Shrimaan’s Story: Young Leader, Lasting Impact

HIGH POINT, NC - Guilford County residents face the reality of 24 food deserts—areas without a grocery store within a walkable mile. Seven of these food deserts are located in High Point, disproportionately affecting neighbors in the 27260 and 27262 zip codes.

Since the 1960s, the Father’s Table soup kitchen has been a place where hungry neighbors can always count on fresh, hot meals served with care. Today, as a program of Open Door Ministries, we continue to provide nutritious hot meals through Father’s Table, and grocery essentials through the Food Pantry. Altogether monthly, roughly 800 – 1,000 households in the area rely on our food program to meet immediate family needs. As the cost of living continues to rise, so does the need for community resources.

Shrimaan Rapuru standing with one of his donation boxes.

That need inspired one local high school student to take action.

After noticing the Open Door Ministries van collecting donations at a local grocery store, Shrimaan Rapuru became curious about the organization’s work. As a high school student in the Guilford College early college program, Rapuru has a heart bigger than his house. What began as a simple observation quickly turned into a commitment to serving his community.

“Seeing that in my own community made the work feel immediate and personal,” Rapuru said. He remembers going home that day in the winter of 2024 and putting in the effort to research before reaching out to volunteer.

For more than two years, Rapuru has faithfully volunteered with Father’s Table Soup Kitchen, helping prepare meals each week while also organizing donation drives in his neighborhood and on campus each fall. He regularly encourages family members, friends, and classmates to join him in serving, and is always looking for new ways to help the organization expand its impact. 

“For me, it felt important to support the work in a tangible and consistent way,” Rapuru

Cooks prepping meals for Father's Table meals, which can be eaten immediately or taken to go.

shared. “I just wanted to do something for my community.”

Despite maintaining a 4.0 GPA, striving in rigorous coursework, and volunteering weekly, Rapuru wanted to contribute beyond his volunteer hours. He began working part-time at CVS Pharmacy.

The CVS earnings went not to himself, but to support more people in need. With the CVS income, Rapuru bought ingredients and set aside time to cook a weekly breakfast meal. 

“My favorite thing is the weekend breakfasts. It’s good to know that I can contribute to feeding people who are in need or people who don’t have people to care for them.” Rapuru adds, “It’s a good feeling.” 

Looking ahead, Rapuru hopes to continue serving through both community involvement and student leadership. He plans to establish a service-learning club at Guilford College focused on supporting local nonprofits such as Open Door Ministries. He also intends to study electrical engineering in college, hoping that one day, he can combine his education and experiences he gained from volunteering at ODM to create more life-changing impacts for the broader community.

Shrimaan Rapuru setting up a donation box in a driveway.

“One of the biggest things I’ve learned through Open Door Ministries is that service is not only about helping in the moment,” said Rapuru, “but also about creating sustainable systems that allow communities to continue supporting one another consistently over time.”

Open Door Ministries is grateful for volunteers like Shrimaan Rapuru. His dedication demonstrates that meaningful change does not depend on age or position - it begins with a willingness to serve. Through his compassion, leadership, and commitment, he continues to make a world of difference for neighbors throughout our community.

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ABOUT OPEN DOOR MINISTRIES

Open Door Ministries is a nonprofit organization serving individuals and families experiencing homelessness, hunger, poverty, and housing instability throughout the Greater High Point region. Through emergency shelter, food assistance, housing programs, veteran services, emergency financial assistance, and supportive services, ODM works to meet immediate needs while creating pathways toward long-term stability and self-sufficiency.