A Central New York woman with a vision, and a big heart, started helping friends and neighbors who were struggling, but could only do so much out of her home. Her generosity has inspired others to volunteer and help, and now that she has a whole team and a new space.

"I wanted a place to connect with people," said Ana Ortiz, the founder of No Mas Lagrimas/No More Tears.

Every Thursday, Ortiz and her group of volunteers get ready to feed and help at least 55 people.

No Mas Lagrimas/No More Tears is a nonprofit organization in Ithaca which Ortiz started 10 years ago. With help, she feeds, clothes and gives people in need a family.

"I don't care where you're coming from. I don't care about your background ... come to the center. I know when I started [in America], it was difficult," said Ortiz.

After moving from Puerto Rico to Central New York, she started her mission out of her kitchen.

"They know the Latinos. We have food, music," she said.

Recently, she was able to get a new space to expand her efforts, thanks to several supporters.

"My community, donations, friendship, donations, food bank ... and my team," noted Ortiz.

On Thursdays, Ortiz is busy cooking while her volunteers unload and organize more than $1,000 of food donated from Wegmans and local farmers.

"We'll have like 50 people, which overall, because many have families, is basically feeding 100 people," explained Ortiz's daughter, Anamarieliz.

They have plenty of food -- vegetables, fruit, bread, potato salad and even a table of desserts, to name a few. Ortiz and her volunteers work all morning to make other lives better, one smile and bag of food at a time.

"Doing a mission and a vision together," said Ortiz.

No More Tears provides more than food with programs for all ages and donation opportunities for clothing and toiletries. If you're interested in learning more, visit the No More Tears website.