In the face of unimaginable loss, Rolanda Macharia turned tragedy into a mission of hope. After her husband of 19 years died in 2014, she found herself navigating a new and difficult reality. "With five children to care for and no time to grieve, I faced logistical hurdles while searching for emotional healing. In this process, I discovered how challenging it was to locate resources for myself and my struggling 15-year-old daughter," she recalls.
Eventually, Rolanda says she found support through GriefShare for herself and Christian Works at Camp Erin for her daughter. These programs helped them begin their journey toward healing. However, the experience revealed a significant gap in access to critical resources, which inspired Rolanda to create something meaningful for others facing their own struggles.
In 2015, she launched L.I.F.T. R&R, which is short for “Laboring in the Field Together: Resources and Referrals.” This outreach program was born to provide a lifeline for those in need, connecting individuals and families with nonprofit organizations, community partners and local institutions offering crucial support.
The mission of L.I.F.T. R&R is simple yet impactful: to ease burdens for those who are physically or emotionally struggling by connecting them with free resources and referrals. The organization’s work extends across Collin County, amplifying the visibility of nonprofit organizations and bridging the gap between services and those in need.
Rolanda says one of the main events L.I.F.T. R&R helps with is Another Man's Treasure. This annual September event helps 200-plus Collin County residents facing poverty by giving them donations of new furniture and clothing, along with a $75 gift card. This event also brings together more than 20 nonprofit groups to share their services, encouraging connections and teamwork.
Additionally, she says L.I.F.T. R&R helps distribute Toys for Tots and provides care packages to seniors in nursing homes during the spring and Christmas seasons. The holiday packages include gifts and treats, bringing happiness and respect to the elderly residents of McKinney Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center.
In 2024, the L.I.F.T. R&R group expanded their impact with the launch of the LIFT REACH Scholarship, awarding $4,000 in scholarships to two graduating high school seniors in Collin County. "This scholarship emphasizes resilience and perseverance, with a focus on students who have overcome significant obstacles to achieve their goals," Rolanda states.
The organization also introduced Nonprofit Expos in partnership with Celina and Anna ISDs. These expos brought together 45-plus nonprofits, providing residents with opportunities to access services, volunteer or collaborate with local organizations.
In collaboration with First United Bank, L.I.F.T. R&R implemented a financial literacy program aimed at breaking the cycle of poverty. Participants attend a 10-week Financial Peace University course, learning critical financial skills before receiving a no-fee bank account and $200 to jumpstart their journey toward stability.
Looking forward, Rolanda says L.I.F.T. R&R has set its sights on achieving two primary objectives. Firstly, the organization is dedicated to expanding financial literacy by providing families with the necessary tools and knowledge to make informed financial decisions, ultimately promoting long-term stability and success. Rolanda emphasizes the importance of financial literacy in shaping generations, influencing financial habits and aiding individuals in saving, investing and managing debt effectively. Secondly, L.I.F.T. R&R aims to enhance nonprofit collaboration by organizing additional Nonprofit Expos throughout Collin County. Through these expos, more residents will be connected with valuable no-cost resources, while also strengthening partnerships within the nonprofit sector.
At the core of L.I.F.T. R&R is a commitment to personal connection and advocacy. Rolanda is passionate about understanding the missions of local nonprofits and sharing their stories with others. An example is her experience with the Community Garden Kitchen in McKinney, which serves free, restaurant-quality dinners to anyone in need, no questions asked.
“I wanted to see for myself the experience,” explains Rolanda. “The level of service was incredible, from being greeted at the door to ordering from a menu. It was a five-star experience with outstanding compassion.”
Nonprofits, such as L.I.F.T. R&R, rely on community support to continue their vital work. Rolanda says the organization’s current needs include donations to sustain its programs, as well as skilled content creators to enhance its social media presence. There’s also a call for fundraising experts to join the board and help strategize new growth opportunities.
For those interested in supporting L.I.F.T. R&R or learning more, Rolanda encourages people to follow the organization online via Facebook and Instagram. “We’re grateful to serve our residents and Collin County nonprofit partners,” she says.
Through its programs and partnerships, L.I.F.T. R&R has become a cornerstone of hope in Collin County. Rolanda's vision continues to uplift lives, ensuring that no one has to navigate their challenges alone.
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L.I.F.T. R&R changes lives, supports changemakers and brings smiles to people and families through their impactful initiatives.
"There are great nonprofits in Collin County doing profound and necessary work to be a life-changing resource for our residents, but people don’t know they exist," states Rolanda Macharia, founder of L.I.F.T. R&R.