When one spark of kindness ignites, it has the power to spread like wildfire setting a community ablaze with a passion to make a difference. Women Reaching Our Community is a mission-based nonprofit organized by women who desire to empower and improve the lives of others.

President Cindy Collier was involved with the nonprofit from day one. The idea for the ministry came from founder Mitzi Davis. “I hadn’t seen Mitzi in nine years,” Cindy recalls of the time. “We had been close friends but then they moved away. ‘

One night in 2011, Mitzi called Cindy and told her that the Lord had placed this ministry on her heart.“ She asked me, ‘Do you ever see Donna Allen?’ and Donna was sitting at my kitchen table that night. ”Together, the three ladies jump-started the ministry having little idea the impact it would grow to have on the community.

“We started studying scripture, praying and asking how we were supposed to reach out to women in our community.” For the next three years, the ladies met intentionally to plan their steps and work out the intricate details of turning their vision into a life-changing mission.

In 2014, Women Reaching Our Community officially became a nonprofit organization. “We’re a 501c nonprofit,” Cindy says. “We went through all of that early on to get that worked out with the lawyers. ”The ladies felt led to use the ministry to empower other women and provide opportunities for them to impact those in the community that are less fortunate. With the legalities in order, they set out to begin work.

They started doing food drives to help feed the hungry, and as word got out many came forward needing help. “We began working with people that were being referred to us as living in their cars, trying to find housing for them, putting them up. And then it began to grow.’

As demand for their help grew, so did the number of volunteers. As a nonprofit, Women Reaching Our Community operates solely on material donations and contributions of time. Because of the growth, they establisheda board comprised of six members. With a strong group of passionate individuals, their efforts went even farther tohelp the local community.“

We were surprised at how many people are considered homeless in Houston County,” Cindy admits. Sadly, she says, “There is a five-year wait for any of the reduced housing here in town, and so a lot of people are either bunking up with friends or they’re staying in their cars.”

Initially, they starting feeding the homeless while bringing them provisions such as socks, clothes, umbrellas and blankets. In some circumstances, they have gotten women off the street and into a motel where they can freshen up and start applying for jobs.

Cindy talks of one woman they helped. “She and her husband were on the streets together and he literally walked away from her and left her alone.” Abandoned and afraid, she was at her wits end until those at Women Reaching Our Community swept her off the street. “

We put her in a motel, got her clothing, got her groceries, let her rest. We took her to the library so that she could put in applications for jobs.” In no time, the woman had a job, a paycheck, and was buying herself groceries. Little by little, she gained her independence in a beautiful journey towards becoming self-sufficient. “The transformation has been amazing,” Cindy shares.

Over the years, they have helped countless women get back on their feet by getting them off the street and helping them find work. For others, they have provided reliable transportation to maintain their jobs. This has made all the difference for these women in feeling empowered to take care of themselves.

They created the Kindness Cupboard which serves to conveniently feed the hungry. Fully stocked with donated goods, the cupboard is filled with dry food provisions and open for anyone in need. “There are canned meats and crackers, sausages, tuna fish, chicken salad,” Cindy names a few. “[It’s filled] three times a week. Usually by the very next day it’s gone.”

Early on in their ministry, they opened a high-end thrift store called Renew. Their items include things like clothes, home goods, furniture and children’s toys which have all been donated by community members. And while every item is priced only at a quarter, the proceeds of the store largely fund the entire ministry.

Cindy talks about their hopes for the future and goals in continuing to support women in need. In efforts to create a Homeless No More community, she says,“We’re hoping and praying about a place that will provide some housingthat we can oversee and we will be able to have multiple families there down the road.”

Additionally, they have plans in the works to implement a scholarship program to set the next generation up forsuccess. “We’re hoping that we can break the cycle of poverty mentality and that [kids] will recognize the value ofeducation and staying in school.” While 70% of the people they help are women, an astounding 80% overalldropped out of school.

To combat this, Cindy explains their plans to offer tutoring starting at the third grade. “We will have people in the community that are well known to come and encourage them, be a role model for them.” From news anchors to doctors and lawyers, these community members will mentor the children and show them the opportunities that lie ahead.

Having spent over 12 years working at four different schools in Houston County, Cindy believes there is no limit to what any child can do. Her hope is to inspire the children of Houston County to put in the necessary work to set themselves up for a brighter future.

It is a heartbreaking reality that leaves women and children in a variety of unfortunate circumstances. But people like Cindy are eager to make a difference. “Life throws people lemons a lot of times so we just try to help them, give them a taste of how much Jesus loves them and wants to see them flourish.”

When it comes to making a difference, no effort is too small to change a life.“ Whatever we do impacts our world As women, it’s a very powerful thing to understand because it gives you a sense of purpose no matter where you are.”

The generous people of Houston County that have committed themselves to this mission are passionate about empowering and supporting others through every walk of life.“ There are some good women in Perry, Georgia that want to see people taken care of and their lives to be enhanced and made better,” Cindy says. “That’s what we’re trying to do, one person at a time.”

While the ministry has grown, there is always more work to be done. Board members and volunteers of thisnonprofit will not restso long as one person still stands in need of their help