By: Melody Garcia and Mark Anthony King   “Wherever there is a human need, there is an opportunity for kindness and to make a difference.” –Kevin Heath   It all started in May of 2007 as a concept of connecting underserved, homeless mothers to resources. A group of students challenged Stephanie Bowman to come up with her own ideas on the matter. A mentor of hers noticed that she had well over 10,000 volunteer hours, which far surpassed the average. It was an eight-year journey from her sobriety to the birth of One Heart. During this time, she observed what she liked most about certain non-profit organizations, and what she disliked; help being delayed or difficult to receive. This acted as a “training ground” in setting the right foundations that would later become the pillars of her community non-profit, which continues to thrive 15 years later. Earlier challenges included not having grants, funds, storage space, but these setbacks allowed her to get creative and really ask questions. She stated, “If you don’t ask, then the answer is always no.” Her earlier beginnings were a mere operation best described as a trunk show. Not for sales, but more so filling her car with essentials and bringing them to those in need. To raise funds, Stephanie also gathered donated items and sold them from her car in empty spaces – that is, until she came to realize she required permission. She hit the old school approach of yellow pages, calling contacts. She realized it takes an entire village to make one significant move, and Stephanie did not hesitate to ask for assistance in the form of connections, seeking volunteers, or asking for contributions and donations. She placed the focus towards the greater good over her own hesitancies....... Read more on Full Issue!