At RWR Hope Foundation, we do more than distribute food—we create a sense of home for those who have none.

 

Turning Point and Inspiration:

After years of dedication in the corporate world, Sheree’ Ross found herself unexpectedly without a job, facing an uncertain future. The stability she had built was suddenly gone, leaving her with questions about what was next. Four months later, another devastating blow struck, the passing of her father. It was a loss that shook her to her core. He had been her guiding light, the man who had instilled in her the values of compassion, hard work, and service to others.

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 In their final conversations, he had one simple wish for her: “Do what makes you truly happy.” These words lingered in her heart, and though she was grieving, they became a call to action. Sheree’ had always been someone who saw the unseen and cared for the forgotten. Even in her corporate career, she was the person who took time to help others, to listen, to extend kindness wherever she could. And as she reflected on her father’s wish, it became clear—her true happiness came from serving people, particularly those who had no one else to turn to. With nothing more than a deep sense of purpose, she made a bold decision: she would dedicate her life to helping the unhoused and food-insecure population in her community. She didn’t have a business plan, funding, or a team. What she had was her hands, her heart, and her home kitchen—and that was enough to start.

 

From One Meal to Thousands:

 

The Birth of RWR Hope Foundation In May 2024, just ten months after losing her job, Sheree’ launched the RWR Hope Foundation. Its mission is to provide essential services including food security, health and hygiene support, mental wellness, workforce development, housing assistance, and social services to those in need. What began as a simple act cooking homemade meals and delivering them to people experiencing homelessness in Stockton quickly grew into a full-scale operation. At first, it was just her. She woke up early each morning, shopped for ingredients with money from her own pocket, and prepared as many meals as she could. She packed them into her aging Toyota Camry, a car with over 225,000 miles, and drove around town, handing out meals with a smile, a kind word, and a moment of dignity. Soon, word spread. People in the community started recognizing her dedication, not just because she was feeding the hungry, but because she treated them like family. She learned their names, their stories, their struggles. It wasn’t just about the food; it was about making sure they felt seen and valued. As her impact grew, restaurants, grocery stores, and donors took notice. They saw the heart behind her mission and wanted to be part of it. Food Donation Connection, McDonald’s, Olive Garden, Panera Bread, Trader Joe’s, and others stepped in, providing surplus food to fuel her work. With these new resources, she went from serving a few dozen meals a week to more than 400 meals—on a budget of just $250.Despite these partnerships, the daily work remained relentless. Every morning, she cooked, packed, and delivered meals, often making multiple trips in her car, struggling to fit all the food and supplies in one load. She never complained. She never stopped. Even as exhaustion set in, even when funds ran low, even when it felt overwhelming, she pressed forward, because this wasn’t just a project to her. It was her calling.

 

A Future Fueled by Purpose:

 

Nine months after launching RWR Hope Foundation, Sheree’ is now a recognized leader in the fight against food insecurity in San Joaquin County. What started as a one-woman effort has transformed into a growing network of volunteers, donors, and organizations working together to serve those in need. In less than a year, RWR Hope Foundation has served over 16,200 home-cooked meals, distributed hygiene products, clothing, and sleeping supplies to thousands. Currently it offers meals three days a week at St. John’s Episcopal Church, and five days a week for Ready to Work (RTW). With additional resources, the foundation aims to expand services to neighboring communities such as Tracy, Manteca, Lathrop, and Lodi.

 

But her vision doesn’t stop here. With an increasing demand for meals and the expansion of her partnership with The Uplift All Foundation, she is preparing to scale her impact even further. Beginning in March 2025, The Uplift All Foundation has committed to a formalized partnership, expanding meal services to over 1000 per week. The Uplift All Foundation is a nonprofit organization committed to inspiring and empowering the homeless community through services and programs that provide hope and pathways toward self-sufficiency. Their initiatives include health and mental wellness support, education, job readiness, and behavioral health services, (UPLIFTALLFOUNDATION.ORG).

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For Sheree’, this is more than feeding the hungry. It is about honoring her father’s legacy, proving that loss can be transformed into purpose, and ensuring that no one in her community is left behind. She is living proof that resilience isn’t just about enduring hardship, it’s about rising from it, serving through it, and using it to change the world.

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The History of the Ross's:

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A core value that the Ross family had carried for generations has been to serve others. Sheree's great grandmother, Elizabeth Margaret Ross and Dr. Morris of (Salem, Oregon) founded and co-chaired "The Associated Charities", an organization that later developed into and is known today as the 

"United Way Fund".

 

Elizabeth Ross and Mrs. Mckenzie (of the First Presbyterian Church of Salem, Oregon) worked together, from scratch to found a nursery and baby-sitting service for migrant Mexican farmworkers. They initially supplied the money themselves then later asked for donations, food and materials to keep the program going. They started their project in tents with simple equipment, running the field activities themselves. Later the project was recognized locally, and eventually, nationally and now has an office in Washington, DC. 

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Pictures here include a Self Portrait of Elizabeth Margaret Ross (Bessie).

 

A Family portrait of Sheree's Great Grandparents (and Grandfather - Robert William Ross (littlest boy centered)

 

The Ross Clan Crest. Which translates "Success Nourishes Hope"

 

RWR Hope Foundation was named in honor of Sheree's grandfather & Father - Robert William Ross and of course the Ross Family Crest.

 

The legacy continues.....

 

"It does take a village, but Hope will always be the Foundation!"

 

Thank you for your time, generosity, and commitment to supporting organizations that make a tangible difference in our communities. We look forward to partnering with you to help break the cycle of poverty and hunger for those most in need.

Sincerely,​

​Sheree’ Ross
Executive Director, RWR Hope Foundation