We recently connected with LaKeisha Glover and have shared our conversation below.
LaKeisha, 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.
As a women of God, I rely on the Lord to guide me and define the calling He has on my life. Because of Him I have a purpose to serve others and give selflessly to those in need.
It is always my goal to serve the Lord with excellence and to bring my best self to each outreach experience. I could not do this without our extraordinary executive board of directors. We take the time to develop ourselves, plan and logistically outline each outreach with those we serve as the center focus. How can we serve our neighbors in need best? We aim to answer this question with action.
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?
At the young age of 7, I felt the Lord calling me to serve the homeless community. I remember passing by individuals on the street and becoming emotional at the sight of their circumstances. Wanting nothing more than to help them get the food, clothing, and housing they need. This is the passion that has fueled what we do at Mercy Street Kitchen Inc. We are a non-profit organization that seek to serve those who find themselves homeless by providing basic human necessities such as food, water, clothing and other resources. It is our goal to build trust with those we serve by consistently serving them and ultimately walking with them as they develop and acquire the skills to independently succeed.
From September – May we serve on the street and in shelter food while also providing clothing.
We have two goals this year that we are actively planning to breathe life into with the help of our executive board, community partners, and donors. Studies show that 46% of our foster care youth become homeless by age 26. It is our goal to partner with foster homes and begin to mentor these young people while caring for their needs to aid in preventing homelessness.
Most homeless individuals do not see a shower or bath for weeks and months at a time. It is a basic human need that prevents sickness, increases mental health, and builds self-esteem. We desire to employ a shower and laundry trailer when we go out to serve and provide our neighbors in need with the opportunity to clean up and move towards a better life.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Service, Mercy, and love are three of our main qualities.
How we serve others is important and should be done with care and love. Many of our neighbors in need have had a very tough past and it is important that we extend mercy and show them that no matter what they have done, they are important and special to God and to us. We aim to show them the love of Jesus with each meal we serve. One meal at a time.
If you are just starting out in any organization or business, it is important to put God first in all things. Prioritize your business goals and executing your mission. Taking evaluation of your impact at the end of each quarter will help you maintain alignment with your goals.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
Our ideal client is any neighbor in need on the street, in a shelter or group home. We know that with consistent help and trust built we can make a difference in the lives of others one meal at a time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mercystreetkitchen.org
- Instagram: Mercy Street Kitchen Inc
- Facebook: Mercy Street Kitchen Inc – Texas
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
