In 2014, Brooke Neubauer founded The Just One Project after being impacted in 2009 by a special experience.
“A friend and I sponsored a child for the holiday season in 2009,” said Brooke Neubauer, Founder and CEO of The Just One Project. “The impact it made went beyond just bringing pure joy to the child; it touched my heart in a way that changed me forever. It made me so aware of the need in our community, and I knew I had to do something that would encourage others to perform more acts of kindness. I wanted to make it my life’s mission to give back to my own community.”
In that moment, the idea behind the non-profit organization was born — it takes “just one person” to make a difference.
The Just One Project is now the largest distributor of fresh groceries direct to residents of Southern Nevada, serving more than 17,000 residents monthly in their homes or neighborhoods. They ensure that food gets into the hands of those who need it most via monthly mobile markets, farmers markets, direct delivery, and four no-cost community markets.
“These signature markets resemble a neighborhood corner store and include fresh produce, pantry staples, and recipes. Staffed by The Just One Project case managers, these community markets are also a place where clients may access wraparound services such as rapid rehousing, homelessness prevention, job assistance, and more,” said Neubauer.
The Just One Project also offers unique volunteer opportunities, and there is no age requirement to get involved. Children, teens, families, and corporate volunteers make up a large number of our volunteers.
Programs like Volunteering Is Golden help combat senior isolation and strengthen the community through the volunteer service of adults 55 and over. Along with the community market, Pop Up & Give Mobile Market, and Delivery Driver opportunities, The Just One Project also offers youth programs.
While youth programs offer volunteer opportunities, they also have a chance to learn life skills.
“To address adult-sized pressures being faced by young adults, we offer Leadership Academy and Camp Just One,” said Neubauer. “Camp Just One is a week-long program for ages six to 12 that introduces important values around civic engagement, teamwork, and leadership development. Leadership Academy is a 90-day program for young adults ages 16 to 20 who are disconnected from school or employment, focusing on self-development, career and education development, and personal finance skills.”
For adults, The Just One Project offers financial literacy classes taught by industry professionals as well as self-development classes taught by licensed clinical social workers.
“We take great pride in our volunteer program and offer multiple ways for anyone and everyone to make a difference,” said Neubauer.
The Just One Project has more than 850 volunteers monthly. In 2022, over 10,613 volunteers answered a call to action.
“Part of our mission is to connect the community and inspire them to give back. Food insecurity and poverty do not discriminate, and these social issues often affect all walks of life,” said Neubauer. “Our volunteers are exposed to the varying clientele we serve and often leave with a new appreciation for life, their jobs, and their loved ones.”
That’s the ripple effect Neubauer hopes to see continue to grow and last for many years to come. The mindset that it takes just one to make a difference is in their namesake, and they wholeheartedly stand by it.
“We are making a great difference in the lives of our neighbors who are struggling,” said Neubauer. “In 2022 alone, we distributed 5,999,515 meals and served 243,795 clients. We know we could not have done it without the help of our volunteers, the heart and soul of our organization.”
The Just One Project is always looking for more people to help, get involved, and create sustainability. Their actions are geared toward the needs of the present generations and designed to benefit future generations so that the seeds they plant today grow trees that provide shade for others to enjoy for years to come.
"Nelson Henderson said it best," said Neubauer. “The true meaning of life is to plant trees under whose shade you do not expect to sit.”