Stories

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.

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.

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...

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.

Alberta's Story

Alberta seemed to be living on a rock-solid foundation. The preacher’s daughter came from a large, loving family that taught her responsibility at an early age. She attended college and raised two children. But 20 years in an abusive marriage chipped away at that foundation. Alberta ended up divorced, alienated from her children and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. There's more to her story.

Larry's Story

My name is Larry. I grew up in Muskegon Michigan, I was lucky because both of my parents were in the home. My father was a hardworking man and a good provider for his family. As a child my father taught me the value in being supportive of your family. As a young boy I wanted to be and act like my father. As a child me and my siblings didn’t want for anything, we were the ideal family. But there’s more to my story

Deshawn's Story

My name is Deshawn. You ask where I grew up? A warm, comfortable, three story house in Muskegon. There are a variety of things I could name that made me homeless, but the main one would have to be that I was in denial and refused to listen to the people who wanted to help me. There's more to my story.