Brenda Mims, an operations supervisor at the **Samaritan Center** in Syracuse, has dedicated nearly three decades to serving hot meals and uplifting her community. Each day, she oversees the preparation of nutritious meals, including barbecue chicken sandwiches, tomato cucumber salad, and sweet potatoes, ensuring that no one goes hungry.
Mims’ journey with the Samaritan Center began nearly thirty years ago when she was referred there by the **Department of Social Services**. As a single parent raising five children, she initially received support from the department. After a period of assistance, she was encouraged to return to work, leading her to **Bellevue Elementary School** and eventually to the Samaritan Center. “I got tired of working with kids that didn’t want to listen,” Mims recalled humorously, prompting her to request more hours at the center. Since then, she has advanced from a food services worker to her current role, where she manages inventory and coordinates a dedicated team of volunteers.
Meeting Community Needs
Located at **215 S. State St.** in Syracuse, the Samaritan Center operates seven days a week, serving hundreds of individuals in need. Mims, now 67, has witnessed the challenges posed by recent changes in food supply affecting nonprofit centers nationwide. She strategically plans menus based on available resources, often receiving several boxes of **Chick-fil-A** chicken every Monday. “I might get 100 pounds, so in my head I’m like, ‘What meal can I make with this?’” she explained.
Mims’ commitment to helping others is rooted in her own life experiences. She faced significant challenges while raising her children, particularly due to her partner’s involvement in drug activity. “One day, I just said, after 20 years, I can’t do this,” she said, emphasizing the importance of taking action when faced with adversity. Her personal journey influences how she interacts with guests at the center, as she offers words of encouragement to those struggling.
A Personal Connection to Guests
Brenda Mims does not refer to the individuals who visit the Samaritan Center as “homeless.” Instead, she sees them as guests deserving of respect and dignity. Many who seek meals may have homes or temporary accommodations, and she makes it a point to connect with each person. “Some of them say, ‘Well if you see me in the streets, would you speak?’ Yes, I would,” Mims affirmed. Her grandchildren often remark on her extensive network, stating, “Wow, Nana, you know everybody,” reflecting her deep ties within the community.
Her advice to others seeking to make a difference is simple yet profound: “If you’re gonna do a job, make sure it’s something that you’re happy at doing.” Mims expresses her passion for her work, stating, “I get up every morning because this is what I love to do, and I’d probably be lost if I wasn’t doing it.”
Brenda Mims embodies the spirit of community service and resilience. As she continues to lead efforts at the Samaritan Center, her story serves as an inspiration, illustrating the impact one individual can have on the lives of many.
For those interested in recognizing local leaders like Mims, **Syracuse.com** invites readers to identify “Trailblazers and Trendsetters” throughout 2025. This initiative highlights individuals committed to uplifting their communities and inspiring positive change.
Mims’ journey is a testament to the power of compassion and dedication, reminding us all that there is hope and support available for those in need.