We recently connected with Hannah Overton and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Hannah thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. One of the most important things small businesses can do, in our view, is to serve underserved communities that are ignored by giant corporations who often are just creating mass-market, one-size-fits-all solutions. Talk to us about how you serve an underserved community.

Syndeo Ministries is a non-profit organization focused on helping women impacted by the legal system, as well as women who have experienced other traumatic situations. At this time, many incarcerated women are in prisons without air conditioning, which means that during these times of extreme Texas heat, many are suffering from heat-related illnesses and even death. The conditions from the lack of AC have been in the news frequently lately, and efforts to make changes will hopefully be successful. In the meantime, Syndeo, along with supporters around the country have banded together to provide relief in the form of reusable cups and cooling towels. How do these products make a difference? Well, although water coolers may be provided to the women in prison, cups are not, leaving them with no means to get the water. And although cooling towels may be available in commissary, the majority of women do not have the money to purchase them. That’s why Syndeo has been providing these items free of charge to almost 10,000 women for the last several years. Our hope is to provide at least some relief from the heat, and also to remind these women that they are not forgotten!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I understand the suffering incarcerated women in Texas experience, because I spent 7 years with them. Although exonerated in 2015 after seven years of imprisonment and having had all charges dropped, I recall vividly the experiences and the needs of those still inside. God showed me His heart for the women I was surrounded by and placed in me the desire for them to know they are not forgotten while behind prison walls and also to have a safe place to go home to. In addition to providing items that give reprieve from the summer heat and hygienes at Christmas, Syndeo Ministries has a discipleship home where women can heal from the trauma they have experienced, and come to know God’s heart of love towards them, so they can experience a new life.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

Syndeo Ministries is completely funded by the generous donations of those who partner with us. We are sincerely humbled by their love and devotion!

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

People from around the United States partner with Syndeo Ministries. Skilled workers, women’s groups, college groups, and youth come to help us in our various endeavors, including construction, letter writing, crafts, classes, and maintenance.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.syndeoministries.com
• Instagram: @syndeoministry
• Facebook: Syndeo Ministries
• Twitter: @SyndeoMinistry
• Youtube: Syndeo Ministries

Image Credits
Debra Brinker