Stories

Dennis' Story

The worst part of being homeless wasn’t living in a dumpster, it was that I was alone. I felt like no one cared. My own family told me they never wanted anything to do with me. I couldn’t build relationships with people because I felt “less than", but there's more to my story.

Jerry's Story

My name is Gerald Gerard, but I go by Jerry. I was born here in Grand Rapids 73 years ago at Butterworth Hospital 5th floor. 2 years ago I had a triple bypass surgery there, though I was born on that floor, I thought I might die on the same floor, but God knew there was more to my story.

Harold's Story

My name is Harold and I am 53 years old. I was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. I’m the youngest of eleven siblings, seven boys and four girls. Growing up my father ran a gambling house, where there were plenty of drugs and alcohol. During this time is when I began to self-medicate, but there's more to my story.

Amy's Story

My name is Amy. I am currently 38 years old. I am the oldest of 3 full blood sisters.. I was born in raised in Grand Rapids, MI. I spent my childhood summers near the Native American reservation in Sutton's bay which is in the Traverse City area. I spent my time there with my Paternal Grandparents and was very involved in the church. I was born to 2 parents with severe addiction issues. Unlike my amazing care free summers the rest of my life was the complete opposite, but God made me for more.

Staff profile: Tom Delong

Tom Delong knows good things happen around the table. Some of his favorite childhood memories happened there. As the kitchen lead at Mel Trotter Ministries, he coordinates the meals and makes sure there are three meals a day on the table . . . but Thanksgiving is one of his favorites.

Cherita's Story

A summer graduate of Mel Trotter Ministries, Cherita now lives in her own apartment near Mel Trotter Ministries. You helped Cherita believe that God made her for more than a life of addiction and showed her that there is more to her story.

Staff profile: Mary Engle

The years Mary spent at Prison Fellowship now fuel the passion behind her work at Mel Trotter Ministries. Each day, she brings the same enthusiasm and faith principles to her work. She firmly believes that everyone deserves the love and compassion of Jesus Christ, despite their past.

Robin and Sean's Story

Robin and her stepson, Sean, are faithful volunteers. It wouldn’t be Friday in the Mel Trotter kitchen without seeing the two friendly faces in the serving line.

LaVonia's Story

My name is LaVonia. For years I believed I was ugly, fat, worthless, because that’s what I was always told. After years in abusive relationships I finally decided I had to do something to save myself. There's more to my story.

Staff profile: Marcy McMahon

With decades of human resources experience in the hospitality industry, Marcy McMahon knew all the ins and outs of service. However, when she began leading a women’s devotional at Mel Trotter Ministries a couple of years ago, she discovered what true hospitality looked like.