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Cheri Honderd
Founder and Executive Director of Hand2Hand
Professional Background
Cheri Honderd is a passionate advocate for children and a dedicated influencer in her community, focusing especially on combating weekend hunger among students. As the Founder and Executive Director of Hand2Hand, Cheri has played a pivotal role in addressing the urgent needs of children in West Michigan who face food insecurity during weekends. Her journey began when she discovered that 19 children in a single local school went home to empty cupboards on weekends, returning on Mondays not only hungry but also unable to learn effectively. Motivated by this reality, Cheri founded Hand2Hand, an organization that has since grown remarkably and now extends its reach to 233 schools, providing regular nourishment to approximately 8,500 children.
Cheri's commitment to community collaboration is evident in the way Hand2Hand has mobilized resources and support from various stakeholders, including churches, businesses, schools, and individuals. This grassroots effort has united the West Michigan community in a common goal: to eliminate weekend hunger for children aged 3 to 18. Cheri's leadership is characterized by her ability to inspire communal involvement and foster a spirit of cooperation among diverse groups, showcasing the power of collective action.
Education and Achievements
Cheri holds a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree from Grand Valley State University, where she developed a strong foundation in social justice and community service. Her educational background has been instrumental in shaping her approach to addressing societal issues, particularly those affecting vulnerable populations.
In addition to her formal education, Cheri has been commissioned as a pastor by the Reformed Church of America, further solidifying her commitment to serving her community in both practical and spiritual capacities. As a former Missions Pastor at Fair Haven Church, she honed her skills in leadership, outreach, and community development, which have greatly benefited her work with Hand2Hand.
Cheri has also made significant contributions to the national landscape of children's outreach as a Contract-Based Trainer for Kids Hope USA Directors. In this role, she provided guidance and training to others in the organization, helping to strengthen their mission of supporting at-risk youth.
Notable Achievements
Under Cheri's leadership, Hand2Hand has transformed from a visionary idea into a thriving support network for children in need. The organization's growth from assisting a handful of children to impacting thousands is a testament to her dedication and hard work. Through strategic planning and community engagement, Hand2Hand continues to enhance its services and reach within the region, proving that grassroots activism can lead to significant positive change.
One of Cheri's notable achievements is establishing a framework through which Hand2Hand church volunteers not only distribute food but also engage in intentional prayer for the students they serve. This holistic approach addresses both the physical and spiritual needs of the children and reinforces the organization's mission to uplift and empower the youth it supports.
Cheri operates under the guiding principle that by simply placing weekend food into the hands of children every Friday, we can help them reach their full potential, shine a light of hope in their lives, and foster a future where every child has access to the nourishment they need to thrive in life and education.
Personal Philosophy and Vision
Cheri Honderd's vision extends beyond basic hunger alleviation. She strongly believes in the potential of every child to succeed and is driven by her mission to spread hope and love in tangible ways. The mantra of Hand2Hand, #WeAreHand2Hand, embodies a collective spirit of action, faith, and compassion that permeates every aspect of the organization's work, encouraging communities to come together for a shared purpose.
Cheri's efforts illuminate the critical link between food security and educational success. Through her leadership, she educates others on the importance of addressing hunger, thus promoting awareness and encouraging proactive engagement within communities. Our future depends on fostering environments where children can learn, grow, and succeed, and Cheri's work is a beacon of hope demonstrating how we can collectively work to achieve this goal.
