By Staff Writer | Photos courtesy of Fernande Valmé Ministries
Fernande Valmé (1924-2008) was a dedicated missionary, humanitarian, and the founder of Fernande Valmé Ministries, an organization built on faith and a mission to help those in desperate need around the world. Her life’s work was deeply rooted in her Christian values, specifically the teachings of Matthew 25, where Jesus calls his followers to comfort the sick, feed the hungry, offer support, and bear the burdens of those in need. Throughout her life, Evangelist Valmé’s devotion to serving others and bringing people closer to God through practical and spiritual support inspired many, and her legacy continues to impact communities both locally and globally.
The ministry she founded, Fernande Valmé Ministries, began as a faith-based initiative with a clear vision: Saved to Serve. Valmé believed that those who were saved by God were called to give back to the community and to assist others in any way possible. Her ministry’s mission is to serve those less fortunate, offering both physical and emotional support to individuals facing difficult circumstances.
A Conversation with Claudya C. Verdiner: Continuing the Mission
To understand the enduring impact of Fernande Valmé Ministries, Faith in Focus spoke with Claudya C. Verdiner, MBA, the current Public Relations Director of the ministry. Claudya, who is also the granddaughter of Fernande Valmé, provides insight into the ongoing work of the organization and its alignment with her personal faith journey.
Claudya explains that Fernande Valmé Ministries continues to carry on the legacy of her grandmother, who was deeply committed to helping others. “Her belief was saved to serve,” she shares. “That means, because we are in a better place, our mission is to go out and serve those who are less fortunate than us.”
One of the most memorable aspects of the ministry’s work, according to Claudya, is its focus on youth and education. She recounts instances where parents who were unfamiliar with the education system in Brooklyn sought help for their children. “We take the time to explain the information, help the children understand the importance of education, and encourage them to succeed,” Claudya says. The joy of seeing those children come back with their high school diplomas, college acceptances, or even degrees, speaks volumes about the ministry’s positive impact on young lives.
Claudya C. Verdiner, MBA, the current Public Relations Director of Fernande Valmé Ministries
Addressing the Needs of the Community
Fernande Valmé Ministries is deeply involved in supporting a wide range of community needs, both in Brooklyn and abroad. The organization prioritizes helping those most in need, depending on available funding and donations. Whether it’s providing coats during the winter, offering food through their food pantry, or assisting families with essential household items, the ministry adapts to meet the needs of the community.
Faith plays a central role in this humanitarian work. Claudya refers to the biblical passage from James 2, which emphasizes the Christian responsibility to use resources to help others. “What are we doing with the knowledge and resources the Lord has given us?” she asks. This question guides the ministry’s efforts, which are not only about addressing material needs but also about fulfilling the call to serve others in Christ’s name. 
Fernande Valmé Ministries has a dedicated team and passionate volunteers to serve the community. Recently, Fernande Valmé Ministries was awarded a $1,000 Spectrum Employee Community Grant, which will be used to support the local community through food pantry distribution, job search and placement. They were selected by the broadband connectivity company and cable operator based on the nomination and volunteer work of Spectrum employee Fabienne Pean.
Navigating Challenges and Providing Support
Like many organizations, Fernande Valmé Ministries has faced challenges, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many community members, especially non-English speakers, were unsure how to navigate the crisis. In response, the ministry adapted quickly, providing essential health information and resources to the community through remote Zoom calls and partnering with local experts to explain important safety protocols.
Additionally, the food pantry became an invaluable resource for families who were struggling due to job losses and economic uncertainty. Claudya highlights how the support of donors and local partnerships helped the ministry continue its operations during this difficult time. “We were able to support families with food and essential supplies, and I’m thankful to say that no one in our congregation lost their life to COVID-19,” she reflects.
Collaboration and Growth: Expanding the Ministry’s Reach
Fernande Valmé Ministries believes in the power of collaboration to amplify its impact. Claudya mentions the organization’s monthly health fairs, where volunteers offer services like blood pressure checks and diabetes management. Additionally, the ministry provides after-school tutoring and counseling services for youth, ensuring that their support extends beyond immediate needs to long-term empowerment.
By working with other faith-based and community organizations, Fernande Valmé Ministries maximizes its ability to help those who need it most. “We want to be a one-stop shop where anyone can come to us with their questions or issues, and we can help them,” Claudya explains.
How to Get Involved
For those inspired to contribute to the ministry’s mission, there are several ways to get involved. Fernande Valmé Ministries operates out of their location on Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn, New York, and they welcome donations, volunteers, and support from the community. “We’ve been around for over 52 years and have received recognition from City Hall,” Claudya shares. “We’re always looking for people to help us out, whether that’s through donations or offering job opportunities to those in need.”
The organization is not limited to serving only one community but is open to assisting anyone in need, especially within the Caribbean community. Fernande Valmé Ministries truly lives out its motto—saved to serve—by acting as a resource for all.
As Claudya so beautifully puts it, “We want to be there, we want to be a resource, and we want to help. Anyone who wants to assist is always welcome.”
Conclusion: A Legacy of Compassion and Service
The legacy of Fernande Valmé continues to inspire through the work of her ministry. As a devoted missionary, Valmé’s unwavering commitment to serving those in need, particularly the marginalized and underserved, has left an indelible mark on the communities she served. Her mission of compassion, faith, and service lives on through Fernande Valmé Ministries, continuing to provide humanitarian support and spiritual guidance to those who need it most.
For more information on how to support Fernande Valmé Ministries, please visit their location at 1120 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, or call (718) 284-1809. The organization encourages donations and the sharing of job opportunities to help empower those in need and further its global mission.
Faith in Focus hosted by Jaeda G is aired on Saturdays from 11am to 12noon on www.inceptionfmradio.com. Catch up anytime on Spotify.
The Legacy of Fernande Valmé: A Lifelong Mission to Serve and Support Those in Need added by The Immigrant’s Journal on
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