Today we’d like to introduce you to Martesha C. Lagard.
Hi Martesha, it’s an honor to have you. To start, can you share some of your backstory with our readers?
I founded Social Good in Action, Inc. in 2009 from a simple commitment: when people in our community are going through hard times, somebody should show up for them — with something practical in hand. SGIA began with that commitment, and it has never changed. We provide supplies and resources to people facing hardship and homelessness, families caring for severely ill children, and communities recovering from natural disasters. What started as one person deciding to serve has grown into a sustained organization that has served more than 64,000 people since 2009 — and we are still just getting started.
For readers who don’t know SGIA yet, what does the work look like week to week?
Every week, we serve more than 150 of our Houston neighbors through distributions of food, clothing, hygiene kits, and household essentials — everything free of charge, and everything given with dignity. We also deliver to neighbors who can’t get to us. Since about 2022, we’ve served roughly 6,000 people a year, plus more than 1,000 people outside the United States. And at the seasons when families feel it most, we go bigger: more than 300 children supported at back-to-school, and more than 300 children during the holidays through our Holiday Experience.
“We rise, we shine, we serve.”
— the SGIA theme
Running a nonprofit for 17 years can’t always have been smooth. What has kept SGIA going?
Consistency and community. SGIA is founder-led and volunteer-powered, and we’ve sustained this work since 2009 on community support — neighbors helping neighbors. There have been seasons where the need was far bigger than our budget, and we served anyway. I believe generosity should be useful, timely, and dignified — so communities can move from immediate relief toward stability. That’s the standard we hold ourselves to, week after week.
You’re also an author of ten books. How does writing fit into the mission?
Writing is another way to serve. My books share the lessons and the heart behind this work — including the “Honoring Our Kids” children’s series, which teaches little ones that their small hands can make a big impact. If a child finishes one of my books believing they can help somebody, that seed grows for a lifetime.
You’ve been recognized for this work, including six Presidential Lifetime Achievement Awards. What does that recognition mean to you?
It’s humbling, and I receive it on behalf of everyone who has ever volunteered, donated, or prayed for this work. Recognition opens doors — and I use those doors to connect more people in difficult circumstances with practical support, and to create more opportunities for others to serve.
What would you say to someone reading this who wants to make a difference but doesn’t know where to start?
Start where you are, with what you have. You don’t need a big budget to change a day for somebody — you need a willing heart and a consistent yes. And if you’re in Houston, come serve with us. There’s a place for you at SGIA.
Contact Info:
- Website: sgiausa.org
- Email: info@sgiausa.org
- Phone: 346-386-4756
- Instagram: @sgiausa
- Address: 390 Glenborough Drive, Suite 180, Houston, TX 77067
Get involved: Volunteer, donate, or partner with SGIA at sgiausa.org.
Image credit: Photos courtesy of Social Good in Action, Inc.