Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Bowman
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?
I was born into a loving family, where my parents instilled in me the values of kindness, hard work, and the importance of helping others. They taught me that real fulfillment comes from giving back to the community. But life had a different plan for me.
By 1999, I found myself at rock bottom—battling addiction, homelessness, domestic violence, and having my children placed in foster care. I was trapped in a cycle of abuse and despair, which seemed impossible to escape. It was the lowest point of my life, but even then, the lessons my family had taught me about resilience and the importance of community stayed with me. Faced with a choice between treatment or incarceration, I chose to fight for my life.
Through unwavering determination, I reclaimed my sobriety and, within a year, was reunited with my children. I graduated from a treatment facility, broke free from the cycle of violence and addiction, and began rebuilding my life. Although I didn’t know what that future would look like, I knew that I wanted to help others who faced the same struggles—whether it was addiction, domestic violence, or simply a lack of support. After everything I had been through, I knew that no one should have to face adversity alone.
In 2008, I founded One Heart for Women and Children. What started as a small food pantry has grown into a powerful community resource, providing not just food, but hope, opportunities, and support to over 12,000 individuals a month. Today, One Heart is the largest food provider in Orlando, but our mission is so much more than that. We are dedicated to helping families break free from the cycle of poverty, domestic violence, and hunger, empowering them to build better futures through resources like job training, financial literacy, and case coordination.
Through One Heart, I’ve been able to give back to the community and help others rise above their challenges, just as I did. It’s been a long journey, but my story proves that no matter how hard life gets—no matter how deep the struggle—resilience, support, and a willingness to change can create new paths and inspire real transformation.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road has definitely not been smooth. When we first started One Heart in 2008, we were a small grassroots organization with limited resources, working out of a single location to help women and families facing hardship. The challenges were immediate—gaining trust in the community, securing donations, and keeping up with the demand. But our commitment to ending hunger and building hope kept us moving forward.
The real test came when COVID-19 hit. In a matter of days, the need for food and support exploded. We went from serving 3,000 individuals a month to over 20,000 in the first month alone. The logistical challenges were immense—more families, more food to distribute, and fewer resources to rely on. But we adapted quickly. Our team worked tirelessly, expanding our mobile food distribution and partnering with local businesses to meet the demand.
We’ve faced many hurdles over the years, but through it all, we grew. Today, we’re proud to be the largest food provider in Orlando, serving over 12,000 individuals every month. It hasn’t been easy, but every challenge has reinforced our mission to provide not just food, but hope and the tools for families to thrive. Each obstacle has been a stepping stone, pushing us to grow, expand, and strengthen our impact in the community.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At One Heart for Women and Children, our work is about so much more than just handing out food. We provide families in need with the resources, support, and tools to make real, lasting changes in their lives. We specialize in helping people move beyond immediate survival and into stability and independence. While we’re known for being the largest food provider in Orlando, we also focus on job placement, financial literacy, and personalized case management. Our goal is to empower people to break the cycle of poverty, not just feed them for a day.
I’m most proud of the impact we’ve had on families. Seeing someone come in struggling and, months later, leave with a steady job and the skills they need to succeed is incredibly rewarding. But what really sets us apart is our commitment to providing that long-term support. We don’t just want to meet the immediate needs of people; we want to help them build a better future. And that’s what One Heart does—we build relationships, provide resources, and connect people to the support they need to transform their lives.
In addition to my work with One Heart, I’m an author, life coach, and philanthropist. I’ve spent years sharing my story and lessons learned through my own journey of recovery and rebuilding my life. I want to help others do the same. Whether it’s through coaching or writing, I’m passionate about showing people that no matter where they start, they have the ability to change their future. What I’m most proud of is seeing how One Heart’s work has grown from a small pantry into a lifeline for thousands of people. What we do is real, and we’re making a difference one person at a time.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I’ve learned along my journey is that change starts with a choice—and that choice is in our hands, no matter how dark the road may seem. For years, I waited for things to change on their own, but it wasn’t until I made the decision to fight for my future, to fight for my children, and to fight for myself that I began to see transformation. It wasn’t easy, and there were times I wasn’t sure I could go on, but I learned that the power to rewrite my story was always inside me.
Another key lesson has been the incredible power of community. I didn’t get here alone, and neither does anyone else. One Heart wouldn’t be what it is today without the countless people who’ve believed in us and supported us along the way. I’ve seen how much a single act of kindness, a moment of encouragement, or even just the offer of a helping hand can completely change someone’s life. That’s why I’m so passionate about what we do at One Heart—because I know that when we lift each other up, we can accomplish things we never thought possible.
My journey has taught me that no matter where you start, or how hard the journey gets, you have the strength to change your path—and we are here to walk that path with you, every step of the way.
Pricing:
- $25 provides food for a family for a week
- $100 New Mom Kits for Mothers
- 10,000 Fills the Pantry
Contact Info:
- Website: https://helponeheart.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oneheartmatters/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OneHeartMatters/
- Other: https://givebutter.com/one-heart-for-women-and-children-inc
