Our Story
Hands That Serve began with a simple act of generosity. Inspired by Grandmaster Choa Kok Sui — founder of Pranic Healing and a lifelong philanthropist — a small group of volunteers started handing out cheeseburgers to homeless individuals in downtown St. Louis. That spark grew into something far larger.
Over the years, Hands That Serve expanded to include housing assistance, educational scholarships, emergency funding, and ongoing food support. Through it all, the mission has stayed the same: meet people where they are, help them move forward, and do it with dignity.
How We Work
We are entirely volunteer-run. Every person on our team holds a full-time job and gives their time because they believe in this work. We operate through a referral model — trusted community partners connect us with individuals and families who need support. We don’t advertise our contact information publicly, because our capacity is limited and we want to make sure every dollar reaches someone who is truly ready to be helped.
Over 99% of all donations received go directly to those in need.
Over 99% of all donations received go directly to those in need.
Our Team
Grandmaster Choa Kok Sui
Grandmaster Choa Kok Sui is the founder of Pranic Healing, world wide philanthropist and spiritual teacher. After visiting the United States in 2001 and witnessing the homeless situation in a major city, GMCKS purchased one hundred hamburgers and began handing them out with some of his students. Realizing that using our hands to serve others enriches both the giver and the receiver, he suggested that feeding programs should be established in metropolitan areas throughout the U.S. Since then the initiative has grown into a service organization that helps the homeless secure housing, and pursue a better future for themselves and those they love.
Julie and Tom Preis
Julie and Tom Preis established the feeding program, as suggested, in the St. Louis area with the cooperation of St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Church and many others. Julie is the president of the St. Louis organization and has pushed the initiative to include more concrete sources of support to the area homeless. She works as a Pranic Healer and Clinical Social Worker in private practice. Tom is the Treasurer of the organization and keeps a detailed account of the contributions that we receive as well as a detailed list of our expenses. Tom is the Business Development Manager at Biagi Bros.
Therese Syberg
Therese Syberg has the role of Vice President of Hands That Serve. Therese also is responsible for the recruitment, training and scheduling of our wonderful volunteers on Fridays. She works as a Cosmetologist and Director of Education for So.Cap.USA Hair extensions in Missouri and Kansas. She also practices Pranic Healing.
Nathan Ferguson
Nathan Ferguson serves as a volunteer coordinator for Hands That Serve.