stories of compassion

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.

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 she deserve value, dignity and the compassion of Christ.

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 spotlight: Marcy

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

My name is Alberta. I am a preacher's daughter. I was married for over 20 years and raised two children but that long in an abusive relationship chipped away at the solid foundation I had built. I ended up divorced and suffering from PTSD, but God made me for more. There is more to my 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.

Devotional celebration was a night of transformation

October 2 was a very special night for some guests at Mel Trotter Ministries. With help from Third Reformed Church members, MTM’s Spiritual Life Focus Group hosted another devotional celebration this year, an event that closely resembled “prom” for men and women in one of our various programs.

Steve's Story

My name is Steve and I am an alcoholic, drug addict. I became homeless because of it, but there's more to my story.

My chiropractic practice was rated third in the state per population and making me a mid six-figure income. I had to have two of everything - two motor homes, two boats. But when I needed a titanium wrist replacement, I lost the use of my hands.

Camille's Story

My name is Camille Sallie. I’m 29 years old, from Grand Rapids, Michigan. The reason I ended up at Mel Trotter was because of some really bad choices that I have made in my life. I was in a bad relationship with an ex, which was abusive. He was also into drugs and drinking every day. Soon I followed behind him. I was very depressed and stressed out, but there is more to my story.