Meet Arlene Joseph-Younger

We recently connected with Arlene Joseph-Younger and have shared our conversation below.

Arlene, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

Growing up in the inner city, and my career as a licensed clinical social worker, has allowed me to cross paths with a plethora of people in a variety of different circumstances. Although in my professional work, I have been able to provide a level of support to the mental health and other needs of those I service, there were numerous people that I was unable to reach. I began to create care packages for individuals that are homeless, starting with 10 bags at a time due to my own financial circumstances. Being able to support individuals that are a part of the homeless community has always been heavy on my heart throughout my life. I sat one day and sought God for vision on how I could carry out what I already knew he placed on me to do. That was when I gained the clarity and understanding of my purpose. I created my nonprofit organization, Gods Favor The Firstfruit Inc., to be able to reach this population of individuals at a larger scale, with motivation driven through Philippians 4:19 “But my God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus”. I have experienced numerous challenges in my life, but each and every time a way was made. I feel blessed to be able to be the vessel that is used to bless others who are in need, and are struggling to see the light in the darkness.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

God’s Favor The Firstfruit Inc is a nonprofit organization that provides support of food, clothing, mental health resources, emergency blankets, basic medical supplies (such as first aid kits), etc., to individuals that are experiencing homelessness within Jersey City, NJ, as well as neighboring cities. Through personal funds, as well as donations, I create care bags filled with a variety of items that are essential to these individuals. I drive around Jersey City, and neighboring cities, distributing the bags and any other items. When I think of what is special about what I do, I think about how at times we don’t know that we may be someone’s answered prayer. There was a day that I was with my daughter driving around passing out meals to individuals, and one specific encounter with a young woman that had been sitting on the steps in a park stood out to me. As we pulled up, this was the last meal we had with us to distribute, the tears that came to this woman’s eyes told a story. As we were about to drive away, I looked over to where she was and saw her looking up to the sky. Had she possibly been sitting on that step with hunger pains wondering where and when she would have her next meal? I get excited about being able to help those that may be struggling to help themselves. Being able to bless others, as God continues to bless me with the ability and resources to do so. God’s Favor the Firstfruit Inc. seeks to spread the testimony of God’s goodness, grace, mercy, and love.

We are currently working on our upcoming clothing drive event where we will be distributing clothes, shoes, coats, and blankets.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

I would say the three areas that were impactful are having a heart of compassion, faith, and the knowledge developed from the humbling interactions I’ve had through my clinical work when it comes to awareness on some of the specific needs of people experiencing homelessness. These three things shape my perspective when it comes to support for individuals that are homeless. Many people have this misconception about this population of people, not realizing that there are so many factors that contribute to the unfortunate circumstances that these individuals face. Many of these factors are things that any of us can potentially be met with.

I would advice folks early in their journey to hold remain faithful to their purpose and move with pure intentions. This will allow you to reflect on how each experience is shaping your decision making as you build in whatever it is you are doing. There is a self-awareness that gives you the ability to regroup and refocus during times of challenges.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

I am most definitely looking for people to partner and collaborate with, as well as sponsors. The goal of God’s Favor The Firstfruit Inc. is to be able to touch as many lives as possible. That takes more people that believe in the mission that we set out to do, and have access to the resources to do so. I am looking to collaborate with people that are cheerful givers knowing that it is for a greater purpose, giving from a place of love and just wanting to be able to help others with pure intentions. We are still a newly created nonprofit organization so we are continuing to build our networks, and social media presence. I can be reach through email at godsfavorthefirstfruitinc@gmail.com, via phone at (551)282-3898, and through our social media platforms on Instagram and TikTok. Whether you would like to collaborate on an event, initiative, or just would like to send a donation of any kind towards our mission, we want to hear from you!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/godsfavorthefirstfruitinc/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@godsfavorthefirstfruit