Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandy Jemczura
Brandy, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Brandy Jemczura is the Founder and Executive Director of Seeds of Caring. Community service has always been part of my DNA so when my kids were quite young, I realized there were no volunteer opportunities for their age range. Knowing from my social work and education background—and motherhood— that kids can understand the concepts of empathy and kindness from as young as two years old, I knew there was untapped potential in Columbus. In 2016, Seeds of Caring was born and it has grown from 285 child volunteer experiences in its first year to 38,830 in 2024! We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit originating in Columbus, Ohio that has expanded into Indianapolis, Indiana as of 2023 with more cities to come in the future! Our team is small but mighty, navigating a pivotal time of growth for the organization. Seeds of Caring offers volunteer opportunities for kids—empowering them to make a real difference through service, social action, and community-building projects. We teach children about the causes of social issues, break down barriers that prevent us from living in full community with one another, and encourage our youth to use their hearts, hands, and minds for good.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Once people understand what Seeds of Caring aims to accomplish, it’s a pretty quick buy-in to our vision. Who doesn’t want to see kids change the world and build a better future for all? We’ve had amazing support along the way but, like most nonprofits, we’ve had our struggles too. Funding, office space, encountering those who don’t agree with our values—these are a few of the hurdles we’ve had to overcome through the years. And, of course, we recognize that meeting complex community needs can be overwhelming at times. But we meet our challenges head-on and always come out stronger and more dedicated to our mission.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
What I’m most proud of is the impact Seeds of Caring has on our kids and our community. I’ve seen kids start out thinking, “I’m just a kid – what can I really do?” and then, through Seeds of Caring, discover their own power to create change. They begin to see the world differently, growing in empathy and in confidence that they’re never too young to make a difference. And the best part is that impact doesn’t stop with them—it spreads to their families, their schools, and their communities.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
The book “Forces for Good” really helped me understand the components of thriving nonprofits and has guided my work in growing Seeds of Caring. I also love the podcast “Nonprofits are Messy” by Joan Garry – always good for some practical information and a good laugh!
Pricing:
- Most of our projects are offered for free or at a very low cost.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.seedsofcaring.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seedsofcaring/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SeedsOfCaring/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/seedsofcaring/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@seedsofcaring5744
