We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jedadiah Baker. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jedadiah below.

Jedadiah, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. 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.

This is one of the greatest privileges we have in this world. So, after a few years of consistently feeding our friends in the homeless community and in low-income settings, around 2014 or 2015 we had a new group come out to volunteer. It was during one our annual Thanksgiving events. The leader who organized this group was a local business owner, and most of their group either worked for him, or were part of his family. This event consisted of providing a hot meal and dessert including, turkey, ham, brisket, sides, pie, cookies, etc. We also had raffle prizes and gift cards given out. Just having a blast and spending time with the residents there was a blessing.
We hosted this event in one of the low-income projects here in Austin, TX. Afterwards, he came up to me and stated, “This is the best event I’ve been to in years, so rewarding.” He told me to include him, his wife, and team every year. Not only that, he would go on to be the primary contributor in that season.

Jedadiah, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Back in March 2010, I simply started going out and feeding our friends in the homeless community on a weekly basis. Things blew up from there. This was a interesting time in my life, because I had been out of prison for a year, and it was so difficult finding work. My 2009 looked like filling out hundreds and hundreds of applications, going to interviews only to be denied because of my background. I picked up any job that would hire me, for a week, a couple weeks, or whatever was needed. Most of my income came from being an extra in commercials and movies, especially Friday Night Lights they were filming locally.
As a student of Jesus, I’m always praying and looking for ways to serve others. During this difficult season of my life it was no different. I remember seeing this guy holding a sign at the light near IH 35 and 11th street. So I simply prayed, Lord when you bless me with a job I’m going to feed your people. Then he simply replied, Why do you have to wait? I gave the man my last $10 to my name and left. When I got home later my check had arrived from Friday Night Lights. It was then, with that check that I went to Sam’s, and bought enough food to feed around 80 people. That’s how it all began.
Essentially what we provide is relief to those in need. Whether it is food, clothing, care packages (we call them Dignity Bags), backpacks and school supplies, or Snack Packs our goal is to let people know that they matter and are not forgotten about.
Starting from feeding we moved to proving gently used and new clothing, hosting fun events, annual Thanksgiving and Christmas events, back-to-school drives, Dignity Bags, and partnering with other local nonprofits.
I think one of the things that sets us apart is that we truly care about people and love being up close and personal. I’ve seen people hurry to give food and rush off. We stay and talk, hear stories and circumstances.
I’m proud that this started small and grew some, and that we persevered when volunteers didn’t show or donations didn’t come in. But most, I noticed that we influenced others to start their own things.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Facebook and word of mouth is how we began. Within the first month or so, we started taking pictures and uploading to Facebook. Then I added Instagram and Twitter. For someone starting out, I would just share what you are doing. Share especially with family and friends. Social media will bring new people into what you, but word of mouth will also keep people informed that already know you. Share with co-workers and neighbors.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Consistency, love for people, and not looking for fame. One thing that I’ve noticed that volunteers and supporters are looking for is how consistent you are. When people show up to your events and observe how you treat others they take notice. In some way, it may even cause others to reevaluate how they treat others.
I’ve also realized that when people see you not looking for glory they look at you differently. Some people do things to be seen and the people they are serving don’t matter. I keep fresh on my mind Jesus’s teachings in Matthew 6, about doing things before the Father alone. An audience of one.