stories of compassion

Charlyne's Story

Charlyne’s journey started in March 2017 when the State of Michigan took guardianship of her daughter. She was homeless after leaving a domestic violence situation. “I hit rock bottom but I never gave up. I try to say that to everyone I meet—to never give up," Charlyne said.

Spenser's Story

Spenser Rolls at age 23 is a young man with insight that seems beyond his years. He was the youngest person in the Mel Trotter Ministries’ Step-Up Recovery program when he entered in late 2020, a broken man who knew he needed help. “Don’t be afraid to ask for help. I was afraid to take this step but I’m glad I did. My life has completely changed," Spenser says.

Sidney's Story

Sidney once had it all— a successful flooring business with a fleet of vehicles, a six-figure salary, a home in a gated community, a beautiful wife— and had even served as a chaplain at a nonprofit helping people in need. He lost everything, however, when a serious injury sidelined him for two years and started him on a path to nowhere. His business floundered and eventually died, he faced homelessness because his medical bills and mortgage payments kept piling up and a job was hard to find thanks to his criminal record.

Lisa's Story

"The Lord is guiding me and showing me his path. I can’t say enough about what he’s already done for me.”

Board Spotlight: Jim's Story

Jim Kregel’s history with Mel Trotter Ministries goes back a generation. His father Robert, who started Kregel Publications in 1939, knew Mel Trotter himself and served on the board for MTM for years. In fact, Jim recalls his father coming home and telling him he found Mr. Trotter crying in his office one day because his dog had died.

MiChelle's Story

MiChelle dreams of having her own home one day, living on her own, and giving back to the community.

“I want to mentor, tell my story, and if I can, help somebody get closer to God,” she said. “I had never prayed before, but God knows my heart and he knows what I’m trying to say. I just ask him to teach me.”

Staff Spotlight: Brian's Story

Bigelow started his job as the Step-Up Recovery advocate on Feb. 1, 2019. He’s case manager for each person in the program, overseeing their recovery and the program as a whole. Step-Up Recovery has capacity for 16—eight men and eight women—though the Covid-19 crisis caused numbers to dwindle. There are currently nine guests working through the 90-day program aimed at those who experience homelessness due to substance abuse.

Staff Spotlight: Saulo's Story

Saulo Montalvo believes in persistence with all his heart. He’s seen God’s persistent love in his own life; he’s seen his father’s persistent love month after month as he visited Saulo in prison. And he’s seen Mel Trotter Ministries’ persistent pursuing of every person who comes in the door.

Board Spotlight: Tony's Story

"Mel Trotter changes lives. I’m a witness to that.”

Your compassionate giving started Tony on a journey of success from guest to board member!

Rusty's Story

"Everything I’ve gone through, all the hardships and failures, God has been there to rescue and rebuild me. He’s never given up on me and I have to believe he has a plan for me."