We’re excited to introduce you to Rick Morgan, our new Director of Ministry & Community Engagement! Under Rick’s leadership, we’re moving forward with enhanced church partnerships, robust volunteer programming, and chaplaincy of our clients and staff. Rick brings great experience from his time as a youth pastor and time at Spring Arbor University. He is an excellent mentor, communicator, vision caster, and leader who will be a great asset to the important work we do here at the shelter. This new position will allows us to better serve our clients and the Jackson community.

To let you learn a bit more about Rick, we asked him a few questions:

1. What are three words you would use to describe yourself? Papa (that’s what my grandson calls me), Handy (I like to fix things), and Grace.

2. Tell us a bit about your professional background? Educationally, I have a BA in Psychology/Religion, MS in Counselor Education, and MA in Spiritual Formation and Leadership. I was a youth pastor for 20 years, then moved to Spring Arbor University as the Director of Development and Recruitment for Michindoh Conference Center. I love spending time with people, listening to their stories and discipling those entrusted to me.

3. What are you most looking forward to in this role? Loving on and serving the people of Jackson county. Jesus’ call to serve the less fortunate is clear, I can think of no higher calling.

4. What book(s) are you reading right now? Everything Happens for a Reason & Poverty Cure

5. What are your favorite places in Jackson? I like food… 😊 Los Tres Amigos, Chilango’s in its various forms, Hinkley’s Donuts (which could be a problem for me having them next door to our facility) and the walking/bike trails through the city.

If you would like to connect with Rick about church partnerships or volunteer opportunities, he would love to hear from you! If you’re currently a regular volunteer, Rick will be reaching out to you sometime in the near future. To contact Rick and share interest in developing new partnerships with the shelter, simply fill out this form and he’ll get in touch with you!

Over these past few months, thanks to the vision and support of a small group at Spring Arbor Free Methodist Church, we have been working on implementing a safe, enclosed outdoor space for children and families to enjoy! The transformation is incredible, and we’re so grateful for the many individuals and organizations whose combined efforts made this beautiful project come to life.

The project was initiated by a small group from SAFMC, including Anna Sondergard, Brandon Marken, our board member Ken Seneff, and many others. The group donated expertise, fronted a large portion of the financial support, and brought their families to the shelter for a work day to put the different pieces together. The way they came alongside and supported this endeavor could not have been better. They talked with us about our greatest needs, assessed what was feasible for them to accomplish, oversaw a significant portion of the planning and fundraising, and modeled what it looks like to be the hands and feet of Christ by helping with the implementation.

Many others made this project happen, as well! Along with generous donations from many individuals, we’re grateful to the Macchia Family Foundation for their financial support, Christoff and Sons Floor Covering for offering a special discount on the turf, Umbel Nursery & Farmstead for donating greenery, and Brothers Outdoor World for the fencing and their excellent work preparing the grounds. Special thanks to an anonymous donor who covered the remainder of our bill from Brothers!

If you or your organization has an interest in supporting a project we’re currently working on or hoping to accomplish soon, please reach out to admin@interfaithshelter.com and we would love to talk through what that can look like!

We are truly blown away by this community's generosity. Thank you for allowing us to care for our families to the level that they deserve.

Thanks to the support of United Way of Jackson County and Jackson Community Foundation, we have received a grant to enter into a year-long partnership with Jackson School of the Arts. We will have the opportunity to provide art classes and other creative outlets right here in the shelter, to continue serving our families well!

We are excited to share that we have re-opened to serving meals to the community! As of August 10, we were able to start providing this service to our local friends in need. We are blessed to be led by a supportive board of directors who were willing and eager to kick us off by serving the first lunch. Our community meal service is now re-opened seven days a week, serving breakfast (7:30am), lunch (12:00pm) and dinner (5:00pm) each day at 414 S. Blackstone St., Jackson MI 49201. To practice safe social distancing guidelines, we continue to prepare food carefully and are serving meals on a to-go basis only. As time allows, we will be opening up the building to allow the community to eat indoors again.

If you are interested in serving a meal or volunteering in any capacity, please email erin@interfaithshelter.com and we will let you know of upcoming service opportunities.

We recently received a generous gift from America’s Farmers Grow Communities, on behalf of a recommendation by local farmer David Dorr. America’s Farmers Grow Communities partners with farmers to strengthen local nonprofit organizations that positively impact farming communities across rural America. This gift was an immense blessing as we continue to serve the homeless population of Jackson, especially through the COVID-19 pandemic. Thank you so much David, for the nomination!

America’s Farmers, sponsored by Bayer Fund, is focused on strengthening rural America through three community outreach programs that partner with farmers to make an impact in communities where farmers live and work. The programs have given more than $53 million to rural America since 2010 and include: Grow Communities, Grow Rural Education and Grow Ag Leaders. To learn more about the three programs visit AmericasFarmers.com.

Love what we do? Apply to work at the Jackson Interfaith Shelter. This important work is only possible with strong team members joining arm in arm to care for the homeless and food insecure in our city. As we begin to transition back to "normal," there are some important positions we need filled by individuals who have a heart for our vulnerable neighbors and the consistency to show up each day to make a difference. We have part time and full time opportunities available.

Be a part of the change you want to see. You'll be able to see a lot of life change happen, much of it in your own life and perspective!

At the beginning of May, a group of local artists came together to create a “quarantine coloring book,” and at the end of the month donated 100% of the proceeds to the Jackson Interfaith Shelter! For a donation of at least $5 anytime during the money of May, the book was available to download and print. The pages were designed by local artists Vanessa Paz-Malson, Heidi Rhodes, Zach Snyder, Julie Durocher, Sheryl Amburgey, Kate Schwartz, Melissa Morse, Carey Baumgardner, Rene Wheaton, Sarah Sundberg, and Jodie Chilcote. We love seeing creativity shine in our community, and we’re so grateful for their willingness to collaborate in creating this beautiful project! Thank you, friends!

As an active member of the Jackson COVID-19 Action Network, we are working diligently with community partners to ensure our friends in the community who are experiencing homelessness and food insecurity are taken care of, especially during this time. Click here learn more about our response to COVID-19 and the ways you can partner with us to support Jackson Interfaith Shelter, and the Jackson community, during this time!

The Board of Directors of the Jackson Interfaith Shelter has appointed Stephen Castle as the new Chief Executive Officer/ Executive Director of the Jackson Interfaith Shelter.    

Board President Phil Morgan said, “The Board of Directors, staff and community are excited to have Stephen Castle help us in the battle against homelessness and hunger in Jackson. Steve’s caring nature, strong leadership skills, dedication to serving others, along with his great personality; will greatly broaden the horizons of the Interfaith Shelter and the people that we serve. We are blessed.”  

Steve has served the Jackson community for many years, initially as a teacher at Jackson’s Paragon Charter Academy and the past 10 years at Spring Arbor University where he also received his undergraduate and masters degrees. Beyond his duties within the Student Development and Advancement offices of Spring Arbor University, Steve was an adjunct instructor leading cross cultural study trips to Uganda and Zambia, Africa as well as courses and service opportunities focused on poverty related issues in Detroit and Hamtramck. Prior to returning to the Jackson area following his graduation from college Steve, and his wife Heather, served as United States Peace Corps Volunteers for 2 years in Zambia. While in Zambia they lived in a rural village with members of the Kaonde Tribe and focused on rural education development and HIV/AIDS awareness.

 In starting his new role with the Interfaith Shelter, Steve said, “I’m excited and very humbled to be stepping into this important position. I’m grateful for the selfless service that has been demonstrated by the staff, leadership, and board of Interfaith Shelter. I look forward to gleaning their wisdom and doing my part to ensure we continually grow in the care of those experiencing homelessness in the Jackson Community. Additionally, I’m anxious to partner with individuals and other organizations throughout the county to ensure we offer holistic service and sustainable aid.”

Board President Morgan added, “With Steve’s help we plan on developing the Interfaith Shelter’s leadership role in our community while ensuring we maintain our foundation as a place of calm and refuge for our brothers and sisters.”

We REALLY need your help!

Our dishwasher of almost 20 years has washed its final dish. While we're getting our new one installed, our kitchen will not be fully functional. To make sure we don't miss a beat as we continue to feed our nearly 300 meals each day, we've worked out a menu that involves lots of grilling, cold cuts (or PB&J), and soup. Below is a list of the specific items we need for this 5 day process. Any amounts (large or small) you can contribute would be a blessing!

1500 disposable and recyclable plates
1500 sets of disposable and recyclable cutlery (spoon, knife, and fork)
1500 disposable and recyclable cups
600 disposable and recyclable bowls
200 Hot dogs
200 Hamburgers
200 Hot dog buns
200 Hamburger buns
Potato Salad for 200
Potato Chips for 200
Coleslaw for 200
Cold Cereal for 500
25 Gallons of white milk (any variety)
**any financial contributions to help with the purchase of the new dishwasher would be greatly appreciated! The dishwasher cost $4000.** Online donations can be made at www.interfaithshelter.com

Please comment below with what you're able to contribute. (Any amount towards these goals would be helpful.)

Today, June 24th, is service day at Jackson Free Methodist Church. We were blessed to have a large group of them bring, grill and serve our lunch today. They did this out in the parking lot across from our shelter and it was a great time for our residents and the community. 
Thank you Jackson Free Methodist for "serving" us today.

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Jackson (with loads of help from Flagstar Bank employees) gave our outdoor play area a facelift, and we couldn't be more thrilled with the outcome! Thank you, for giving hope to our kids outdoor area! Isn't the outdoor play kitchen adorable?!? 

Please help us make summer not stink! We are running very low on body wash, and deodorant. Drop off your donations at the front desk anytime, and feel free to request a receipt if needed. Thank you!

If you're wanting to learn more about the struggle of affordable housing, we invite you to view this short video. Within the video, Jackson Housing Commission's director, Laurie Ingram speaks of our communities struggle in her recent appearance on the Bart Hawley show.

Thanks again for your service TAC!