What if the hardest day of your week became someone else’s favorite day?
For BKind, every Saturday morning means showing up-rain, snow, or shine-to serve their community’s most vulnerable neighbors. What began as a response to personal tragedy has grown into a movement that brings together hundreds of volunteers and guests in the Abundant Life Church parking lot on Furnace Branch Road.
At Full Sail Media, we’re proud to spotlight BKind as our Changemaker community partner this month. Each month, our Changemaker initiative celebrates organizations making a profound difference in our communities.
The story of BKind, founded by Fred and Monica Rost, along with Steve Finch and Eric Wedemeyer, reminds us that sometimes the most powerful change starts with simply showing up for others.
From Personal Loss to Community Service
BKind wasn’t born from a business plan or strategic vision. It emerged from heartbreak and a profound shift in perspective.
“What really opened our eyes to the homelessness crisis was losing our son to drug addiction,” Fred shares. “Before that, we were like a lot of people-we’d see someone panhandling and assume they were just trying to get money for alcohol or drugs. But living through that experience changed everything.”
When their son struggled with addiction, he lived on the streets. That experience revealed a truth the Rosts couldn’t ignore: behind every person experiencing homelessness is someone’s child, loved one, friend, or neighbor.
“We realized how many people are out there suffering,” Fred explains. “We decided we wanted to do whatever we could to help others in that same situation.”
That decision transformed into BKind, a weekly outreach that has become a lifeline for the Glen Burnie community and beyond.
Every Saturday, No Matter What
BKind operates with remarkable consistency. Every Saturday morning, volunteers gather at the Abundant Life Church parking lot to serve meals, distribute clothing and supplies, and offer connection to anyone who needs it.
“No matter the weather-rain, snow, you name it-we’re there,” Monica says with pride. “We like to joke that we’re better than the post office.”
Fred adds, “I’m from Chicago and Monica’s from Northwest Indiana, so nothing really scares us weather-wise, and that attitude has spread to our volunteer base.”
That dedication has created something special. The organization now has 74 regular volunteers-a number they discovered after receiving an anonymous donation of $3,500 to purchase matching hoodies for the team.
“The donor had only visited us twice,” Fred recalls. “He saw the heart of what we were doing and wanted to contribute. He said, ‘I want everyone to look unified.’ That kind of support means a lot to us.”
A Growing Need and Growing Impact
While many familiar faces return each Saturday, BKind continues to see new guests every week.
“The need keeps growing,” Monica notes. “With the current economic challenges and even things like the government shutdown, we’re noticing more people in need and resources being stretched thinner than ever.”
The organization measures its impact in multiple ways: the number of people served each week, the consistency of volunteer participation, the volume of goods distributed, and the connections made to services and recovery programs.
Local recovery centers have become integral partners. One group loved their first visit so much that they now bring 12 to 18 volunteers every last Saturday of the month, demonstrating that BKind creates transformation on both sides of the table.
More Than Meals: Building Community
BKind has found its home at Abundant Life Church after serving in several locations over the years. Their previous site behind Brewster’s, next to the B&A Trail, couldn’t accommodate their growth. When the mall was sold, they suddenly lost access.
“We briefly relocated to SonRise Church, which was kind enough to host us, but space was tight,” Fred explains. “Then Abundant Life Church reached out and offered their parking lot-we didn’t even go there as members! They said, ‘We see what you’re doing and want to help.’”
That partnership has allowed BKind to serve more people than ever, including hosting major community events that draw crowds of over 700 people.
Kindness for Kids Day
Every October, BKind hosts their version of a “trunk or treat”, but more inclusive.
“Kids don’t have to dress up if they don’t want to,” Monica emphasizes. “We set up tables, games, and cars filled with candy, small toys, and fun prizes. It’s all about giving local families a safe, happy place to celebrate.”
The event’s popularity speaks volumes. People start lining up as early as 5:30 in the morning, even though service doesn’t begin until 11. Volunteers bake on Friday nights to ensure fresh treats are available the next morning.
Christmas Celebration
The organization’s Christmas event has become a cornerstone of the community calendar. Last year, over 700 people filled the parking lot-so many that Anne Arundel County resource officers helped safely cross people over Ritchie Highway.
“We only accept brand-new, unwrapped toys during the holidays,” Fred notes. “One of our volunteers even donated a professional Santa suit and dressed up to hand out gifts.”
The Honor Society from Mount Saint Joe has become a tradition unto itself, showing up each year with all the equipment needed to make pancakes for everyone. Many students continue volunteering even after graduation.
“It’s inspiring to see the younger generation step up,” Monica says. “Some have even asked to take on leadership roles, and we love that-they’re our future.”
Thanksgiving Gathering
BKind also hosts a Thanksgiving meal for anyone who doesn’t have family nearby or simply needs a place to feel welcome.
“We serve a full Thanksgiving meal in the Abundant Life Church parking lot,” Monica explains. “Volunteers bring turkeys, sides, and desserts, and everyone eats together before heading home to their own family dinners. It’s all about community and belonging.”
Partnerships That Multiply Impact
BKind has cultivated impressive partnerships with major organizations that help extend their reach.
Bombas donates between 10,000 and 15,000 pairs of socks every year. FILA recently donated brand-new clothes and shoes when they closed their Curtis Bay location. The organization also receives tents and sleeping bags to fully equip people experiencing homelessness.
“We’ve never asked anyone for money-people just come to us because they see the work happening,” Monica says. “That’s something we’re really proud of.”
They also collaborate with local programs like Hands and Feet for Jesus to ensure their efforts complement each other and maximize community impact.
A Philosophy of Dignity
Everything BKind does flows from a simple motto: If it’s not good enough for us, it’s not good enough for our friends.
“We’ll take gently used donations, but never junk,” Fred states.
The organization operates on a “just-in-time” model. Whatever they bring on Saturday gets distributed that day. Nothing returns with them. If food remains after service, volunteers and guests can go through the line again.
“Recently, a group from Teen Challenge in Baltimore reached out,” Monica recalls. “They run a school and housing program for women and families in need and were struggling to feed everyone. Even though our donations have been lower, we told them to come out and we’d make sure they got what they needed after we served our regular guests. That’s what BKind is all about-sharing what we have and trusting it’ll be enough.”
The Volunteer Experience
What makes BKind’s volunteer corps so dedicated? According to Fred, it’s simple: people genuinely love being there.
“Almost every volunteer would tell you it’s their favorite day of the week,” he shares.
The organization celebrates volunteers with small appreciation efforts throughout the year. Currently, they’re running a name-tag contest so everyone can be greeted by name, with prizes awarded on Saturdays.
Volunteers have developed an intuitive system for managing distribution fairly. When supplies are tight, the team asks everyone to take what they need for the week with a reminder that they’ll be back next Saturday. One volunteer even starts at the back of the line with a wagon of extra snacks to ensure people waiting longer receive something early.
“Our team knows the flow, and it runs smoothly,” Monica notes.
“We never turn away new helpers, even if it looks like we already have enough hands. We want everyone to feel welcome and part of the experience.”
Current Needs and Future Dreams
As BKind continues to grow, their primary need remains consistent: food and grocery donations.
“There’s more and more pressure on the organizations that supply us. They’re being asked to support multiple groups at once,” Fred explains. “The more food we get, the more people we can help.”
The organization also dreams of replacing their aging 2002 diesel truck, which was donated years ago and has become increasingly expensive to maintain.
“A newer, more dependable vehicle like a Sprinter van would make a big difference,” Monica says. When the truck last broke down, a donor they barely knew stepped up and covered the full repair bill of about $1,800.
Fred took a grant-writing class at Anne Arundel Community College after retiring to help secure funding for needs like this. While they haven’t landed a major grant yet, they remain hopeful.
“We really believe the more we do for others, the more we’re blessed in return,” Monica reflects.
A Family Beyond Blood
What began as two people processing grief through service has evolved into something much larger-a true family bound not by blood but by shared purpose.
“Between our regular volunteers, the local schools, and other community helpers, we’ve built a true family,” Fred says warmly.
That family extends beyond those serving to include those being served. The relationships formed during Saturday mornings create connections that sustain people throughout difficult times.
How You Can Support BKind
Want to be part of this incredible community effort? Here are ways you can get involved:
- Volunteer: BKind welcomes helpers every Saturday morning at Abundant Life Church’s parking lot on Furnace Branch Road near Route 10 in Glen Burnie. No experience necessary-just show up ready to serve.
- Donate Food and Groceries: This is the organization’s greatest need. Contact them through their website to arrange donations.
- Attend Special Events: Mark your calendar for Kindness for Kids Day in October, the Thanksgiving gathering, and the Christmas celebration on December 20.
- Spread the Word: Share information about BKind with others who might need their services or want to volunteer.
- Visit Their Website: Find the latest event dates and ways to contribute at their website.
At Full Sail Media, we’re inspired by organizations like BKind that transform personal pain into community healing. Just as we work alongside businesses to help them grow and succeed, Monica and Fred work tirelessly to ensure their neighbors have what they need to survive and thrive.
Their story reminds us that changemaking doesn’t always require grand gestures or massive resources. Sometimes it simply requires showing up, week after week, with open hands and open hearts.
Because in Glen Burnie every Saturday morning, BKind proves that the smallest acts of service-multiplied by dedication, consistency, and love-can change everything.
To learn more about BKind and how you can get involved, visit their website for upcoming event dates and volunteer opportunities.
