S.E.R.V.E.: Nourishing the Community, One Meal at a Time

Since opening its doors in 1979, Stafford Emergency Relief through Volunteer Efforts (S.E.R.V.E.) has been fulfilling its name, serving Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, and Caroline Counties, and the City of Fredericksburg. What began as a local initiative has grown into a vital resource for the community, providing nourishment and assistance to those who are food insecure. In addition, S.E.R.V.E. hosts the Dominion Energyshare Program for utility assistance and Health & Wellness Days events in collaboration with local public health organizations. 

Lee Cheney serves at the helm as Executive Director, while Celeste Young manages the business and finance department, and Michael Chergosky manages operations of the 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose vision is "to engage in activities that promote the general health and well-being of our community." With a history of over 44 years, S.E.R.V.E. is the region's largest and oldest food pantry. 

While the philosophy of S.E.R.V.E. is deeply rooted in strategic actions to combat food insecurity and provide emergency relief to those in the area, their mission extends beyond simply providing food. The organization also aims to uplift the community through health-promoting activities and programs that instill hope. 

Nearly 20 years ago, the words, "Food money is a luxury," struck a chord with Cheney, setting her on a path in the fight against hunger. For Cheney, hunger has no face, no political or cultural bias, but affects all types of individuals, making them choose between bills and basic sustenance. What inspires individual staff and volunteers is the resilience of those S.E.R.V.E. serves. 

"Humans, by nature, are typically embarrassed or humiliated to ask for help," Cheney explained. "Those we serve fight every day to provide for their families. They stare at the judgment and walk directly past it– their strength is immeasurable. Inflation devastates them. At S.E.R.V.E., we understand this; therefore, not only do we provide food, we provide dignity."

Despite facing daily challenges, they display remarkable strength, overcoming obstacles and hubris to provide for their families, Cheney summarized. Still, it's the daily interaction with guests that she enjoys most about her work:

"We post a sign that reads 'Help Yourself.' To see our guests fill bags of fresh produce and share recipes with one another is incredible. Our guests are like everyone else; they love cooking, watching cooking shows, and feeding their families. They just don't have enough money to buy it. I look forward to that part of my day, every day."

Connecting with the community allows Cheney and other volunteers to understand their needs firsthand, enabling her to share their stories with supporters– farmers, food donors, volunteers, faith-based organizations, and financial supporters.

In this holiday season, staff at S.E.R.V.E. wanted to remind the community that they're always in dire need of volunteers and support. They welcome individuals and groups, including students, families, and civic organizations, to build and distribute Christmas boxes in mid-December and emphasize that monetary donations are crucial. Donators can rest assured that their support directly impacts food operations, with an astounding 97% supporting food operations, providing three meals for every dollar donated. 

The data shows S.E.R.V.E.'s impact on the community: nearly 3,000 individuals and 400 families receive monthly assistance, a 400% increase in the past six months. While these numbers may imply many things, Cheney emphasized that the increased numbers summarize what the organization is all about: "No one is turned away." 

Amid their serious work, the team brings humor and inspiration to daily operations. Operations Manager Michael Chergosky serves as the guest concierge, listening attentively to the needs of those they serve, while Celeste Young is quick to lighten stressful moments with a joke, often yelling "Welcome to Moe's!" during more hectic times. As a team, they work together, and they've adopted the mantra "All in." 

It's more than a hashtag or slogan for this remarkable team; it encapsulates their dedication and commitment to the community. The staff is all local, except Cheney, and they proudly support local initiatives. Additionally, 99% of their staff and board proudly wear the veteran title and represent all military branches. 

S.E.R.V.E. is more than just an organization; it's a lifeline for the community. In the spirit of the holiday season, let's join their team, be #ALLIN, and ensure no one goes hungry in our community. 

To go #ALLIN, call 540-288-9603, email them atSERVE@SERVE-helps.org, or visit their website,www.serve-helps.org, to see how you can help.