VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — The co-directors of Fruitful Blessings drew from their faith and passion to come up with the nonprofit's name.
"We wanted to just have a name that would continue to be fruitful in the community, continue to make a difference, and we want to bless people," Jaleesa Olds said.
She and her mother, Monica Thomas, started Fruitful Blessings in 2020 to serve the homeless community, Title I-funded schools and families in need.
Thomas, a retired educator, said she was inspired to do something after what she witnessed firsthand in schools and the community.
"I've been there and I've seen students come in hungry. I've been there and I've seen them sit there and don't have the supplies that they need," Thomas said. "But I also saw an increase in the homeless community within the area. So, I collaborated with my daughter, and I said 'Let's start a nonprofit.'"
Fruitful Blessings provides people experiencing homelessness with essential items and support through an event called Resident's Day.
"The Housing Center in Norfolk houses about a hundred homeless people," Olds said. "And so, during that day, we give them food, we give them clothes, shoes, we try to have counseling services out there. We also give personal care kits and bus passes."
The nonprofit also regularly stocks so-called "mini pantries" at College Park and Seatack elementary schools in Virginia Beach.
"We have school supplies and non-perishable kits, non-perishable food items," Olds said. "We provide that every six to eight weeks."
Fruitful Blessings' goal is to expand its mini pantry program to more schools in need. The nonprofit also hopes to eventually establish a central location where students, families and the homeless community can receive services, supplies and support.
Thomas said donations from the community will go towards the group's ambitions.
"We want to... keep this drive going, to keep helping students, keep helping teachers," Thomas said. "What we want to do is uplift and bless the community as far as the families, the students, the schools, and the homeless community."
In addition to monetary support, Fruitful Blessings is asking the community to donate new or gently used clothing, school supplies, and nonperishable food. Click here to contact the nonprofit.
You can also keep up with Fruitful Blessings' upcoming events by visiting the group's website, Facebook or Instagram pages.
Plus, more than 200 other local nonprofits need your support on Give Local 757 Day. The largest single-day fundraising event in Hampton Roads is on Tuesday, April 23. Click here for a full list of participating groups.