We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sherri McCoy a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Sherri, 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.
Once homeless myself, I endured the harsh realities of life as an unsheltered individual, struggling to find shelter, food, and transportation while maintaining full-time employment. Determined to change my life, I sought help and utilized available resources to get back on my feet. Through sheer determination and hard work, I secured stable housing after several months.
My firsthand experience motivated me to participate in community outreach and volunteer activities. After becoming a mother, I would take my daughter with me to do many of these same activities, such as serving meals with Hosea Feed the Hungry and visiting senior living communities.
In November 2020, my daughter’s desire to do more reignited my own passion for assisting those in need. Seeing her genuine concern and eagerness to make a difference reminded me of my own experiences and the importance of giving back. Her compassionate heart and unwavering determination inspired me to renew my commitment to helping the homeless, driving me to take action and make a meaningful impact in our community once again.
My firsthand experience allows me to connect with the homeless on a personal level, offering not just aid but understanding and hope. I feel a deep calling to give back to those still struggling, and it is this combination of past hardships and my daughter’s inspiring spirit that truly defines my purpose.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
As the CEO and founder of a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the homeless, I focus on providing essential services such as shelter, food, transportation, and additional resources to individuals and families with children. Our organization is committed to not only meeting immediate needs but also helping our clients achieve long-term stability and self-sufficiency.
What excites me most about this work is the opportunity to make a tangible difference in people’s lives. Every day, I witness the transformation that occurs when individuals receive the support and resources they need. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see families move into stable housing and children thriving in a safe environment. The gratitude and hope expressed by those we help are truly special and motivating.
In addition to my role in the nonprofit, I am a mother to an incredibly creative 11-year-old daughter who loves music. Her passion and enthusiasm are constant sources of inspiration for me. She is also actively involved in our community, serving alongside myself or at our place of worship, Connect Church, where she assists with the food pantry and clothing closet.
On a personal note, I am also a caretaker for my daughter’s father, who suffered a stroke in 2022. Balancing my responsibilities as a nonprofit leader, mother, and caretaker has been challenging, but it has also deepened my empathy and commitment to helping others in need.
Blessing Bags of Warmth is built on compassion, resilience, and the belief that everyone deserves a chance to rebuild their lives. We are dedicated to creating a supportive community where individuals can find hope and the tools they need to thrive.
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?
Reflecting on my journey from homelessness to leading a non-profit, three qualities stand out as most impactful: resilience, resourcefulness, and empathy.
Resilience: The ability to keep going despite numerous setbacks was crucial. During my hardest times, resilience was what helped me push through. It’s important to focus on small victories and maintain a positive outlook, even when circumstances seem dire.
Resourcefulness: Learning to make the most of limited resources was a vital skill. Whether it was finding creative solutions to problems or identifying opportunities in unlikely places, resourcefulness helped me navigate through difficult situations.
Empathy: Understanding and connecting with others who are struggling fosters a sense of community and purpose. Empathy not only helped me build meaningful relationships but also guided my mission to help others. I believe one should practice kindness and patience in everyday interactions.
For those early in their journey, my advice is to focus on developing these qualities through daily practices and experiences. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, seek out learning opportunities, and build strong, supportive connections. Remember, every step forward, no matter how small, is progress. Stay determined, be adaptable, and never underestimate the power of compassion, both for yourself and for others.
If you knew you only had a decade of life left, how would you spend that decade?
The challenges we face are multifaceted and continuous. One particular challenge we are currently facing is the increasing demand for our services amidst rising living costs and economic uncertainties. As more families find themselves in need, our resources are stretched thinner.
To address this, we are actively exploring collaborative opportunities with other non-profits and community organizations to provide resources and comprehensive support to those in need.
However, as awareness grows within our community about the work we do and the impact we have, I hope more individuals will feel compelled to support our efforts directly through contributions. Every donation, whether big or small, plays a crucial role in helping us expand our reach and assist more homeless families in need.
You can learn more about ways you can help via our website: https://www.blessingbagsofwarmth.org/
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.blessingbagsofwarmth.org/
- Instagram: BlessingBagsOfWarmth
- Facebook: BlessingBagsOfWarmth
- Linkedin: BlessingBagsOfWarmth
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