In the vibrant community of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Gloria Vargas shines as a beacon of hope and compassion. As the founder of Care in Action USA, she, alongside her loving husband and two spirited sons, has dedicated her life to providing nourishing meals and support to those experiencing homelessness. Gloria’s journey began in 2012, fueled by her Christian faith and a desire to make a difference in the lives of others.

Originally from Barbados, Gloria’s mission started humbly. She recalls, “I started with buying a little bit of spaghetti and ground beef, and I started with 40 meals.” Over time, her efforts blossomed, and she found herself preparing up to 200 meals each weekend, showcasing her unwavering commitment to helping others.

Today, Gloria's generosity has resulted in an incredible milestone—more than 270,000 meals served. With her waitress salary and a heart full of love, she now sources large quantities of chicken, fish, fresh vegetables, rice, bread, and water, ensuring that she can provide for 175 to 200 individuals at every meal.

A unique touch accompanies each meal, as her sons write uplifting messages like “God loves you” or share encouraging scriptures on the Styrofoam lids, fostering a sense of hope and connection with those she serves.

During the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, when many organizations faced setbacks, Gloria’s resolve only grew stronger. She expanded her efforts to serve up to 600 meals, reaching communities in both Fort Lauderdale and Miami. “When it’s cold, when it’s windy, when it’s raining, it doesn’t matter. We have to show up,” she passionately states.

With the support of a generous seed grant from the Byers Foundation, Gloria established Care in Action USA as a nonprofit organization, turning her vision into a daily reality. Now, she prepares around 120 breakfasts and 125 dinners, distributing these meals to eager recipients in under 40 minutes.

But the impact of Care in Action USA goes far beyond just providing food. Gloria and her family also assist individuals with rent, utility payments, hotel accommodations, bus passes, and clothing. Her husband, Antonio, a certified auto mechanic, selflessly repairs cars for free and drives those in need to job interviews and appointments, demonstrating the family’s commitment to uplifting others.

Thanks to the generosity of donors and volunteers, they have even launched a transitional home that has provided a safe haven for eight men, allowing them to pay a modest rent while working towards stability.

Gloria’s nurturing spirit and her family’s kindness draw people to them, creating a community that thrives on love and support. “With the help of friends, volunteers, religious leaders, and organizations who partner with us in caring for the needy, we’re making a difference one person at a time,” Gloria reflects.