We were lucky to catch up with Dennis Smith recently and have shared our conversation below.

Dennis , appreciate you joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

I started in 2014 without a name or organization just a vision and my trust in God. I began to share my vision and plans with my best friend Carrie Kantor and with her help and love for people she helped me fund my first Back to school bookbag/ supplies to give back to less fortunate and displaced families in the South Miami communities of Homestead and Florida city. Over the years I prayed more about my desires in my heart and what I wanted to do in these communities because there is an apparent need but no Hands to assist them so creating more events and still with no name, I knew it was an endeavor I wanted to do every year and more frequently, if possible. Over the years, I extended my hand of help to many behind the scenes with (Thanksgiving boxes, Christmas toys for kids, Gift cards for the holidays, Back to school supplies). Moving into 2020 I prayed and asked God what is my purpose? God told me it’s to help the nation and to be the REACHING HANDS to all with needs. With this clear direction from God, I birthed my organization on December 26, 2020. I held my first event by creating 100 deluxe lunch boxes for the homeless and displaced individuals in the Miami, Florida area.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

What I would like readers to know about reaching hands, this isn’t a non-profit that can’t be personable but we stand and believe God is using us to touch many lives and encouraging them to know their is hope for the hopeless and planting the seed of giving them basic needs will allow them to take solace in knowing it’s okay if you have to start over again and we are here to assist with our hands, that we so graciously extend. I’m the visionary and founder of this organization and very hands-on with the creative side and also handling all the moving parts of this organization ensuring the vision doesn’t get lost and remaining focused on our purpose. I’m also a volunteer as well; I don’t deem myself to be better than anybody because I always remember it could be ME. Reaching Hands specialize in making all homeless and displaced individuals feel like they’re the only ones that matter when we’re one on one with them in events. We connect with them on a spiritual, emotional and mental level with them so they can understand we are human too and it could easily be us in their shoes. Reaching hands is set apart from any other non-profit for 3 unique reasons- integrity, Kindness and Excellence in all we do in servicing the homeless and displaced individuals. Im most proud of my dedication and being able to manifest my vision and appreciating what an honor it is being able to connect with people from all walks of life. It’s rewarding to see how many have tapped into my vision and are willing to reach hands and assist me with this organization. It’s not mine; it’s for ALL of us. My organization offers a seed of a new start in life and provides basic needs and essentials that include but are not limited to; food, clothing, shoes and toiletry items to take care of themselves and a smile because it’s really about the connections we make and the impact on their lives that I always want them to remember but most importantly, that we love them and care.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

It hasn’t always been smooth but I understood the assignment God had given me in this time of my life. I understood my journey would never be easy it would come with moments I needed to cry or just find myself praying to God with questions and seeking answers. Some of the struggles may have been not enough support from the community around me but I understood in due timing support will come and it would be on time!

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

I started in 2014 without a name or organization just a vision and my trust in God. I began to share my vision and plans with my best friend Carrie Kantor and with her help and love for people she helped me fund my first Back to school bookbag/ supplies to give back to less fortunate and displaced families in the South Miami communities of homestead and Florida city.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Reachinghandsllc

Image Credits
Photo Credits | Dennis Smith ( CEO / Founder)