Today we’d like to introduce you to Valerie Washington.
Hi Valerie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started Starting Over Community Outreach in 2020 after witnessing firsthand how many individuals and families in my own community were struggling with basic needs, stability, and support. What began as a small act of service—helping a few neighbors during difficult times—quickly grew into a mission I felt called to pursue on a larger scale.
In the early days, our efforts were simple: providing meals, hygiene items, and everyday essentials to those who needed them most. As word spread, more people reached out for help, and more volunteers stepped forward to support the work. That energy and momentum helped us expand our outreach and build stronger relationships with the community.
Over time, Starting Over Community Outreach developed into more than just a nonprofit; it became a safe place for people facing hardship to feel seen, supported, and valued. We began organizing community events, holiday food drives, and homeless outreach initiatives—programs designed not only to meet immediate needs but also to restore hope.
The journey hasn’t always been easy, but it has been deeply fulfilling. Every challenge has taught me to stay committed, every success has reminded me why I started, and every person we’ve served has strengthened my belief in the power of community. Today, I’m proud of how far we’ve come and excited for how much more we can do.
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?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like many community-based organizations, our journey has been shaped by both meaningful progress and real challenges. One of the biggest struggles early on was simply doing everything with limited resources. We had big ideas and a strong desire to help, but funding, supplies, and manpower didn’t always match the need we were seeing in the community.
Another challenge was learning how to balance the emotional weight of the work. When you’re serving people who are homeless, hungry, or facing crisis, you feel their pain deeply. There were days when the need felt overwhelming, and I questioned whether we had the capacity to keep going. But those moments also pushed me to build a stronger support system, partner with other organizations, and find healthier ways to manage the demands.
Logistics were also an ongoing hurdle—coordinating volunteers, securing locations for events, transporting donations, and adapting to unexpected setbacks. Every event and outreach effort required problem-solving and flexibility.
Despite all of that, the challenges made us better. They taught us resilience, creativity, and the importance of community collaboration. Looking back, the struggles were part of what strengthened our mission and shaped us into the organization we are today.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Starting Over Community Outreach is rooted in service, compassion, and a genuine desire to uplift individuals and families in need. Through our organization, we provide community feeding events, holiday food distributions, essential supplies, and ongoing outreach to those experiencing homelessness or hardship. Our mission is to meet people where they are, offer practical support, and restore hope one person at a time.
Beyond my nonprofit work, my professional journey has been a major part of what shapes how I serve. I started my career in healthcare as a CNA, later advancing to LPN, then RN. I continued to grow academically and personally, ultimately earning a PhD in Christian Counseling and becoming a Certified Behavior Specialist. This combination of medical experience, counseling training, and behavioral knowledge allows me to approach community work with a deeper understanding of both physical and emotional needs.
I believe this background is a big part of what I’m known for—leading with empathy, connecting with people on a human level, and offering holistic support. Whether I’m caring for a patient or serving someone in the community, my goal is always to treat every individual with dignity, respect, and compassion.
One of the things I’m most proud of is how far we’ve come with Starting Over Community Outreach. From small acts of kindness to large-scale events that hundreds rely on, we’ve built a trusted presence in the community. Our consistency, our heart for service, and our personal connection to the people we serve are what set us apart. We don’t just hand out resources—we build relationships, uplift spirits, and remind people that they matter.~~~
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
What I’d like readers to know is that making a difference doesn’t always require a large platform, a big budget, or perfect circumstances. Starting Over Community Outreach began with a simple desire to help, and it has grown because of compassion, consistency, and community support. Anyone can be a light in someone else’s life—sometimes it starts with just showing up.
I also want to encourage others not to underestimate the power of second chances. Many of the people we serve are rebuilding their lives, and sometimes all they need is support, understanding, and the reminder that they are not alone. That same belief in new beginnings is what has guided my own journey in healthcare and community service.
Lastly, I’m grateful for every volunteer, donor, partner, and supporter who has stood with us along the way. Together, we are creating moments of hope and helping people start over with dignity. My hope is that our story inspires others to give, serve, and lead with heart.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.startingoverco.org
Image Credits
Families, volunteers, US Marine Corps Reserve,
