SAN ANTONIO — In a church packed with supporters, Yolanda Valenzuela held up her phone for the crowd and shared a text message that is more than four years old.
The executive director of the Kym's Angels Foundation said it was a middle-of-the-night conversation that will end up changing lives in San Antonio for years to come.
Valenzuela said east San Antonio is lacking a 24-hour services center. She says she told her boss, Kym Rapier Verette, that it's a "nonprofit desert."
"There's nothing in this area like this and it's highly needed," she said.
Valenzuela says her boss replied with an offer that was more than generous.
"She said, 'You know what? Wire me the information and I'll give her a half-million dollars!'"
With that, Pastor Shetigho Nakpodia of Redeemer's Praise Church found herself on the road to providing even more services for the most needy.
At a Wednesday groundbreaking celebration, the pastor's dream of a place she calls The Love Center started to become a reality for the thousands of people she and her supporters serve.
"It's really a big blessing to have this building because for years I dreamed and dreamed of this," Nakpodia said, adding they know from experience that many people they encounter desperately want better lives but instead feel trapped.
"Many of them want to get off the streets but they don't know any way out so this building is going to be such a blessing to help them get back to real life," Nakpodia said.
She said many of the people who come for help are desperate to have basic needs met.
"I am there to encourage them. People say, 'Why are you spoiling them?' No. You can't spoil people with goodness," she added. "You can't spoil people by giving them a warm coat. You encourage them. You help them and give them hope. They know someone cares and it gives them hope and they can make it. That's why we do what we do."
The Love Center, she said, will be a 24-hour center at 107 South Pine, offering any kind of service a person who feels hopeless could need.
"That building will host the homeless. It will have a shower and a laundry room where they can launder their clothes," Nakpodia said.
She added that in addition to immediate needs, they will also focus on long-term solutions.
"There will be computers around the walls so they can look for jobs and get training. There will be substance abuse classes, return to work programs, get your child back from foster homes, things to improve life and get off the streets."
The 71-year-old immigrant from Nigeria said, "God gave me a dream to come to America and take care of the poor and here am I, and it's the best thing that has ever happened to me!"
Nakpodia said she believes God favors San Antonio because so many people in the city are willing to help others.
"I am overwhelmed! When I see everyone here working hard! It's just amazing! And this is the beginning. We are just starting and I give God praise," she said.
'Laying the groundwork'
County Commissioner Tommy Calvert praised Nakpodia, saying her devotion over the years is admirable and a beacon of hope and community service.
"We are not just erecting a structure, but laying the groundwork for our community's spirit to flourish," Calvert said.
The plan is working, Nakpodia told the crowd, pointing out rising prosperity in the area.
"Loving people works! So this is what we are trying to do for the poor. Love them and make them rich!" Nakpodia said.
Plans are drawn and work is scheduled to get underway soon. They say they have enough money for the building but they will be looking for support for some of the appliances and other essentials it will take for daily operations.
Still, Nakpodia said, she is not worried about the blessings that are yet to come as she knows from experience that gifts come from many places.
Nakpodia said "I don't even ask it or pray about it. I say 'Oh I need this' and all of a sudden someone calls me. 'Pastor! I got eight big boxes of chicken. Pastor! I have beans and rice that I cannot use, can you use them?'"
Volunteer Karolyn Simmons said even though the Redeemer's Praise church that has been their hub of operations for years is an old building in need of repair, important work is always going on and she expects that to continue with the addition of the new facility.
"Here at the Redeemer's Praise what she does is she doesn't just give them food and clothes. She talks to them. She counsels them, but most of all she gives them the word of God."
Simmons said the unconventional congregation is a perfect fit for those who feel like they may not be worthy of help.
"You may see them standing on the corner. You may see them walking up and down the road but here at Pastor Shetigho's outreach, that's what we do," Simmons said. "This is where you can come and get well because God loves you and we do too!"
More information about the congregation can be found on their website HERE.