about us

Our Name

"1upstairs" is more than a name; it's a symbolic expression of our belief in the Almighty. The "1" represents God, residing in Heaven (“upstairs”), watching over all His children.

Our Purpose: 1 peter 4:8-10

“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”

OUR mission

1upstairs is dedicated to fostering a culture of empathy, kindness, and selflessness, believing that our greatest strength lies in our ability to uplift one another. Our mission is to inspire individuals to practice compassion in their daily lives, recognizing that small acts of kindness can create a ripple effect of positive change. We encourage volunteering and sharing our unique gifts and time to support those in need, understanding that service not only enriches our communities but also deepens our connections to one another. By championing empathy and selflessness as HE exhibited toward us, we strive to build a more compassionate world where everyone feels valued and empowered to make a difference. EVERY GIFT HAS A PURPOSE, EVERY PURPOSE MEETS A NEED; together, we can create a brighter future rooted in understanding and generosity.

Impactful Giving

In alignment with our commitment to being instruments of His love, 1upstairs pledges to donate 10% of all profits to support charitable causes and serving our communities. Your purchase not only brings inspiration and support to your life but also contributes to the well-being of others in need.

Community Partnership

Anyone who wears our logo becomes a vital part of our mission. We believe in the power of community, and we invite you to join us in selecting the beneficiaries of our next donation. Your input and recommendations play a crucial role in guiding our charitable efforts, creating a collective impact that reaches far beyond our individual contributions.

OUR FOUNDERS

  • Anthony is the youngest of four boys, raised in a Christian home with a sturdy foundation built upon faith. Early in life, his parents taught him to “walk with Jesus” and keep Him centered in every decision. Like many, as he got older, he began walking along his own path, seeking fulfillment through worldly achievements such as education, career, and relationships, believing one of them could fill a growing inner void. Yet, after every achievement, his set of goals shrank, and he found himself staring at a lengthy list of things that hadn't worked. Eventually he ran out of ideas, then motivation, until the emptiness became depression. He spent years sitting in it, only to realize that in his 38 years of calling himself a Christ-follower, he had never truly surrendered. Crying out for help, he felt his Father say…”I’m willing to, but you have to let Me.” Right then, Anthony asked Jesus to take over, realizing that true fulfillment could only be found through God's grace.

    His journey of faith was shaped by the enduring influence of his parents' steadfastness in the Lord, constantly guiding him to stay focused on Him. His first bible group helped him recognize that salvation is a gift, not an accomplishment on some list that can be earned. Inspired by a reference to mathematician Blaise Pascal’s words, "There is a God-shaped vacuum in the heart of every man," Anthony further embraced Christ as the answer to his inner void. Through his faith, he discovered purpose, a passion for the Bible, and a calling to serve others, which is the main inspiration behind co-founding 1Upstairs.

    Today, Anthony is a dedicated father to his children, Vinny and Cici, and hoping to provide them with the same guidance as his parents bestowed upon him. He is committed to living out his faith through volunteering and helping others overcome their own challenges whether spiritually or socially, with the belief that true happiness is found in holiness and submission to God's will.

  • Marcus is the youngest of three siblings, born much later in his parents' lives and considered a “blessing.” Raised in a Baptist family deeply involved in church life, Marcus’ mother served as the church secretary and treasurer, while his father was a deacon; both of whom also dedicated their lives to being Chicago Public School teachers. From an early age, Marcus participated in church activities, playing drums and keyboard for the choir. His faith was tested by personal loss—his father survived a major heart attack when he was nine, and his mother passed away from ALS when he was twelve. This experience led him to develop a more pragmatic mindset, although he always felt a direct connection with God, often sensing His involvement and favor in his life.

    At 16, Marcus made the conscious decision to be baptized, honoring his parents’ wishes but doing so on his own terms. Known for his stoically reserved demeanor and mature outlook, those that get to know Marcus are pleasantly surprised to find that he is a man of deep empathy, generosity, and loyalty, with a strong belief in the brotherhood of mankind. His guiding principle is rooted in 1 John 4:21, emphasizing love and service to others.

    After his father's death, Marcus opened a hospice agency to care for the terminally ill, a mission that felt full-circle after his mother’s own battle with ALS. The hospice agency was specifically founded in memory of his mother and used her name within the company name. His lifelong friendship with Anthony, who volunteered at the agency, led to the creation of 1upstairs, an initiative to inspire others to embrace selflessness and volunteerism.

    Now a husband to his middle school sweetheart and father of four, Marcus’ faith has deepened over the years as a product of witnessing all that He has brought him through. Marcus believes that God's plan is intricate and purposeful, and that it’s our responsibility to listen and follow His guidance in everything we do.