Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Rodriguez .
Hi Melissa, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I always had a heart for community outreach and a burning desire to make it my life’s work. Little did I know in 2017, the Lord would begin putting the pieces together to make this dream possible. In late 2017, my husband and I were planning a church fundraising event. One evening, after discussing the event with the congregation, we met Brandi (who became a co-founder of Seeds of Love Ministry). Brandi expressed her desire to want to help, but she was unemployed at the time. In the same breath, though, she began telling us she could get free or extremely low-cost items through Amazon. She brought some items the following week, including new baby items, comforter sets, camping-type items, and more. We were blown away at how nice all of the items were! We raised over $2,500 at the event, mostly due to Brandi’s donated items. Shortly after the event, I had a vision of God pouring out seed from His hands. At that moment, we realized God wanted us to reach our community by providing essential items to those in need. Seeds of Love Ministry was born! Over the past five years and especially since becoming a 501(c)(3) in March 2021, we’ve had the honor of serving and meeting tangible needs for at least 200 individuals a month within Northeast Florida. We also partner with other amazing nonprofits and organizations through monthly community outreaches to increase the value of our combined impact.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
We have our fair share of struggles, especially being an extremely small nonprofit with limited funding and an all-volunteer staff. However, God has always provided what is needed for the work He’s called us to do. He never said it would be easy, but He promised to be with us to the end and is faithful. So, we keep moving forward, refusing to give up even during the hard times. We desire to someday have our own facility large enough to store all our inventory. We’re currently storing inventory in 5 locations throughout Clay and Duval counties. Our facility would greatly expand our inventory and reach of support while also providing a more personalized shopping experience for those we serve within our community.
Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Seeds of Love Ministry exists to love and support individuals and families experiencing financial hardships by providing essential items, including clothing, undergarments, shoes, and much more. Our “brand new only” approach reminds them they are special to us, particularly since many already feel deflated because of their circumstances. Seeing their faces light up with delight in receiving brand-new items means everything to us! We love being able to help meet tangible needs for those experiencing financial hardships and provide them with love, encouragement, and hope! We strategically stretch the donated funds we receive to ensure the blessing to others is as far-reaching as possible. Our all-volunteer staff seeks online and in-store deals for free or extremely low-cost items. For example, $20 can provide 4 children with 5-pieces of new clothing that would otherwise cost about $200. Although our methods are extremely labor intensive, we consider them a labor of love!
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I have struggled with chronic pain for many years, particularly over the past 10 years, and was medically retired in 2021. Seeds of Love Ministry became a 501(c)(3) a month later. I had a dream in my heart for so long to live a life of outreach, and the Lord answered, although it wasn’t how I thought it would look in living with chronic pain. However, serving others in the community is incredible medicine for my soul! When I serve others, heaven comes down to earth and rests upon me. His grace has been sufficient, and I will continue to serve others as long as the Lord allows me to. I’m thankful for my amazing husband who is so supportive along with an incredible team that has a huge heart to serve our community!
Contact Info:
- Website: sol-ministry.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seedsofloveministry/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/people/Seeds-Of-Love-Ministry/100066735523258/
