CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Virginia – A local business owner is now helping put food on the table for immigrant families in need.

Natasha Lemus owns and operates a tax business in North Chesterfield. She remained open when agencies closed during the government shutdown in 2020. People who spoke little English came to her office to help her find the resources they needed to survive the pandemic.

“I feel like I am standing up for a community that has fallen silent because of fear,” said Natasha, explaining why she is so passionate about her service.

The wife and mother of four could not sit at her desk and do nothing. She began to find answers to questions and to collect food that families used to eat.

“I was putting them in touch with some great places that served and had food drives, but a few families came back and said we were looking for more real food, and I asked what is real food? They said we needed limes, fresh produce, cornmeal, just beans, “Natasha said.” So I looked around my team in my office, and I said well, you know what, let’s have a food drive to serve the community, and connect with local businesses, ”she added.

Natasha quickly realized that her team was making a big difference.

“It was a one-day event and it became a daily event because we continued to receive local support from the community,” Natasha said.

To meet the growing demand, she created the Waymakers Foundation, a non-profit organization serving the immigrant community. The organization now feeds around 250 families per week.

“Our phone lines are working 24/7,” she said.

But, Natasha says there is never enough to help anyone who asks for help.

“The demand goes beyond what we can do,” she said.

Natasha says Waymakers survive month to month and needs trained volunteers to help fill a variety of roles. The association is also preparing to help 100 families who have just entered the country. If you would like to donate through PayPal, visit the foundation’s website here.