Soup Moms of South Africa is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that is on a mission to eliminate hunger and spread the spirit of “Ubuntu” by empowering the people of Sir Lowry’s Pass, South. SMOSA was founded in August 2013 after our founder, Catherine Ford, returned home after participating in a service and leadership program in South Africa. The people of Sir Lowry’s Pass taught Ford that the true beauty rests in the love we share with people around us. This experience inspired her to begin to address the suffering of the people that taught her so much.

In an interview, Ford was asked, “Do you realize that some people might think you are crazy for starting your own non-profit organization at only 19 years old while simultaneously attending Wake Forest University?” She responded, “Well I am a little crazy, but inspiration is rare and it ignites a passion inside of us that often times we let burn out without even giving ourselves a chance—whether it is because we fear failure or it simply isn’t something we are “expected” or supposed” to do. So even if it seems a little crazy, I think we should all explore our passions and chase our calling in life.

Soup Moms of South Africa is my passion and I am igniting the flame.” Our founder recognized that she needed to harness the energy and creativity of her contemporaries and the diversity and wisdom of her mentors. The leadership board of SMOSA reflects the energy and passion of youth coupled with the wisdom that comes from experience. As members of the SMOSA team often say, “we will all learn and grow together through Ubuntu.”