Making a Difference One Family At A Time
On a recent trip to California, Lindsey Bressi, the Nonprofit Relationship Manager at ReEmployAbility, had the opportunity to visit The Shepherd’s Pantry. The Shepherd’s Pantry’s mission is to provide food, resources, and services to those in need. They have three sites across Los Angeles County, serving nearly 3,000 households per month through weekly distributions, clothing closets, and meal programs.
A Sweet Surprise
Bressi met a woman while volunteering at one of ReEmployAbility’s nonprofit partners. As she greeted the woman to collect basic information, the woman grumbled about having to go to a food pantry for assistance, “I hate that I have to be here. It shouldn’t be this way.” Bressi explained to the woman that there is no shame in needing extra help for food. It would be one less thing to worry about, and Shepherd’s Pantry was happy to provide.
Bressi fulfilled a special request for a woman who needed a cake for her grandson’s birthday since she didn’t have anything for him. With the help of Pantry worker Alfred, they were able to put together a birthday package that included a colorful chocolate birthday cake with whipped cream balloons and ribbon. “Oh, goodness. This is beautiful. Thank you, truly”, the woman proclaimed with appreciation. This heartwarming moment is just one example of how meaningful volunteer opportunities are for people. Even as simple as finding a birthday cake is enough to completely change someone’s perspective.
Shepherd’s Pantry Supports Transition2Work
One of ReEmployAbility’s Transition2Work participants, Enrique, shared, “I’ve been a truck driver for thirty-five years. I spend most of my time on the road, alone. This is very different from that, a big change. But I love coming here. I enjoy knowing that I’m helping people.” He added, “I’m really glad that I was sent here. That this all led me to here.” Through the Transition2Work programs, individuals with work-related injuries can recover while giving back to their communities.
Shepherd’s Pantry Volunteers Continue Their Impact
A worker at the Shepherd’s Pantry, Jhoana, reiterated the program’s impact by saying, “We’ve had some phenomenal people through ReEmployAbility, like Thomas. His case closed, and we were heartbroken to lose him. He ended up retiring and now he volunteers with us three times a week. It’s so good to have him back.” She continued, “These guys become a part of the team. Last week, it was Miguel’s birthday, so we bought him a cake and a card to celebrate him. He was taken aback by that, and he broke down. He said this was the first place where he really felt like part of a team, like he mattered. He’s been incredibly helpful to us, he’s such a dedicated worker in our office. It’s going to be hard when he leaves us. We couldn’t do what we do or serve the amount of people we serve without them.” The Transition2Work Participants make a considerable difference in their community while recovering from work injuries. Our Nonprofit Partners are grateful for the continued support. This sense of community is what makes the work at The Shepherd’s Pantry so rewarding.
Serving Injured Workers and Families
Individuals and families are able to attend these distributions three times a month to supplement their pantries. Shepherd’s Pantry served 182 households in October, providing Transition2Work participants with a meaningful experience and connecting them to a greater purpose. This program offers people a sense of safety and belonging, becoming a beacon to their neighbors. Your support is crucial in making these programs possible and helping us serve our community.
Lindsey’s visit to Shepherd’s Pantry highlighted the importance of strong relationships with nonprofit partners. These partnerships not only offer light-duty work but also cultivate environments where participants can heal, connect, and thrive. Purposeful work can transform lives, providing hope and a sense of belonging. ReEmployAbility’s Transition2Work program allows injured workers to have a place to grow and recover while making a direct impact on their community.
About Shepherd’s Pantry
Shepherd’s Pantry is committed to providing food, resources, and services from a faith-based perspective to individuals in need, focusing on preserving dignity and fostering independence. The organization serves people from diverse backgrounds, many of whom are facing temporary challenges and seeking support to navigate difficult times. Over half of those assisted are experiencing short-term hardships, and dedicated volunteers work tirelessly to meet their needs with compassion. The gratitude and smiles of those served remain a testament to the impact of the Pantry’s mission.
For more information and volunteering opportunities with Shepherd’s Pantry, please visit www.shepherdspantry.com.
ReEmployAbility Community Connections:
- Building Strong Connections with Nonprofit Partners: A Visit to California
- ReEmployAbility Partners with Inogic for Boysville Donation
- Empowering Change: ReEmployAbility Supports The Spring of Tampa Bay
- ReEmployAbility Volunteers at Meals on Wheels
- How One Volunteer’s Small Act of Kindness Sparked Big Smiles at Mulberry Community Center