Today we’d like to introduce you to Shamieka Sims.
Hi Shamieka , we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am the youngest of 12 children, raised by parents who believed in loving each other well and taking care of family no matter what. Our home was full, busy, and built on showing up for one another. We did not really look outside for help, but we were always willing to give it. That shaped how I see people and how I serve to this day.
My story with grief started early. I was a twin, and my twin sister passed when we were toddlers, which has always been a quiet space of pain in my life. In 1998, I lost one of my brothers who I was very close to, and that loss stayed with me. Then in 2013, I lost my oldest sister, and that moment changed everything. It forced me to face grief in a way I could not avoid and begin figuring out how to keep going while carrying it.
Out of that experience, the Grieving Needs Foundation was born. What started as a way for me to cope and process loss grew into something much greater. It became a way to support individuals and families who are facing grief, hunger, and hardship, especially those who may be struggling quietly without support. The work we do is centered on meeting people where they are and serving them with dignity and care.
Around that same season of growth, I stepped into pageantry in 2015. Since then, I have gone on to win local, state, national, and international titles, and I currently hold an international title. Pageantry gave me a platform to share my story and advocate for the work of the foundation on a larger scale. It allowed me to connect with people beyond my immediate community and bring awareness to the needs that often go unseen.
My personal life has also been a steady source of strength. My husband, Micheal Sims, and I reconnected after years of being distant acquaintances, and our relationship grew into a strong and supportive marriage. He has been a constant source of encouragement and has supported both me and the vision behind the work I do.
When I look at my journey, it all connects. My upbringing taught me how to love and serve people. My losses gave me a deeper understanding of pain and purpose. Pageantry gave me a voice. My marriage gives me strength. And through it all, the Grieving Needs Foundation stands as a reflection of that journey, turning personal experiences into something that can help someone else keep going.
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?
It has not been a smooth road. One of our biggest challenges with the Grieving Needs Foundation has been staying committed to serving our local community the way we believe it should be done. We operate as a no questions asked food pantry and clothing bank, and that has not always been easy for people to understand. We have faced questions about how we know who really needs help or what people will do with what they receive.
For us, it comes down to trust and dignity. We made a decision early on that if someone says they need help, that is enough. We are not here to investigate people or make them prove their hardship. We are here to meet a need. Another challenge has been protecting the privacy of those we serve. We are very intentional about not exposing people or turning their difficult moments into something public. That can go against how some think nonprofits should operate, but for us, preserving dignity matters.
A lot of that perspective comes from my sister. Before she passed, she believed strongly that if someone asks for help, you help them and you do not make them feel small in the process. That has stayed with me and continues to guide how we do this work every day.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about The Grieving Needs Foundation?
The Grieving Needs Foundation is a community focused nonprofit that meets people at the point of need with compassion and consistency. We provide access to essential resources like food, clothing, hygiene items, and household goods, while also creating space for individuals and families who are navigating grief and difficult life transitions. Everything we do is centered on serving people in a way that feels respectful, safe, and real.
What sets us apart is how we serve. We operate as a no questions asked resource hub, which means we lead with trust instead of barriers. There are no long forms, no proof required, and no pressure to explain your situation. We believe that if someone comes to us, there is already a need. We also prioritize privacy. We are not interested in showcasing people at their lowest moments. We are intentional about protecting their dignity while still showing up for them in meaningful ways.
We are known for being consistent and hands on in our local community. Whether it is distributing resources, hosting outreach events, or simply being present, people know they can come to us without judgment. Brand wise, I am most proud that we have built something that people trust. The Grieving Needs Foundation is not just about what we give, it is about how we make people feel when they walk away. I want readers to know that this is a place where compassion leads, where people are seen without being exposed, and where real needs are met in a real way.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Over the next five to ten years, I see the Grieving Needs Foundation growing into a more established and sustainable presence in our community. The need for what we do is only increasing, so the focus will be on expanding our reach while staying true to how we serve people with dignity, privacy, and compassion.
One of my biggest goals is to secure a permanent space that allows us to expand our resource center. Having a dedicated location will help us serve more families consistently and create a stable environment where people know they can come for support without barriers.
I also envision opening a coffee shop connected to the foundation. It would not just be a business, but a welcoming space where community, conversation, and comfort come together. It would give us an opportunity to build sustainability while also creating a place where people feel safe, seen, and supported.
Overall, I see the Grieving Needs Foundation continuing to grow in impact, deepening trust in the community, and building something that lasts, where meeting needs and creating connection go hand in hand
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thegrievingneedsfo.wixsite.com/thegnf
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGrievingNeedsFoundation/
