Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Coleman
Hi Jennifer, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
As Jennifer Coleman, the founder of Lina’s Helping Hands, my journey started from personal experience. I’ve had to rely on food pantries in the past when times were tough, which planted the seed for the work I do today. I’ve faced my own obstacles, but through faith in God, hard work, and always striving to do the right thing, I’ve been able to overcome them. That experience shaped my passion for giving back and ensuring that others have access to the resources they need. Today, with Lina’s Helping Hands, we’re making a difference in Dallas by helping families facing food insecurity, I’ve partnered with No Child Left Behind Corporation and Rising Son Charity Foundation to make an even bigger impact and together we are United Charities that continue to make an impact!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There was a time when I didn’t always make the best decisions, and those choices led me down a difficult path. Finding employment became a challenge because of my past, and it often felt like I was starting from scratch every time I applied for a job. It was frustrating and humbling to be in a position where doors weren’t easily opening, and I had to work twice as hard to prove myself.
During that period, I leaned heavily on resources like food pantries to make ends meet. It was a humbling experience to be on the receiving end of help, but it gave me a deeper understanding of the importance of those services. I learned the value of resilience, not giving up even when life seemed stacked against me. Those tough times taught me how hard work, perseverance, and faith can turn things around.
It also gave me a sense of empathy and appreciation for the struggles that many people face. That’s why I started Lina’s Helping Hands – to give back to the community and provide the same support that helped me when I needed it most. Now, with a deeper understanding of what it means to overcome adversity, I’m committed to being a resource for others on their journey.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
In my professional journey, I started in accounting and finance, where I developed a strong foundation in managing the financial aspects of a business. Over time, I transitioned into software administration, combining my understanding of finance with technology. This unique blend of skills has allowed me to manage systems efficiently while keeping an eye on the bigger financial picture, which is crucial for running a successful organization.
What sets me apart is my ability to merge these two worlds—finance and technology—enabling me to streamline processes and implement solutions that drive efficiency. My background in finance gives me a practical understanding of how businesses operate, and my experience in tech allows me to stay ahead in an increasingly digital world.
I’m most proud of the continuous growth and learning I’ve achieved, both in my professional career and in my nonprofit work with Lina’s Helping Hands. I’ve been able to apply these skills to help scale the organization, making a greater impact in the community. My journey has been shaped by hard work, perseverance, and the desire to keep pushing forward, and that’s what continues to set me apart.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
For anyone just starting out, my biggest piece of advice is to never give up. There will be times when things don’t go as planned, when you feel like you’re failing or moving backward. But what I’ve learned is that showing up every day, even on the hard days, always moves you closer to your goal. Every failure is a lesson that can make you stronger and wiser for the next step. Consistency, no matter how difficult, pays off in the long run.
I also firmly believe in always doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. Integrity matters, and it’s something that has guided me through my toughest challenges. Doing the right thing simply because it’s the right thing to do creates a foundation of trust and respect, and it shapes your character in ways that pay off over time. It may not always yield immediate rewards, but I’ve learned through my own journey that God blesses those who stay true to their values and continue doing good.
When I look back, I see how God has shown me time and time again that perseverance, faith, and doing the right thing lead to blessings. There are times I didn’t understand why things were happening the way they were, but by keeping faith and trusting in the process, I’ve reaped the rewards. So, to those starting out—keep pushing, keep believing, and know that everything you’re working for will come in due time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.LSHHF.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/linashelpinghands/profilecard/?igsh=bGd6cHVpN3U5a2xx
