Today we’d like to introduce you to Jose E. Figueroa Jr.
Hi Jose, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
OFOM is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by Milagros M. Garcia, Chaplain/Minister. Prior to its inception, Millie always had an interest in, a love for, and a desire to help the homeless/less fortunate (our brothers/sisters in transition, if you will), so it was only a matter of time before God would birth this ministry through her. Millie has always been known for working diligently in several different church outreach ministries and volunteering in several different organizations who offered similar services. However, in 2018, after years of assisting all of these other organizations, the time had come for her to venture out and open up her own organization/ministry, one that would be founded/centered in love and integrity. Since its inception, OFOM has flourished in ways that no one was expecting or could have even imagined. However, her faith, her obedience, and her heart have been the cornerstones, the foundation that OFOM was built upon. 4 years later, and OFOM has continued to remain dedicated to providing resources to our brothers/sisters in transition in/throughout the city of Kissimmee, Florida, sometimes venturing out into Orlando. Between daily food distribution and our monthly outreaches, we have been able to service a multitude of individuals and families who are in need, and we look forward to continuing to do so for as long as God sees fit.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
While it hasn’t been the smoothest of roads, it also hasn’t exactly been the roughest/bumpiest either. Some of the struggles we’ve faced have been – lack of help (people, governmental, etc…), lack of resources, lack of funds, having to operate out of our home, vehicle issues, car accidents, betrayal, disappointment, to name a few. However, in spite of all of that, God has remained faithful to his promise towards this ministry/organization and has continued to provide in abundance so that we can continue doing what He’s called us to do. Therefore, no matter what obstacles may arise, we know that as long as we remain faithful to God, He will continue to remain faithful to us!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next, you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Overflowing Fountain Outreach Ministries (or “OFOM”) is a faith-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization driven by a single goal – to do our part in making the homeless/less-fortunate people of our community (our brothers/sisters in transition) a more self-sufficient people. We are focused on providing the necessary resources to our brothers/sisters in transition in/throughout the Kissimmee area. Our mission is to provide them with the basic essentials needed for survival – food (meals & groceries), clothing, love, etc… With our organization’s mission always in mind, we strive to find new strategies for dealing with this challenge. We are conscious of the changing demographics in our organization’s service area and are committed to growing and adapting to meet the emerging needs. Our desire is to be the hands of God in our community. We have a soft spot for our brothers/sisters in transition and we try to do our part in reminding them that they have not been forgotten, they are important, they are seen, and they are loved.
We believe that a single action can make a difference in the community and that collective action can greatly impact the world. Through advocacy and outreach activities, our team works tirelessly to contribute their part to the greater good. Our ultimate aim is to bring love, hope, and compassion to an otherwise hurting world.
Some of our services include, but are not limited to:
• Daily distribution of bread, pastries, food boxes
• Meal distribution
• Clothing distribution
• Monthly community outreaches
…and so much more.
While there are a number of other organizations/companies out there essentially doing the same, we wholeheartedly believe that our passion and our genuine desire to see a change, as well as our love for the people in the community, is what sets us apart and we work tirelessly to do what we can to fight this consistently growing crisis.
What would you say has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
I think the biggest lesson we’ve learned, or have been reintroduced to, is that no one is ever exempt from this lifestyle. Anyone, at any moment, can find themselves at the bottom, if you will. From one day to the next, you can go from having it all to having nothing at all. If nothing else, this ministry/organization has kept this a daily, resonant, and humbling reminder.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.overflowingfountain.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/ofoministries
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/ofoministries
