Woman of the Month: Brandy Zeigler

According to the Study of Homelessness and Poverty, an estimated quarter million men, women and children experience homelessness in a given year in Los Angeles. It is a difficult reality to eradicate for the city's officials. Brandy Zeigler, 28, is one woman who is up for that challenge. And, in contrast to her petite frame and striking beauty, the single, Los Angeles native is tough enough to do it.

Raised as the only girl, by a single father, with four brothers, Zeigler is used to being set apart. Not one to be socially influenced, Zeigler didn't have a set mandate for her life. A devoted believer in Christ, Zeigler looked to the Holy Spirit for her destiny. So, it wasn't a stretch, when the education graduate from the University of California-Dominguez Hills unselfishly put her teaching career on hold after a epiphany from God.

"One day, in September 2010, when I was driving in my car, I thought about all the children who didn't have adequate school clothes for the upcoming year", explains Zeigler, "I wanted to do more. I wanted to have a purpose, so I asked God: Lord, give me a heart for the causes of your people."

That purpose was confirmed when, shortly after, Zeigler got a call from a friend inquiring about whether her church (One Church International) was doing a clothing drive for needy school children. After doing the clothes drive and coordinating a Thanksgiving food drive, Zeigler stepped into her purpose. And AS ONE Charity was born.

"After the success of the Thanksgiving drive, we had a lot of food left over. I thought it would be a great idea to provide sack lunches for the homeless in Hollywood. I started shopping at Costco, putting food in the trunk of my car and enlisting friends to help me distribute lunches to the homeless.", said Zeigler.

Zeigler got the name for AS ONE after brainstorming with a friend on what to call the charity. The idea came from the Bible and God's reference to His people as "one body". Zeigler counts all God's children as one family, so she looks to show that faith in her ministry. With the support of her pastor, Toure' Roberts, Zeigler's purpose-driven initiative become a cornerstone for the church's doctrine and a catalyst for a lifestyle of service by its growing membership. Many people say the time they have spent volunteering at AS ONE  has giving them an appreciation for the Christian lifestyle and what being a believer is all about.

"AS ONE has blessed me in the area of being unselfish, causing me to put someones needs before my own...giving my time and love to beautiful people, it challenges me to be blameless before God in order to pray and intercede over my neighbors" explains Tiffany Yvette, a dedicated volunteer.

"I introduce her last because she is first in what we are trying to accomplish in our church ministry. Brandy is the church and what she does is everything we stand for, said Roberts, at a new members dinner, "If you really want to know what our church principles are, you should tap into AS ONE."

Since January, 2011, AS ONE has provided food, clothing, hygiene and Christian fellowship for countless of the city's homeless. The self-funded charity started in Hollywood, but has expanded extensively into the city's downtown "Skid Row" area. Skid Row is considered to have the largest concentration of homeless and underprivileged citizens in Los Angeles County. Every Tuesday and Wednesday, Zeigler and her increasing band of faithful, assemble in North Hollywood to prepare and pack food, Bibles, clothing and hygiene.

Zeigler first focuses on her staff. She solicits testimony, prayer request and offers thanks and encouragement before leading a powerful prayer over her volunteers. She and her caravan of Christians migrate by van and car to the Skid Row district where eager men, women and children await. The unfortunate are given food and clothing, but more importantly they are given prayers, hugs and fellowship by the volunteers. Some of her volunteers include entertainment notables such as actor,Christian Keyes and Brandee Harris, celebrity choreographer.

Though Ziegler was nicknamed  "The Elder" of the church, her personal life doesn't mirror that of a powerful, young woman leading an organization. Though her influence as a leader is evident, Zeigler describes herself as shy, conservative and a bit goofy. She is humble and transparent about her challenges as the face of a growing movement. The movement has not only keep pace, but has produced other charitable components like, the Hollywood-based blanket giveaway, Blanket of Love. When ask if she every had thoughts of giving up, Zeigler doesn't hesitate:

"The charity can be very taxing spiritually and mentally. Its not an easy job especially when you, yourself, have to worry about how you are going to pay your bills and keep a roof over your head".

Her faith appears to cast off any doubts and worries. Weekly, without fail, she diligently comes ready to go and lead her team of mighty men and women down to Skid Row to do God's work. She has even taken volunteers into her home. Some of the friends she has helped on Skid Row are, now, active members in the church and have gotten back on their feet. All credit AS ONE Charity for the support. Zeigler feels she is as equally blessed by those she serves:

" When I feel empty, I am filled up through the testimonies. It's the testimonies of the people that keep me going...God is glorified through our testimony".

For her faith, service and testimony, Brandy Zeigler is our first Write4Fools "Woman of the Month".

For more information, to send donations or volunteer support, please contact As One Charity via Website , Facebook or Twitter