HISTORY

Started in 2008, Operation Big Serve has grown from distributing food to small groups of people – to a resource that more than 2,000 homeless and low-income families rely on for help each month. In 2018, Operation Big Serve opened Past to Promise Community Center where the homeless feel welcome in a nonjudgmental, safe and caring atmosphere. Operation Big Serve aims to feed the hungry and raise awareness about homelessness and poverty in our community. 

NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES 

2

 

LEADERSHIP

President & Co-founder: Mark Karmolinski
Vice President  & Co-founder: Catherine Karmolinski

 

LOCATION

911 E. Main St., Ste. 107-109 

Mesa, AZ 85203
480-361-8559

MISSION

Changing lives and having a positive impact on our community by building relationships with the homeless and those in need while providing their basic needs daily.

CLIENT POPULATION

  • Operation Big Serve partners with 40 agencies to provide services for chronic, temporary, and formerly homeless individuals.
  • We serve 2,000 homeless individuals and low-income families as well as provide 12,000 meals monthly.
  • We provide veterans transitioning out of homelessness and into housing with household items and furnishings at low or no cost from our Veterans With Purpose Boutique

OPERATION BIG SERVE CORE SERVICES

·         FRESH START PROGRAM: Operation Big Serve currently offers clients referred by Veterans Affairs peer support with furnishings and household items to help with transitioning from homelessness into housing at no or low cost. Used medical equipment such as wheel chairs, lifts and walkers are also made available for those who are unable to acquire them through insurance.

·         PAST TO PROMISE COMMUNITY CENTER: 

The Community Center provides basic needs such as clothing, hygiene items, areas for sleeping, and phone charging. In addition, a mentoring program that provides life skills classes and job training is available.

·         CAFETERIA: Operation Big Serve provides the homeless and low income families a continental breakfast and lunch six days a week. A food pantry offers shelf-stable food items that are easy to open and transport in a bag. 

·         HYDRATION STATION: Operation Big Serve acts as a “hydration station” for those who do not have access to water or a cool indoor environment during the summer months.

 

FUTURE SERVICES

Operation Big Serve plans to offer a Culinary Arts Training and Supported Employment Program to prepare homeless adults for careers in the food service industry. The 16-week long program will give graduates the skills and professional certification needed to earn higher wages in the culinary field.