Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nanda Morris. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Nanda, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s something crazy on unexpected that’s happened to you or your business

This story is really amazing! We serve the homeless and the veteran population of our community. One particular veteran who we call, Phil asked if we could help him get a car to replace the one that was repossessed when he was recovering from having his leg amputated. He had $2,000 to make a purchase, we knew that it would be a tough find. In addition to this, it was not a usual request but because of the circumstances, we agreed.

We posted his request on our various social media platforms. Not long after posting, we had many suggestions on housing options but no car. About a week later, we received a message from a lady in the area who had a car she no longer used. We were thrilled! She said that she did not want the car and did not want to sell it but wanted to donate it to help Mr. Phil. It wasn’t just any car, it was a 2005 Infiniti FX35! We were overjoyed, amazed, and so excited for Mr. Phil. When he was informed of the donation he cried like a baby. No one had shown him this type of kindness before.

When took him to pick up the car, she had it all prepared for him. In the back area of the car was a blanket and pillow all spread out for him. We were all so blessed that day. There are still good and generous people in the world!

Nanda, 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?

My name is Nanda Morris, I am the founder of Helping Hands Food Pantry and Emergency Service in Mobile, Alabama. I started as a minister. serving people in the church and community. While doing this I became a four-time author, a mentor, and a life coach. My passion is to help people and to see them succeed.

I have always wanted to pay forward the kindness that a lady showed me and my family when we were homeless and in need of food. She ran a neighborhood food pantry and helped us until we could get on our feet. I never forgot this kindness, I knew that one say I would be able to return this kindness to others.

One day after our monthly Bible study we decided to take a day to make sandwiches and serve the homeless and hungry in serval areas where they frequent. To our surprise, there were many in need! After praying about how to best help those in need Helping Hands Food Pantry and Emergency Services was born. Our tag says it best…Ministry without Walls!

We have discovered that you do not need a building to do God’s work. All that is needed is His heart to serve His people! We are grateful for the opportunity to serve others.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

Treat people with respect! We are all different for a reason. I have learned to embrace the diversity of those to work with me. We need diversity! We have to understand that we do not have all the answers but we know that in a multitude of counselors there is wisdom! We bounce ideas off of each other until we come to a place of agreement.

Then the people who you team yourself up with must believe in the mission! It is pointless to team up with half-hearted people. The buy-in is critical to your success. If they are as passionate about the mission and vision as you are, they are those teams that will stick with you when times are good and when they are hard.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I had to learn that it is okay to ask for help. Sometimes we can be prideful and/or fearful and do not want to appear not to have it all together. But in a team, there is no “I” learning that humility is a superpower was the best lesson that I have learned. I found this out by making mistakes, working myself sick, and overwhelming myself with work and deadlines. One day one of the ladies on the board said, “we are here to help you.” That was the turning point. I began to ask them for help and assign duties according to their abilities. This was a tremendous relief and benefit to me, our team, and the ministry.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.helpinghandsfoodpantry.net/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hhefp
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nanda-morris-055525177/