One Orlando woman is pouring her heart into her community by lending a hand to people in need. She’s overcome her own demons by helping others get through their hardships.

  • Stephanie Bowman has created the non-profit One Heart for Women and Children
  • Organization provides parenting, life skills and resume-writing classes

Nearly 20 years ago, Stephanie Bowman was homeless and addicted to crack and alcohol. Bowman may not have been walking down the right path, but today she's found her way.

“She’s very giving, she never puts herself first, it’s always about other people,” said Terrie Scott, the director at One Heart For Women and Children.

In January 1999, the Department of Children and Family took away her two children. When she realized she hit rock bottom, she decided to get clean.

“It was time to start something so that I could help give back ...,” Bowman said.

Seven and a half years ago she started the non-profit One Heart for Women and Children. Eddie Faulk is one of the more than 3,000 people assisted monthly.

“She’s an angel, an angel from God,” Faulk said.

She runs a food pantry out of College Park.

“As the food comes in we put it all up on the shelves, we pack the bags and then it’s empty again,” Bowman explained.

She also handles a thrift store that opens on Saturdays, with all the proceeds going back to the community.

“All of our clothes are anywhere from $1 to $5. None of our clothes are more than $5,” Bowman said.

Not many people know this, but Bowman has been through more than a dozen surgeries and has had several organs removed as she battles her fifth cancer. However she says helping others keeps her out of herself.

“There is no in between. There is no quit in Stephanie, it’s just always go, go, go,” said Eric Voehringer, a volunteer for One Heart For Women & Children. “The things she’s been through in her life and she’s still going, going, going. It's what miracles are made of.”

Bowman has taken a different path now and leaving a trail behind for others to follow.

“And I would like to be doing this for the rest of my life,” she added.

One Heart also provides parenting, life skills and resume-writing classes to people in need. For more information on this organization or how you can get involved, check out its website.