form 990-EZ (see instructions)......................
45b
 
No
Form 990-EZ (2023)
Form 990-EZ (2023)
Page 4
Yes
No
46
Did the organization engage, directly or indirectly, in political campaign activities on behalf of or in opposition to candidates for public office? If “Yes," complete Schedule C, Part I. ...........
46
 
No
Part Ⅵ
Section 501(c)(3) Organizations Only All section 501(c)(3) organizations must answer questions 47- 49b and 52, and complete the tables for lines 50 and 51. Check if the organization used Schedule O to respond to any question in this Part VI ..................
Yes
No
47
Did the organization engage in lobbying activities or have a section 501(h) election in effect during the tax year? If "Yes," complete Schedule C, Part II .......................
47
 
 
48
Is the organization a school as described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(ii)? If "Yes," complete Schedule E ..
48
 
 
49a
Did the organization make any transfers to an exempt non-charitable related organization?......
49a
 
 
b
If "Yes," was the related organization a section 527 organization?................
49b
 
 
50
Complete this table for the organization's five highest compensated employees (other than officers, directors, trustees and key employees) who each received more than $100,000 of compensation from the organization. If there is none, enter "None."
(a) Name and title of each employee (b) Average
hours per week
devoted to position		 (c) Reportable compensation
(Forms W-2/1099-MISC) 		(d) Health benefits, contributions to employee benefit plans, and deferred compensation (e) Estimated amount of other compensation
 
f
Total number of other employees paid over $100,000 .............bullet  

51
Complete this table for the organization's five highest compensated independent contractors who each received more than $100,000 of compensation from the organization. If there is none, enter "None."
(a) Name and business address of each independent contractor (b) Type of service (c) Compensation
 
d
Total number of other independent contractors each receiving over $100,000..........bullet  


52
Did the organization complete Schedule A? NOTE. All section 501(c)(3) organizations must attach a
completed Schedule A ........................................bullet
Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have examined this return, including accompanying schedules and statements, and to the best of my knowledge and belief, it is true, correct, and complete. Declaration of preparer (other than officer) is based on all information of which preparer has any knowledge.
Sign Here
JumboBullet
Signature of officer Date
JumboBullet
Type or print name and title
Paid Preparer Use Only
Print/Type preparer's name
Preparer's signature
Date
PTIN
Firm's name bullet

Firm's EIN bullet
Firm's address bullet



Phone no.
May the IRS discuss this return with the preparer shown above? See instructions .........bullet
Form 990-EZ (2023)

Additional Data


Software ID: 23018249
Software Version: v1.00

Form 990-EZ, Special Condition Description:
Special Condition Description

SCHEDULE O
(Form 990)

Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Supplemental Information to Form 990 or 990-EZ

Complete to provide information for responses to specific questions on
Form 990 or 990-EZ or to provide any additional information.
Attach to Form 990 or 990-EZ.
 Go to www.irs.gov/Form990 for the latest information.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2023
Open to Public
Inspection
Name of the organization
Starting Over Strong
 
Employer identification number

32-0682473
Return Reference Explanation
Form 990-EZ, Part II, Line 26 For the tax year ending December 31, 2023, the total liabilities reported on Line 26, Column (B) of Form 990-EZ were $36,600. This amount represents the following liabilities: Salaries, Other Compensation, and Employee Benefits of $27,000, which includes the compensation for the Executive Director, Vonya K. Quarles, who worked 10 hours per week (1/4 time) during the year, and Occupancy, Rent, Utilities, and Maintenance of $9,600, covering the costs associated with renting office space for the organization.
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990 or 990-EZ.
Cat. No. 51056K
Schedule O (Form 990) 2023


Additional Data


Software ID: 23018249
Software Version: v1.00

TY 2023 ReasonableCauseExplanation
Name:
Starting Over Strong
EIN:
32-0682473
Software ID:
23018249
Software Version:
v1.00
Explanation:
Starting Over Strong experienced delays in filing Form 990-EZ for the tax year ending December 31, 2023, due to several factors related to its initial establishment and preliminary funding efforts. The organization was formally established in 2022, which included completing all necessary legal and administrative procedures required to form a nonprofit entity, such as drafting bylaws, obtaining federal and state tax-exempt status, and setting up a governing board. These activities required significant time and resources, as our volunteer board members dedicated their efforts to ensuring that all foundational elements were properly in place. During the tax year 2023, our primary focus was on securing initial funding to support the organization's operations. We were engaged in extensive grant writing and fundraising activities to build a financial base that would allow us to hire essential staff and begin program activities in the upcoming election year (2024). These efforts were crucial as the organization needed more financial capacity to hire a full-time operations director or other staff members during this period. The lack of dedicated personnel contributed to delays in administrative tasks, including the timely filing of Form 990-EZ. On May 15, 2024, we hired Nathan P. Kempe as Operations Director. The transition period involved familiarizing him with the organization's operations, addressing immediate needs, and managing the aftermath of the relocation from Corona to Riverside. This transition further delayed our filing processes. We have since implemented several measures to ensure future compliance with IRS requirements, including purchasing a filing cabinet exclusive to Starting Over Strong to ensure all records are centrally located in the office. Part of Nathan P. Kempe's responsibilities includes overseeing compliance matters. He is actively enrolled in webinars and other learning opportunities to ensure that all compliance requirements are satisfied. Further, we have established internal deadlines and procedures to ensure that all required forms and filings are completed well before their due dates, and we are engaging with a professional accountant or tax advisor to oversee the organization's financial and compliance obligations. Additionally, our Executive Director, Vonya K. Quarles, recently experienced the loss of a family member, which further impacted our ability to manage and file timely. We respectfully request that the IRS consider these extenuating circumstances and grant an abatement of any associated penalties.