Seasons of Change: Fear, Growth, and the Future We’re Building Together

A year ago, we weren’t sure we would still be here.

Some of our most essential programs were hanging on by a thread. We were questioning how long we could keep delivering when our resources were running out faster than we could replenish them. We were pouring our hearts into this mission—but we were also deeply aware of the harsh reality: passion alone doesn’t pay the bills. It doesn’t restock shelves or pay for diapers or fund delivery vans.

We were staring down some incredibly tough decisions. The thought of closing doors in certain areas was more than just logistical—it was heartbreaking. We knew the need hadn’t gone away. If anything, it had grown. Families still needed us. Children still deserved to be met with dignity and compassion. But we were exhausted. We were scared. We were running on grit and prayers.

And yet—look where we are now.

This year, we are on track to serve over 3,000 children across South Florida through The Supporting Hands Program. That’s over 3,000 kids who will receive clothing, diapers, shoes, car seats, hygiene items, backpacks, and more—within 48 hours of a referral. That’s over 3,000 children whose caregivers will breathe just a little easier knowing someone is showing up for them in their moment of need.

This month, we opened a brand-new location in Margate to better serve families in Broward County. Just a year ago, we were fighting to keep our existing doors open. Now, we’re opening new ones.

Our team has grown to nine staff members—each of them extraordinary. These are not just people filling roles. They are compassionate, driven, selfless individuals who carry the heart of this organization in everything they do. From warehouse deliveries to case coordination, they show up fully and consistently, often going above and beyond what is asked. We’ve found the most incredible staff on the planet, and we don’t say that lightly.

This spring, we hosted our Voices of the System event, and it was one of the most successful and meaningful evenings we’ve ever experienced. It was a celebration of resilience, of lived experience, of the powerful stories that are often unheard. Voices of the System reminded us all why we do this work—and why we must keep going. To see the community come together around this mission in such a strong, heartfelt way was something we’ll never forget.

If we’ve learned anything this year, it’s that new seasons require courage. Growth can be painful. Expansion brings uncertainty. Running a nonprofit—especially one built from the ground up with little to no experience—is daunting. But we’ve come this far because we never lost sight of the why.

We didn’t set out to build a traditional organization. We set out to meet a desperate need. And somewhere along the way, The Hands and Feet grew into something bigger—a movement of people united by love, action, and a refusal to let children fall through the cracks.

Our passion stretches far beyond the day-to-day logistics. It’s in the midnight planning sessions, the quiet deliveries, the tears shed in solidarity with a caregiver who feels like no one sees them. It’s in the long drives across counties, the last-minute donation pickups, the thoughtful sorting of each item knowing exactly where it’s headed. Our passion is deeply personal, unshakable, and rooted in the belief that children in the system deserve more.

We still get scared. We still face challenges. But we no longer face them alone. We have a growing team, a supportive community, and a mission that keeps pushing us forward.

To everyone who has believed in us, supported us, and stood beside us in every season—thank you. Your encouragement, your generosity, and your faith in what we’re building have carried us further than we ever thought possible.

Here’s to the season we’re in. One of growth, hope, and relentless dedication. We’re not finished. Not even close. And we’re so grateful to have you with us for what comes next.

With heartfelt thanks,

Bailey and the entire Hands and Feet Team