Our Story
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In 2009 I had just finished reading the book, Between Sundays. by Karen Kingsbury, a book about a woman who spent her free time volunteering at an after-school program for foster children. I was so inspired to find my niche where I could bless others in our own community, but found it difficult to find the right fit. My heart was not leading me to one particular need; I wanted the ability to help wherever I was called.
I knew I wasn’t alone and decided to create a network of volunteers that we could call upon to serve at local events. Initially it was my family and circle of friends who helped out with events such as the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, Habitat for Humanity, and meeting the needs of local homeless shelters. Our small network quickly grew as others learned of opportunities to serve and my mother, Julie Thomas, became our official director. We started a Facebook page which allowed us to learn of more needs in the community. Whenever we posted a need, our volunteers would jump in to help. We’ve helped cancer patients, widows, fire victims, and the homeless. Our volunteers clean houses, cook and deliver meals, take elderly to doctor appointments, and provide furniture and clothing to those in need. Once we became an official 501c3, we began hosting our own events based on the needs we would see in the community. We host an annual Christmas Outreach supplying nearly 1,000 toys to underprivileged children. Project Platoon is an amazing project where we ship supplies, food and books to soldiers overseas. Immokalee Serve Day is where we feed the homeless, clean and organize the Immokalee Friendship Home and reach out to families and children in the community. During our annual Back to School Bash, we supply 400-800 backpacks filled with school supplies to underprivileged children. We have been incredibly blessed to meet and help amazing people who are going through some tough times. It is beautiful to see that as soon as they are back on their feet, they are the first to give back! We have so many amazing volunteers and members who can’t wait for the next outreach. Our ultimate vision is to build a Center that will have Affordable Housing for service people (nurses, teachers, EMT’s, police officers, veterans, etc.), a community center, an education building, a clinic, a church, and a veteran’s place. We are praying for this to happen and believing that God will work out all the details. Thank you for everything you do to help make Project Outreach successful! Angela Meister, Founder of Project Outreach Naples |
Angela Meister, Founder
The founding family: Angie, Josi, Mom Julie Thomas, and Cassie
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For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.
- Matthew 25:35
Where there's a need we can meet, we meet it.
Our Outreach
Project Outreach Naples is a 501c3 striving to be the hands and feet of Jesus. We work in partnership with many organizations throughout the county and our volunteers come from many different churches, backgrounds and faiths. Together we feed, clothe, repair, heal, provide, restore, and LOVE.
We are grateful for the amazing volunteers that eagerly share their time, talents and treasures whenever there is a need. There are so many more than we can picture here, but we are grateful for every one of you! Thank you for helping us make a difference.
We are grateful for the amazing volunteers that eagerly share their time, talents and treasures whenever there is a need. There are so many more than we can picture here, but we are grateful for every one of you! Thank you for helping us make a difference.
Together we are making a difference in Naples and beyond!
Here are some of our recent volunteer projects:
- Project Outreach's Annual Back-to-School Bash, partnering with local schools to provide backpacks and school supplies to children in need
- Project Outreach's Annual Christmas Outreach
- Project Outreach's Annual Ashlyn’s Baskets in memory of Ashlyn Barber provides fun surprises for children in SWFL hospitals
- Project Outreach's Annual Uncle Kurt's Lil' Brown Bags to bless the homeless in our community
- Bikes for Tykes
- Wings of Shelter
- Food Angels
- Nursing home visits
- Parties for children at Youth Haven
- Fundraisers for Sunlight Home, Cancer Alliance of Naples, Wine, Women & Shoes;
- Dinners served at St. Matthew’s House
- Meals prepared and delivered to families in need
- Home repairs for the elderly
- Disaster cleanups and other crisis needs throughout the community