"It's an honor to help people in need—it's God's work"

After struggling to find purpose in her own life, Sheila Austin discovered a new way to give back to her community. Before she knew it, she was serving 100,000 meals to people in need—all while rediscovering her faith and experiencing life-changing joy

- Gina Roberts-Grey.

Something is missing, Sheila Austin thought one day on her way to the grocery store. I feel like my life should have more purpose.

Since retiring, Sheila had realized that despite filling her days with golfing, skiing and traveling, she still felt adrift. As she began examining her life, she acknowledged that over the past 25 years, she had moved away from her faith, and amid the hustle and bustle, she no longer felt the sense of joy and gratitude she once had.

Wanting to reconnect with her faith and renew her spirit, Sheila attended a Mass in 2009, led by a priest new to her Syracuse, New York, community. During his sermon, he urged the congregation to share the message of love beyond the church's four walls.

After the service, Sheila told the priest that she made sandwiches for homeless men who stayed at a nearby shelter. But when he asked about the men she met through her efforts, Sheila had a realization. By leaving sandwiches out for pickup instead of handing them to each visitor directly, she lacked the personal connection she craved. “That's the missing link,” she told the priest. “I don’t really have a relationship with any of the people I’m trying to help—I think I need to find a better way to connect!”