Our History & Future

About the Volunteer Way

The Volunteer Way Inc. (TVW) is a 501(c)(3), faith base non-profit organization that is dedicated to helping those in need – children, seniors and adults caught in poverty, the hungry, the homeless, low income individuals and their families. For over 30 years we have been committed to assisting the needy in our community.

People Helping People

Lester Cypher founded The Volunteer Way in March of 1992 when one family asked for help with food. Today The Volunteer Way is assisting an average of 25,000 families in Pasco, Hernando and the surrounding counties each month with healthy, nutritious food to supplement their food budget. 

In May 2021, following Lester's retirement, Nicole Cestaro-Jackson was promoted to C.E.O. of The Volunteer Way. Lester remains Chairman of the Board.

We Never Turn Away Anyone in Need!

The Volunteer Way helps financially insecure individuals meet their basic needs by providing food, personal items, resources, hope and the opportunity for them improve their lives. 

We distribute millions pounds of food every year, free of charge, to food pantries, soup kitchens, residential programs, seniors, homeless people, families and other charitable organizations. We are committed to helping as many homeless and low income people as possible. We believe that children, the elderly, the poverty stricken should never go to bed hungry.