Today we’d like to introduce you to Yanelis Civil.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Loving Hearts & Praying Hands Inc. (LHPH) was founded in 2021 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, in response to the urgent needs of families struggling with food insecurity, housing instability, and limited access to essential resources. What began as a grassroots effort to help neighbors quickly grew into a trusted community organization rooted in compassion, service, and collaboration.
From the beginning, our goal was to create a safe and welcoming space where families could access resources, information, and support, including assistance with rental and utility bills, food access, and referrals to local support programs. To meet immediate needs, we initially raised funds by raffling bundles of essential household items, allowing us to directly support individuals and families facing hardship.
LHPH has since become a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and continues to expand its impact. Today, we operate a weekly mobile food pantry serving hundreds of families, provide referrals to partner agencies such as The Mustard Seed of Central Florida, and host special community outreach events throughout the year to address seasonal and emergency needs.
In addition, we proudly run the LHPH Youth Life Skills Program, which empowers teens with hands-on experiences, mentorship, and practical skills to help prepare them for adulthood, entrepreneurship, and workforce readiness.
Through partnerships, volunteer engagement, and community trust, Loving Hearts & Praying Hands remains committed to uplifting individuals, strengthening families, and connecting our community to the resources they need to thrive.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it has not been a smooth road—but it has been a meaningful one.
Like many grassroots organizations that began during the pandemic, Loving Hearts & Praying Hands faced significant challenges early on. We started with limited funding, minimal resources, and a heavy demand for services as families were experiencing job loss, housing instability, and food insecurity at unprecedented levels. There were times when the needs in the community far exceeded what we had available to give.
Another challenge was building credibility and structure while actively serving the community. Balancing day-to-day outreach with the administrative responsibilities of becoming a 501(c)(3) nonprofit—such as compliance, documentation, and sustainable planning—required long hours, learning on the go, and perseverance.
Volunteer capacity was also a struggle at times. We relied heavily on a small group of dedicated volunteers while trying to grow programs like our weekly mobile pantry and youth life skills program. Transportation, storage, and consistent access to food and supplies were ongoing hurdles.
Despite these challenges, we remained committed to our mission. We leaned into community partnerships, referrals to agencies like The Mustard Seed, and creative fundraising efforts to continue serving families. Every obstacle helped us grow stronger, more organized, and more intentional about sustainability and impact.
The journey has taught us resilience, adaptability, and the power of community. While the road hasn’t been easy, it has reinforced why this work matters and why Loving Hearts & Praying Hands continues to serve with compassion and purpose.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am the Founder and Executive Director of Loving Hearts & Praying Hands Inc., a nonprofit organization rooted in service, advocacy, and compassion. My work focuses on addressing immediate needs while creating long-term stability for families and youth in our community.
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration with a minor in Human Services, which has shaped how I approach community work—through both a systems-based lens and a people-first perspective. My background allows me to understand the barriers families face while also navigating the resources, policies, and partnerships needed to help them move forward.
Through Loving Hearts & Praying Hands, we specialize in:
• Weekly mobile food pantry services
• Youth life skills development for teens
• Community outreach and seasonal support events
• Resource referrals for rental assistance, utility support, food access, and essential services, including partnerships with agencies like The Mustard Seed
What we are most known for is our consistent presence and trust within the community. We don’t just show up during the holidays or emergencies—we are there week after week, building relationships, following up, and connecting people to real solutions.
Outside of my nonprofit work, I am also a tax professional, which allows me to further support families by helping them maximize their financial resources and gain stability. Most importantly, I am a full-time mother of seven children, which deeply influences my passion and purpose. Being a mother gives me firsthand insight into the challenges families face and fuels my commitment to creating a stronger, more supportive community for the next generation.
What I am most proud of is starting Loving Hearts & Praying Hands during the pandemic with very little—but growing it into a trusted 501(c)(3) organization that continues to serve hundreds of families with dignity, compassion, and consistency. This organization is not just my work—it is my calling and purpose.
What sets us apart from others is our heart-centered approach combined with action. We meet people where they are, provide immediate relief, offer education and resources, and remain committed to long-term impact. Our work is rooted in lived experience, community trust, and an unwavering belief that everyone deserves access to support, opportunity, and hope.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
My biggest advice is to start with authenticity and service, not titles or status. A mentor doesn’t always come with a formal label—many of my mentors came from relationships built through community work, shared values, and consistency.
What has worked well for me is showing up and staying present. I attend community events, meetings, and outreach opportunities—not just to network, but to serve. When people see your work ethic, your heart, and your consistency, relationships grow naturally. I’ve found that mentors often appear when others recognize your commitment and passion.
also believe in giving before asking. I build relationships by supporting others, volunteering, sharing resources, and collaborating. Networking works best when it’s mutual and rooted in trust, not just transactions.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lovingheartsprayinghandsinc.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovingheartsprayinghandsinc?igsh=ZmF5M24xbzM0N3oy&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1B83iY4d8J/?mibextid=wwXIfr
