About Me
Founder and CEO Sharron DePonte (middle), with 12 years of clinical experience as a paramedic and a solid educational background in health sciences and pre-med, brings a wealth of expertise to our mission. My commitment extends beyond professional experience, as I’ve actively participated in substance abuse recovery meetings and services for nine years. I’m also a certified massage therapist with 900 hours of experience and hold certifications in CPR and first aid.
Our Operation
Private donations and my retirement income fuel our initiative. We are proud to have a team of 17 dedicated volunteers who contribute in various ways, from service and preparation to securing essential supplies, such as clothing, hygiene products, tents, and pet food, as well as covering veterinary expenses. We also manage occasional gas expenses, making vehicle costs a significant financial challenge.
We’ve been incredibly blessed by the ongoing support of individuals like Billy Harper, who has been involved with our ministry since we began in 2021. Billy is not only a dear friend to our family but also a steadfast supporter of our mission. A meticulous and experienced electrician, Billy brings both skill and heart to everything he does, and he also happens to love pizza.
Community Support
We’re grateful for the generous support from local businesses, organizations, and individuals. South Lake Presbyterian Church sponsors us, making our mission possible. Each month, we receive meal donations from Chick-fil-A, Papa John’s, and Green Mountain Pizza, as well as weekly contributions from Living Hope Church in Clermont, Florida. Additionally, Sue (left), a former caterer and volunteer at the South Lake Presbyterian Church food bank, provides us with meals. We sincerely appreciate all of these contributions that nourish and support our community.
Current Challenges
Running a grassroots ministry comes with its share of ongoing challenges. One of our biggest hurdles is maintaining the resources needed to serve consistently, which includes covering the cost of gas, supplies, and other logistics that make our outreach possible. While I now focus on coordination and logistics, our incredible team steps up to prepare, cook, and package meals with love and care. We typically serve meals 2–3 times each week, with adjustments during holidays. Every effort is a team effort, and every bit of support helps us go further.