LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Founder Kammaleathahh Livingstone wants to double the number of people she treats in 2023.

Converting vans or buses into cross-country RVs has never been more popular, but after Kammaleathahh Livingstone converted a 1989 yellow school bus, she hasn’t logged thousands of miles.

“I would say not too many miles because we stay completely local,” Livingstone told Spectrum News 1.

Instead, the bus helps Louisvillians avoid roadblocks to a healthier life. 

Livingstone is a licensed massage therapist and during her years of practice has met more and more people who would benefit from treatment but can’t afford it. “Tip it Forward” was born.

“It’s grown into a mobile wellness clinic where we go directly to people in neighborhoods and provide a model of care that’s all about supporting people’s mental well being through services such as massage therapy, acupressure, mindfulness, meditation training,” Livingstone explained.

Using the tips from clients, Livingstone can see and treat patients living in underserved communities, hence the name, “Tip it Forward.” Through her nonprofit, Livingstone hears the stories of people wanting a healthier and more centered life but face many challenges.

“Those stories just went really deep, you know? They go deep into your heart and it’s like, I have to do something and in partnership with people,” Livingstone said.

Her nonprofit was held back during the pandemic, but Livingstone says this year she plans on doubling the number of people she treats from 300 to over 600 people.

“We can absolutely be recruited to wellness fairs, health fairs, all sorts of events that people have in the community,” Livingstone said.

As “Tip it Forward” grows, so does Livingstone’s partnerships, including with the Louisville Urban League, Parks Alliance and Park DuValle Community Health Center.

Livingstone added, “We are really a uniting force to provide a whole health model of care where people really get the wraparound full service that people need.”