stories of compassion

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."

Tecca's Story

When Tecca fell and broke her hip on an icy winter day, she had no idea how much farther she would fall or how high the Lord would raise her! Tecca’s injury required months of intensive rehabilitation in a nursing center. During this time, a friend from church checked on Tecca’s house and found an eviction notice on the door.

Michael's Story

The 37-year-old says he had just about given up when the outreach team approached him one day at the park. “They were from Mel Trotter and asked if I’d like to get help,” Michael says. “It was a relief. I told them I’d be there tomorrow. It really wasn’t a decision. They offered help, so I took it.”

Misty's Story

“After I found out I was pregnant, there was no doubt in my mind that I could not go back to my old life. I had to provide. I was scared. I was pregnant and homeless. I thought, I’m going to do whatever I can for this new child who has no idea of my past. He is innocent and I can’t destroy him by being messed up,” Misty recalls.

Wendy's Story

Wendy's story is full of resilience, strength, and hope. While battling many health conditions and after fleeing domestic violence, she found herself at Mel Trotter Ministries. There, she discovered her value and worth as someone made in the image of God.

Staff spotlight: Beth's Story

"Every single one of us has the same story, we’re just at different chapters in the book. Sometimes, we just need someone to encourage us to keep reading—especially when the plotline seems unfair and unbearable."