Today we’d like to introduce you to Sharon Tobias.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Angels Frontline began in 2013 with a simple goal: to make sure no individual or family rebuilding after crisis has to do it alone. What started as a small effort to meet immediate needs has grown into a trusted resource for people facing some of life’s most difficult transitions.
Over the years, our work has centered on supporting refugees and survivors of trafficking, while naturally expanding to include domestic violence survivors and individuals exiting shelter programs. As we listened to the needs of the community, our mission grew with it.
Today, Angels Frontline focuses on restoring stability in practical ways. From beds and furniture to household essentials and gifts for birthdays, graduations, and holidays, we provide the things that turn a space into a home and help people move forward with dignity. What began as a simple idea has become a consistent, community-driven effort to show up when it matters most.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road, and in a lot of ways, that is what has shaped who we are.
One of the biggest challenges has been the gap between need and resources. There are always more families who need help than there are funds or donations available, and that can be difficult to navigate.
Awareness has also been a challenge. The people we serve often require privacy, which means their stories are not always visible to the public. That makes it harder to show the full impact of the work and build consistent support.
On top of that, growth brings its own challenges. As we expanded, we had to figure out how to build systems, partnerships, and processes while still staying true to the heart of the mission.
It has taken a lot of persistence, but those challenges have also made the organization stronger and more intentional in how we serve.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
At our core, Angels Frontline provides the things people need when they are starting over.
We work with refugees, survivors of trafficking, and individuals leaving unsafe situations, helping them transition into stable housing. That often looks like providing beds, furniture, dishes, and everyday essentials. The kinds of things many people take for granted, but that make a huge difference when you have nothing.
We partner closely with organizations like the International Institute of St. Louis and The Covering House. Through those relationships, we are able to respond quickly and meet needs as they come up. We also provide birthday and graduation gifts for youth served by The Covering House. Those moments may seem small, but they bring a sense of normalcy and recognition at a time when it is often missing.
What sets us apart is our focus on the practical, in-between needs. Many systems focus on immediate safety or long-term planning. We step into the middle, helping turn an empty space into something livable so people can begin to rebuild.
We are also very relationship-driven. Staying closely connected with caseworkers and partner organizations allows us to be flexible, responsive, and intentional in how we serve.
What we are most proud of is the consistency of the work. It is not one moment or one story, but the ability to show up again and again. Sometimes that looks like a bed to sleep in. Sometimes it is a set of dishes in a new apartment. Sometimes it is making sure a child has a birthday or graduation gift. Those moments matter, and they add up.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
One of my favorite childhood memories is spending time with family during the holidays. It was never about anything extravagant, just being together, sharing meals, and having that sense of comfort and consistency. Looking back, those moments shaped how I think about what “home” really means, which ties closely into the work we do today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.angelsfrontline.org
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/AngelsFrontline
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/angelsfrontline
