A former Edgewater teacher has found ways to continue to impact lives since leaving the classroom.

Meet Pat Adams, this week's Everyday Hero.

At the Community Food and Outreach Center in Orlando, there's a cost-share grocery program which offers big savings. The idea is to offer a hand to those trying to break the cycle of poverty.

In another part of the building, you might see Adams, a former Edgewater educator, behind a desk.

She occasionally volunteered there in the past.

"When I had time on my hands, I needed to do something worthwhile and productive," Adams said.

Now in retirement, Adams spends two or three days a week -- sometimes more -- working at the center. Her time is divided where she's needed, whether that means helping people find ways to pay for utilities or rent, or helping them apply for jobs or food stamps.

"Everybody has a story -- you have one, I have one, and I think it keeps you humble to work here," she said. "It puts things into perspective."

She also helps pack bags of emergency food that are given out for free when clients take part in a self-help class.

"If you're able to cook, we try to give vegetables, (some kind of) protein, pasta, tomatoes, soup ... whatever we have on hand," Adams said.

And she's taken the work to heart, bringing resources of all kinds to people in need.

"We really want to help, but we want people to help themselves, as well," she said.

Anywhere from 350 to 400 people come through the community food center every day. At the life enrichment center where Adams works, about 50-60 people come for help each day.

Adams recognizes this kind of volunteering isn't for everyone. But it gives her a chance to put her "people" experience to work, and she encourages others to find their passion to help.

"My grandmother's favorite hymn was 'Brighten the corner where you are so you don't have to get in a car,'" she said. "You can pay somebody a compliment or open the door for them or just do something nice."

On the second Friday of every month, the Community Food Outreach Center hosts "Family Volunteer Night" from 5 to 8 p.m. These monthly events are meant to bring families together in the spirit of volunteer service.