stories of compassion

Benita's Story

Benita Branch started working at Mel Trotter Ministries as an Intake Specialist in September of 2021. But that wasn’t the first time this native Chicagoan landed in Michigan—or at Mel Trotter.

“I have a story like we all do,” she said.

Ada Bible Volunteer

My name is Charlene. I was born in Muskegon, Michigan and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I was born with alcohol in my system, they didn't think I would make it. But God knew there was more to my story.

Small Steps: Paul's Story

Paul understands small steps.

He has learned, through years of life experience, that taking small steps builds confidence in not only himself, but those around him who are eager to help.

Taylor's Story

My name is Charlene. I was born in Muskegon, Michigan and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I was born with alcohol in my system, they didn't think I would make it. But God knew there was more to my story.

Dezarae's Story

Dezarae says she doesn’t normally share her story, but God has really been asking her to do so lately. “He says it’s time, so that must mean I’m finally ready,” she said.

Paul's Story

“When your life is going great, it’s easy to believe and to have faith and say, ‘God loves me, and I love God,’” Paul shares. “When everything’s turned upside down, you ask, ‘Where’s God in all this?’”

In Paul’s complete brokenness, he was offered hope and restoration

Hester's Story

Hester was born and raised in Grand Rapids. He’s always been a hard worker but found himself struggling to stay sheltered in recent years.

Reflecting on what led to his personal housing crisis, Hester can see a pattern of ill-intentioned people taking advantage of his generosity and desire to care for others. Multiple times, he lived with so called friends who squandered the rent he paid them, leaving them both unexpectedly homeless.

“Mel Trotter is a great steppingstone,” says Hester, noting that the resources he’s received combined with the positive influence of the Mel Trotter team have helped put his dream of having his own apartment within reach.

DeMario's Story

DeMario arrived in Grand Rapids by bus from Memphis, Tennessee, with no one and no place to welcome him.

Before he left Memphis, DeMario says, “I asked the good Lord to be with me and lead me on the right path.”

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.