“The greatest gift of outreach is the ability to change lives, both our own and those we reach out to.” – Nelson Mandela.

Hope 1 Ministry’s partnership with the Fresh Wind Gathering 2025 community outreach in Fort Myers, Florida, was a successful labor of love. With the help of donations and volunteers, we were able to assist two nonprofit organizations in the area.

Our first visit was to Sam’s Community Café & Kitchen and the Community Market operated by the Community Cooperative. We donated peanut butter and jelly for their End Summer Hunger Hungry Kiddo Kits—grab-and-go meal kits filled with nutritious, easy-to-eat foods designed to keep kids in Southwest Florida full and healthy while school is out. This organization runs a well-structured community facility that offers a welcoming space where anyone in need can enjoy a hot, nutritious meal in a safe and respectful environment. In 2024, they provided over two million pounds of food to support our neighbors in need.

In Lee County, 1 in 6 residents need food assistance. https://communitycooperative.com/

In addition to the generous donations from our volunteers and partners, we also help pack beverages on-site for the Meals on Wheels program. This program provides daily, nutritious home-delivered meals along with a friendly visit and safety check to eligible homebound neighbors who cannot shop or cook for themselves. These neighbors include seniors, individuals with disabilities, and adults with chronic illnesses. They may receive meals temporarily while recovering from an illness or surgery, or long-term to support their ability to live safely and independently in their homes. To learn more about their Feeding Programs and Food Assistance initiatives, please visit the link below. https://communitycooperative.com/

Volunteer drivers helped deliver over 117,000 hot, freshly prepared meals to elderly shut-ins in 2024. https://communitycooperative.com/

St. Mathew’s House

Our second serve opportunity involved a special visit to St. Matthew’s House to provide clothing and personal care items for the women’s shelter onsite. St. Matthew’s House expresses God’s love in Southwest Florida, and we are growing to ensure that no one experiencing hunger, homelessness, or addiction is alone or without a pathway for their journey from crisis to contributor. To learn more about St Mathew’s House please visit click the link below

 St. Matthew’s House serves more than 300,000 hot meals every year. https://stmatthewshouse.org/our-programs/crisis-response/