Conversations with Rae Goodman

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rae Goodman.

Hi Rae, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.

Rae Goodman is the founder and leader of 1 Little Meal, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on addressing community needs through programs that provide free meals, affordable housing initiatives, childcare services, and support for families and veterans. The organization originally began by serving free meals to children through the Summer Food Service Program in Cobb and Fulton Counties before expanding into housing assistance and later launching a childcare and learning center in downtown Cartersville, Georgia.

1 Little Meal, Inc. is a nonprofit organization whose mission includes:

Providing free meals to children and community members.
Offering affordable/shared housing programs, including support for veterans.
Operating childcare and educational services for working families.
Supporting children and families in Bartow, Cobb, and Paulding Counties, Georgia.

According to the organization’s profile, 1LM evolved from a meal-service program into a broader community-support organization, adding housing and childcare programs as needs in the community were identified

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?
With more than 25 years of experience in the childcare industry, I have witnessed both the rewards and challenges that come with serving families and operating a childcare business. While the journey has not always been smooth, the children and families I have had the privilege to serve have been a constant source of inspiration and fulfillment.

I am passionate about creating a safe, nurturing, and enjoyable environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive. Supporting families and making a positive difference in the lives of children has been one of the greatest joys of my career, and it continues to motivate me every day.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
For more than 25 years, I have dedicated my career to serving children and families through high-quality childcare. My work focuses on creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where children can learn, grow, and develop the confidence and skills they need to succeed.

Throughout my career, I have navigated the many challenges that come with operating a childcare business, including economic fluctuations and industry changes. Despite these challenges, my commitment to children and families has remained unwavering. I am known for building strong relationships with families, providing dependable care, and creating a welcoming atmosphere where children feel valued, supported, and encouraged to reach their full potential.

What I am most proud of is the lasting impact I have made in the lives of the children and families I have served. Many families have entrusted me with the care of multiple generations of their children, and there is no greater compliment than earning that level of trust. Seeing children thrive, watching them achieve important milestones, and knowing I have played a role in their early development has been the most rewarding part of my work.

What sets me apart is my combination of experience, resilience, and genuine passion for serving others. I do not view childcare as simply a business; I see it as an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of families every day. My years of experience have taught me that every child is unique, and I strive to provide individualized care, compassion, and support that helps each child feel safe, happy, and successful.

In addition to providing childcare services, I have had the privilege of leading a community outreach initiative through 1 Little Meal, Inc. that focuses on distributing free meals to individuals and families in need. This program was created from a simple belief that every child and family deserves access to nutritious food and support, especially during challenging times.

Through this initiative, we have worked to address food insecurity within our community by providing free meals to families, children, seniors, and other vulnerable populations. Beyond meeting an immediate need, the program has helped strengthen community connections and ensure that families know they have a reliable source of support when facing difficult circumstances.

I am especially proud of this work because it extends our mission beyond childcare and allows us to serve families in a more holistic way. While quality childcare helps children learn and thrive, access to nutritious meals is equally important to their health, development, and overall well-being. By combining these efforts, we have been able to make a broader and more meaningful impact on the lives of the families we serve.

How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
There are many ways individuals, organizations, and community partners can work with and support me in advancing the mission of serving children and families.

Through my childcare services, I welcome opportunities to collaborate with parents, educators, healthcare providers, community organizations, and businesses that share a commitment to the well-being and development of children. Together, we can create stronger support systems that help children thrive and families succeed.

Through 1 Little Meal, Inc., there are also opportunities to make a direct impact on the community. Support can come in many forms, including volunteering at meal distribution events, sponsoring community outreach initiatives, donating food, supplies, or financial resources, and helping us connect with families who may benefit from our services. Community partners can also collaborate with us to expand programs, host events, and increase awareness of food insecurity and family needs.

One of the most valuable ways people can support our work is by sharing our mission with others. Referrals, partnerships, and community advocacy help us reach more families and extend our impact. Every connection, contribution, and act of support helps us continue providing safe childcare, nutritious meals, and meaningful resources to those who need them most.

At the heart of everything I do is a commitment to strengthening families and building healthier communities. I welcome opportunities to collaborate with individuals and organizations who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and families.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.1littlemeal.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1littlemeal
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1littlemeal