Today we’d like to introduce you to Sherry Stoeppler.
Hi Sherry, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Over the years, people began reaching out to me, asking if I could help individuals and families they knew who were facing difficult circumstances. Whether it was furniture, household essentials, transportation, or other urgent needs, I would do everything I could to provide what was needed—often within a day or two. Word spread, more people reached out, and what began as helping one person at a time continued to grow. It has never really stopped.
When my daughter was in junior high school, the name One on One Ministries was placed on my heart. Shortly afterward, something remarkable began to happen. Complete strangers would approach me and say things like, “One on One Ministries is powerful.” These were people who had never met me before and had no way of knowing the name that God had impressed upon my spirit. Looking back, I believe those moments were confirmations that He was calling me toward something greater than I could see at the time.
Years later, I knew the time had come to officially launch the ministry. As I reflect on the journey, I can clearly see how God had been preparing me all along. Every experience, every position I held, every challenge I faced, and even the jobs I did not particularly enjoy taught me valuable lessons that I rely on today. Each step was part of the foundation He was building for the work I now do.
For me, success is not measured by numbers, recognition, or accomplishments. Success is seeing the people I have helped grow, heal, and thrive. It is watching individuals overcome obstacles they once thought were impossible to overcome. It is seeing their children grow up with greater opportunities and brighter futures than they once imagined. Most of all, it is witnessing lives transformed—families restored, hope renewed, and people discovering their God-given potential. There is no greater reward than seeing lasting change take place and knowing that a simple act of kindness helped make it possible.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The journey has not always been easy. When you are doing work that helps free people from hardship, brokenness, and bondage, there is often a price to pay. This kind of ministry requires prayer, patience, financial sacrifice, and a tremendous amount of time.
People may see where I am today, but they do not always see what it has taken to get here. There have been many personal sacrifices along the way—vacations postponed, shopping trips missed, time with friends set aside, late nights worked, and countless hours spent searching for the items recipients needed. There have been moments when I picked up furniture or supplies just hours before leaving for a trip, or when I gave up a much-needed day of rest because someone else had an urgent need.
There have also been times when I did not know how I would purchase the items needed or even how I would be able to pick them up. Sometimes, that is still the reality. Yet through it all, God has remained faithful. He has always provided at the right time, often through the generous hearts and support of others.
Not everyone understands why I do what I do. Some believe I should focus more on myself, and finding that balance has not always been easy. But when others come alongside me and witness the impact firsthand, they begin to understand. They see children light up when they receive a bed of their own or toys to call theirs. They see the relief on a mother’s face when one more burden has been lifted. They see someone who has overcome tremendous obstacles—someone who has been walking or riding a bike to work—receive a vehicle they could never have afforded on their own.
In those moments, the reason becomes clear. Those are the moments that remind me why the sacrifices are worth it. They gently bring me back to the heart of the mission: choosing to give up some of what I may want so that someone else can receive what they truly need.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My mission is to help individuals and families who are actively seeking to improve their lives achieve lasting stability and success. While many organizations provide one-time assistance, my passion is walking alongside people throughout their journey, helping them build a stronger future. I believe true transformation happens through relationships, encouragement, and ongoing support.
Through One on One Ministries, we serve our community through programs such as Furnishing Families of Tennessee, Dyllen’s Closet, Hearts and Hammers, Hearts in Service, and several others. Furnishing Families of Tennessee provides complete home furnishings for individuals and families transitioning into stable housing, including beds, linens, towels, cookware, dishes, furniture, décor, and other essential household items. Hearts and Hammers assists qualifying recipients with minor home repairs and accessibility projects. Recently, our team built a wheelchair ramp for an individual battling cancer, allowing them safer access to their home.
My professional and volunteer experience has equipped me to serve people from all walks of life. I proudly served in the United States Marine Corps and have worked with abused children, domestic violence survivors, and families facing significant hardships. My career has included positions with Domestic Violence Intervention Services, Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN), Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN), and numerous office management roles. Throughout my years in Tennessee, I have also volunteered extensively in local churches, helping establish and lead benevolence ministries. Today, I continue assisting my husband in the administrative operations of his business while dedicating my time to ministry and community outreach.
The greatest reward in my work is seeing lives transformed and watching those I have helped become a source of hope for others. One story that remains especially meaningful involved a single mother of four children who was living in her car. I received a call late on a Friday evening, and by Saturday afternoon, we had secured housing for the family. Within 48 hours, their home was furnished with beds, food, dishes, towels, and other necessities. With their immediate needs met, the mother and her children could focus on healing, rebuilding, and planning for their future. Over time, we developed a close relationship, and the family affectionately began referring to me as their aunt. During this season, each family member gave their life to Christ. Today, that mother is remarried and leads a ministry that helps young women avoid domestic violence relationships and build healthy futures for themselves.
When asked what sets me apart, I often struggle to answer because I simply see myself as someone who believes in people. Others tell me that I make them feel seen, loved, accepted, and valued. While I am humbled by those words, I view my role as a cheerleader and encourager—someone who helps people recognize the strength, resilience, and potential that already exists within them. My goal is to help individuals see themselves not as victims of their circumstances, but as overcomers capable of creating a better future for themselves and their families.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
One of the most important decisions you can make is finding a mentor. Seek someone who shares your values and heart for the work you aspire to do—someone who has already traveled the road you are beginning to walk. A good mentor will be honest, transparent, and willing to hold you accountable. While accountability is often uncomfortable, it is one of the most valuable gifts a mentor can offer. Many people resist accountability, but a lack of it is often what leads to poor decisions and unnecessary setbacks.
A mentor can see dangers, opportunities, and challenges ahead that you may not yet recognize. Their experience can help you avoid mistakes that could cost you valuable time, resources, and opportunities. Most importantly, choose someone whose life reflects integrity, strong character, and consistent values. If a mentor is willing to compromise their principles, there is a greater likelihood that you may eventually do the same. I once heard someone say, “Show me your three closest friends, and I will show you your future.” There is a great deal of truth in that statement.
Networking is another invaluable resource. Much of what I have been able to accomplish has come through relationships and connections with others. People know individuals and families who are hurting and need assistance. They know potential donors, volunteers, community leaders, and others who may have resources, skills, or opportunities to contribute. Often, the right connection can make all the difference.
However, networking should never be viewed as simply a means to advance your own goals. The most meaningful relationships are built when both parties genuinely desire to see one another succeed. Approach every connection with a spirit of service rather than self-interest.
I have also learned never to view an unexpected encounter as an inconvenience. I do not believe in coincidences. I believe every person we meet has the potential to teach us something—whether it is what to do or what not to do. Sometimes we do not understand the significance of an encounter until much later. For that reason, I make an effort to stay connected with people whenever possible because you never know how God may use that relationship today, tomorrow, or years from now.
Finally, stay connected to a healthy church community. Serve, volunteer, and remain actively involved. Never allow yourself to become isolated. Growth, encouragement, wisdom, and accountability are all strengthened through community. It is within community that we learn, mature, and become better equipped to fulfill the purpose God has placed on our lives.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.oneononeministries.org
- Facebook: oneononeministries.us
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherry-stoeppler-87100716/
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/@oneononeministries
