Life & Work with Cailyn Robinson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cailyn Robinson.  

Hi Cailyn, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
As a single mother of two, working and attending college full-time was not easy, but I knew I had to push forward for my children, Damon & Nea. There were times when the children were attending college during the same timeframe as I pursued my Master’s Degree in Healthcare Management, to learn how I could most effectively help others in times of despair. My passion to make a positive and inspirational impact in the community derives from the lack of resources and the impoverished experiences I endured growing up. My mother, 3 sisters, and I were once homeless and at one point had to move in with my Aunt Barbara. We were a total of six who stayed in a one-bedroom apartment in New York. At times we only had sugar rice to eat and every night I had to sleep on the floor. This experience gave me the motivation to help others in similar circumstances. My goal is to help as many families as possible and individuals in need to receive adequate resources and opportunities. I strive to assist with getting people off the streets as everyone deserves the basic yet necessary essentials of a safe place to rest their head, a hot meal, and a warm shower.

In addition to my experiences growing up that helped shape and motivate me to help those less fortunate, in September of 2021, I lost my first grandchild. In August of 2021, my daughter, Nea, gave birth to a beautiful baby boy named Kai. Throughout her pregnancy, my faith and trust in Christ strengthened, as her pregnancy was high risk but our prayers allowed us to be able to see his face. We were blessed to spend 18 days with him. Our miracle baby taught so many of us about forgiveness, as his legacy has mended many broken relationships. It is crucial to let go of the past and “(Forgive to Live)” to help others through their pain and heartbreak.

In February of 2022, my Aunt Barbara, whom I resided with as a child and was also an advisor and founding member of Sowing Mustard Seeds Ministry, unexpectedly passed away. Her tragic loss to my family as well as the ministry made us rely on our faith even more. Her giving spirit and dedication to the ministry compelled us to do more in her honor for our brothers and sisters in the community.

In April of 2021, Sowing Mustard Seeds Ministry started with only a handful of volunteers teaming up together in downtown Charlotte giving out toiletries, blankets, snack bags, beverages, and

Christian literature to the homeless. We have since expanded and added multiple services:

• Buying bags of groceries for families

• Nursing Home Community Engagement

• ‘Thank You’ gifts for veterans – Salisbury, North Carolina

VA Hospital,  Columbia, SC VA Hospital

• ‘Letters to soldiers’

• Job placement

• Transit Assistance

• Mental & Substance abuse literature and referrals

• Prison outreach/reentry resources

• Community Service & Volunteerism

• Emergency Housing

• Emergency Rental/Utility Assistance

In essence, the establishment of Sowing Mustard Seeds Ministry once started out with only faith as small as a mustard seed. As we continue to grow and multiply with connections, the more impact we are having in our community. Giving back to others gives me great purpose and joy. With the help of loyal family, friends, and partnering organizations, we can host weekly events to help those in need. Helping can be in the form of prayer, food, or providing resources for counseling, shelter/housing placement, or job placement.

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Finding someone to help fund us has been the most difficult part. Right now, we are self-funded, and I had to work a second job at an Amazon warehouse. Larger corporations have not wanted to take a risk on supporting our mission.

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Currently, until we get the ministry off the ground, I am a senior insurance consultant specializing in property & casualty and life insurance. I have a Master’s Degree in Healthcare Management. We are most proud of receiving the respect and trust from those that we serve. What sets us apart from others is that we are self-funded, consistent, and we are growing and able to start serving more, such as veterans and underfunded nursing homes. Our care bags have expanded to be delivered to those in need to Salisbury, Rock Hill, and other surrounding areas. We have also partnered with Jack and Jill Charlotte chapter, Ruff Ryders of the Carolinas, and Rho Kappa! We have also been able to get one of the people we have mentored into a rehabilitation program!

Alright, so before we go, can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
By fundraisers, donating supplies, & funds, and also coming out to volunteer!

We have a Link Tree that has all of our resources to support our ministry:

https://linktr.ee/sowingmustardseedsministry

Contact Info:

• Website: sowingmustardseedsministry.org
• Instagram: @_SowingMustardSeeds
• Facebook: Sowing Mustard Seeds Ministry
• Other: https://linktr.ee/sowingmustardseedsministry