How it all began...
The Outreach Connection (TOC) began with a dream, a whiteboard, and two women with a shared passion for helping others. In late 2018, Rachel and Shannon sat in their living room and mapped out the framework for what would soon become TOC, a vision rooted in kindness, compassion, and community support.
What started with simple donation drives using Shannon’s home as a drop-off point quickly grew into something much larger. Fueled by the growing needs they saw around them and their own love for helping both people and their pets, their mission evolved into creating an organization that could reach even further.
Today, TOC is more than a nonprofit. It’s a hub for connection, a place where people from all walks of life can find support, give back, and come together in the spirit of compassion.
Who We Are
At The Outreach Connection (TOC), we believe that for someone’s circumstances to improve tomorrow, they often need support just to make it through today. Our mission is rooted in compassion, dignity, and the belief that no one should face hardship alone.
As a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit, TOC was founded to bring communities together through volunteerism and a shared desire to uplift those in need. Hardship can affect anyone, at any time, and we strive to meet each individual where they are, without judgment, and offer the support they need to take their next step forward.
We provide more than just food or basic supplies. We care for the whole person. While nutritional support is a vital part of what we do, we understand that true relief and lasting change come from addressing the full spectrum of a person’s needs: physical, emotional, mental, and social. Struggles with housing, clothing, hygiene, and even personal identity or self-worth often go hand-in-hand. We’re here to ease that burden through both immediate relief and longer-term guidance.
At the heart of our work is the distribution of essential items; food, hygiene products, clothing, and household goods to those in the most vulnerable situations. By meeting these needs, we help individuals conserve their limited resources for other critical expenses like rent, utilities, or medical care.
But just as importantly, we offer mentorship, encouragement, and connections to services that support stability, growth, and healing. Our programs aim to restore a sense of dignity and possibility, because when someone feels seen, supported, and cared for, they’re more likely to persevere.
We rely on private donations and volunteer support to make this work possible. From individuals experiencing homelessness to families facing sudden crisis, every story is unique, and every person is worthy of compassion.
At TOC, we’re committed to seeing the full human behind the hardship. By offering both resources and relationships, we strive to create lasting impact: one act of kindness at a time.
The TOC Team
Rachel
Executive Director/Co-Founder
Rachel@theoutreachconnection.org
Rachel holds a degree in Marketing and Business Management from Centenary University and brings a strong background in event planning, volunteer coordination, and social media marketing.
She previously served on the Board of Directors for Pink Heals Lehigh Valley but ultimately chose to pursue her deeper calling: co-founding The Outreach Connection and building a nonprofit rooted in compassion, connection, and community support.
Rachel is passionate about bringing light into the lives of those who are struggling. Her compassion extends not only to the individuals TOC serves, but also to the volunteers and community members who help bring its mission to life. With vision, heart, and unwavering determination, she remains a key force behind TOC’s continued growth and impact.
As a proud mother, Rachel gracefully balances the demands of family life with leading a dynamic and expanding organization. Her ability to lead with both empathy and strategic insight drives TOC’s mission forward; uplifting others through kindness, connection, and meaningful action.
Nikki
31 Threads Manager
Dayana
31 Threads Manager
Tina
Food Pantry Coordinator
TJ
Media Communications