Since 2022, Shawna Flowers has been operating a food pantry inside the New Castle PAL Center, and in just a few years, it has become so much more than a place to pick up food.

It has become a safe haven.

Shawna is the founder of FLOW, Falling Love Ones Wings, a nonprofit born out of unimaginable loss.

In 2008, Shawna’s son was killed by gun violence. In the depths of her grief, she made a decision: her pain would not be wasted.

She founded FLOW in his honor.

“I remember when nobody was there for me,” she says. “After the funeral, after family and friends go back to their lives, it’s just you and your mind.”

What began as gun violence intervention work — speaking engagements, storytelling, and community advocacy — has grown into a multi-layered organization serving families across Wilmington and New Castle County.

After noticing significant food insecurity in her community — especially among low-income seniors and families — Shawna pitched the idea of starting a pantry inside the PAL Center where she works. The shelves were once part of a library. Today, they are stocked with food, hygiene items, and hope.

The pantry now serves approximately 30 or more people per day, Tuesday through Thursday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., with additional availability on Saturdays.

What makes FLOW’s pantry different is its accessibility and dignity-first approach.

As long as the building is open, the pantry is open.

There are no restrictive hours or rigid distribution days. Neighbors shop for what they need — just like they would at a grocery store. Shawna and her volunteers don’t stand over anyone limiting items. They trust their community.

“We want to be open. We want to be welcoming. That’s what community is,” she points out.

Beyond food, Shawna created what she calls a “care closet,” stocked with tampons, condoms, hygiene products, and first aid kits. At one point, she effectively operated as a diaper bank when supplies were available. She distributes coats, socks, new shoes for children, and other essentials.

Many times, she purchases needed items out of her own pocket.

“If I think the people need it, I’ll get it,” Shawn explains.

FLOW’s impact extends far beyond food.

Shawna runs a trauma-focused women’s support group for mothers who have lost children to gun violence, overdose, illness, or accidents. The group operates as a 24-hour support system. If someone texts at 1 a.m. saying they’re struggling, the others respond immediately.

“If it’s needed, we’ll hop on Zoom right away,” she says.

She also launched a weekly podcast in March of last year that now reaches more than 5,000 viewers weekly. The platform brings together mothers, fathers, siblings, and community leaders to discuss the issues often “swept under the rug” in Wilmington — from violence to fentanyl to healing.

Shawna sees firsthand the challenges families face: Food insecurity, utility shutoffs, housing repairs, childcare costs, bullying, gun access among youth, fentanyl and overdose

She refers people to additional resources like 211 when needs extend beyond what she can provide, but she also offers something less tangible and equally critical: presence.

“Sometimes I feel like a counselor,” she says. “But when you build relationships, you understand — that’s my service.”

She believes violence stems from hurt. “Hurt people hurt people.” And she sees prevention starting early, keeping youth engaged, creating work opportunities, building trust with schools and law enforcement, and restoring safe recreation spaces.

Shawna’s dreams for FLOW are expansive.

In the next five years, she envisions her own building, workforce development programs and statewide partnerships.

She’s currently working on an innovative idea to repurpose buses to provide temporary shelter solutions for people experiencing homelessness. Long-term, she dreams of a warehouse model with small housing pods and workforce training programs where individuals could help build permanent housing.

“I just stepped out on faith,” she says of starting the nonprofit during COVID while working remotely. “I didn’t worry about where things would come from. God has been providing every step.”

FLOW operates in partnership with New Castle County and works closely with community leaders and city council members. The Food Bank plays a critical role in keeping shelves stocked, and Shawna receives weekly deliveries to support ongoing distribution.

She has approximately 15 dedicated volunteers — many with her since day one — who help unload trucks and stock shelves, even when she’s not onsite.

Every morning she’s there, she follows the same routine: wipe down, vacuum, stock shelves — then begin the day.

“My first priority is making sure the shelves are stocked.”

The space may be small, but it is meticulously maintained and deeply welcoming. Neighbors often comment on how clean and inviting it feels.

“I treat this pantry like it’s my pantry at home,” she says.

Over the past few years, Shawna’s work has been recognized with multiple honors, including a City Resolution, a Compassionate Champion award, a Jefferson Award, and recognition from New Castle County Parks and Recreation.

But accolades aren’t what motivate her.

“My love for God. And my love for people,” she says. “People trust me. That’s special.”

Children run up to hug her. Mothers call her in the middle of the night. Seniors stop by just to talk.

Shawna isn’t just running a pantry. She is building trust, restoring dignity and creating a sense of belonging.

To learn more about FLOW, click here.

Food Bank of Delaware

Message History

Delivery option(s)