Tuni Schartner, newly appointed executive director of MAE Organization for the Homeless, knows who she can call on when it comes to serving those in need – friends and helpers ready to roll up their sleeves and spring into action. Founded in 2008 by Martinha Javid, the Cranston-based nonprofit whose name comes from the Portuguese word for mother, mãe, provides an array of services to the homeless population in Rhode Island, from hot meal service and basic needs to long-term placement in permanent homes, and employment.
Schartner, a business growth strategist, praises the corps of dedicated volunteers who make the work of the mission-based organization possible. She knows she couldn’t do it without them, and they feel the same way. Lori Lyons, owner of Beauty and the Bath on Main Street in Wickford, beams about her involvement, saying, “How lucky am I to have the opportunity to serve our community and put our energy into something that instantly makes an impact, either through a warm meal, basic necessities, or most importantly, a caring gesture when they need it most.” In February, Lyons hosted a Galentine’s Day event at her shop, collecting hundreds of pairs of hats, gloves, mittens, socks and scarves which were distributed through MAE.
“When I knew I needed help serving meals in Kennedy Plaza, I reached out to these amazing women and of course, they said ‘of course,’” gushes Schartner. On a recent Saturday, a group of volunteers including Lyons and Julie Beebe, owner of Yes! Gallery/JW Graham in Wickford, cooked and served hot meals to about 75 people at Kennedy Plaza in Providence, along with distributing basic necessities. Beebe says of her own experience, “I did not expect the level of connection I would have with the people that came by. It wasn’t just about making sure their bellies were filled with great food. We shared conversation, laughs, handshakes, and hugs – true human connection. We need more of that in this world.”
Lyons and Beebe are just two of the dozens of volunteers who pitch in on a regular basis, making a huge impact. In 2024 alone, the MAE organization served close to 17,000 hot meals to people in unhoused communities throughout the state. MAE’s helpers are critical to the success of the organization well beyond serving meals; they give their all on a daily basis with tasks including picking up food donations from generous local businesses like Seven Stars Bakery, Trader Joe’s, and BJ’s, and nonprofit partners like Feed RI. Volunteers also take on administrative tasks, from answering office phones to sorting and distributing donated items like clothes, housewares, and amenities.
“I call them the ‘closet queens,’” explains Schartner. “These women manage the intake room, organizing and bagging donated clothes for all ages, separated by size and type. We couldn’t do this work without them.”
Recently, Schartner rallied the troops to help a family in crisis from West Warwick who were forced out of their home after a carbon monoxide leak that could have killed them. “I put the call out to our supporters and we were able to provide this family – who left their home with nothing – food, clothes, and other basic essentials. Of course, they’re still in need, but we were able to offer them assistance and show them that there are people who care.”
Like most nonprofits, the MAE Organization relies on support from the community. Here are some ways you help them make an impact.
Donate funds: Make a donation online or send a check. Every bit makes a difference.
Volunteer: From meal prep and serving food to sorting donated items, you can pitch in wherever it’s needed most.
Sponsor: Attend and sponsor events that raise funds and awareness of MAE’s mission.
Donate items: Contribute items from your home or hold a drive to collect even more essentials from socks to blankets. Learn more at MAEOrganization.org and find events and more on Instagram at @maeorganization.
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