Jeffery came to Mel Trotter Ministries in June 2018 as the Interim Chief Operations Officer and took on the role permanently in August 2018. He brings over 17 years of experience in corporate retail operations to the ministry. Prior to Mel Trotter, Jeffery has worked as a Store Director for Fresh Thyme Farmers Market, The Home Depot, D&W Fresh Market, Family Fare, Prevo’s Family Market, and as a Category Manager at Spartan Stores (SpartanNash). Jeffery enjoys solving problems, connecting with community leaders, and works collaboratively to develop volunteer programs to give back to the communities served. He is successful with communicating the mission and moving projects forward to successful completion. In addition, Jeffery has a long history of service on community boards and is currently serving as President, board member of Family Network of Wyoming supporting operational processes, Human Resources, governmental regulations, and fund raising. Along with the day to day operations, Jeffery leads the culture at Mel Trotter by overseeing the Human Resources, Facilities Maintenance, Food Service, and Guest Safety Services teams. His passion for serving others is based in James 1:27.

Mel Trotter hired Adrienne in November 2014 as the Women’s Program Supervisor. She was moved into the VP of Program role in January 2016. During her time as the VP of Programs/Chief Program Officer, she has developed innovative ways in helping our guests move forward through program implementation. Adrienne comes to Mel Trotter with over five years of experience directly working with those in need and the impoverished. She is committed to and passionate about working with the least of these. Prior to coming to Mel Trotter she was a Foster Case Manager with Bethany Christian Services, helping to reunite families. She also worked for two years as a Case Manager with the 8^th Circuit Adult Drug Court helping individuals overcome their addictions. She is currently attending GVSU pursuing a Master’s degree in Public Administration.

In her role as the VP of Programs/CPO, Adrienne is responsible for overseeing the men’s and women’s shelter and programs with a goal of continually seeking out ways to work with community partners to best serve the homeless population. In addition to overseeing the shelter program, she leads the clinics, outreach efforts, transitional housing programs and guest safety services departments.

Reverend Leonard McElveen brings over twenty years of mission ministry experience to Mel Trotter, both here in Grand Rapids and at the Denver Rescue Mission in Colorado. In addition, Leonard has spent 11 years in Pastoral Ministry. Prior to surrendering to Christ, Leonard led a life of crime and was involved in the drug business which uniquely qualifies him to minister to the people served at Mel Trotter Ministries. He is uniquely, spiritually positioned by God to challenge the people we serve with the question, “Do You Want to Be Made Well?” from John’s Gospel. He has been privileged by God to see hundreds of lives restored through the ministry of Mel Trotter.

Rev. McElveen provides Spiritual Leadership to guests and staff  at MTM through chapels, classes and one on one counseling. Rev. McElveen also represents Mel Trotter Ministries by building relationships and connecting with churches, colleges and businesses in the community. Leonard is married to Kiya McElveen and they have six beautiful children and four grandchildren.

Marcy was thrilled to join the Mel Trotter Ministries team in August of 2018, after prayerfully resigning a much-loved, decades-long career in food, beverage, and hospitality. Marcy had begun volunteering with the guests of Mel Trotter Ministries a couple of years prior to coming aboard. Marcy’s passion for what God is doing in our community, and her deep compassion for those we serve, are driving forces behind her service at Mel Trotter.

Prior to joining Mel Trotter, Marcy served as a corporate training and human resources professional, a restaurant consultant, and a director of operations for The Gilmore Collection, a local restaurant group. In that arena, Marcy had the opportunity to create and mold innovative programs to boost productivity, staff development, leadership, and team building. Her enthusiasm for innovative change has translated into similar opportunities here. Marcy leads our HR team in a shared goal of promoting a vibrant, engaged employee culture focused on innovative learning, development, and team building.

While Marcy, a Michigan native, has lived in Chicago and Dallas, she returned to the mitten years ago to start a family. Her family will welcome a seventh grandchild in spring 2019.

Gordon Oosting has been serving at Mel Trotter Ministries since 2011 when he joined the MTM Board of Directors. He stepped up into a role as board chair in 2014. During the search for new executive leadership, Gordon became interim CEO in September 2014 and led the search committee for the new CEO during that time. Upon hiring the new CEO, Gordon transitioned into the vacant CFO position. He currently leads the finance, retail and auto departments.

Gordon is one of the original founders of Mercantile Bank of Michigan, where he was a senior vice president and commercial loan officer for 18 years. His banking career spanned 45 years before retiring from the industry in 2015. Currently, he is the treasurer of The Grand Rapids Urban League and also the chairman of “Walking by Faith,"  a non-profit, TV Ministry that broadcasts throughout the entire world. He is on the loan board of the Grand Rapids Economic Development Foundation, and a board member and elder at Resurrection Life Church in Grandville, MI.

Abigayle (Sloan) Sladick was called to serve at Mel Trotter Ministries in September of 2015. An award winning journalist, Abbey began her career in television news where she won Association of Broadcasting awards for her journalism. Her passion is for giving a voice to the voiceless and telling stories about lives that are changed through the power of Christ. She leads the communication department with the goal of educating West Michigan about homelessness and bringing awareness to the mission and vision of MTM. She also assists with fundraising marketing, events, public relations efforts and building community partnerships.

Before joining the MTM team, Abbey worked at Grand Valley State University as the Assistant Director of Alumni Relations where she was responsible for developing relationships and communication strategies to increase alumni engagement and promote financial support of the university. She also previously served as the Director of Marketing at a YMCA in South Sioux City, Nebraska.

Abbey is a proud graduate of Grand Valley State University, with a bachelor's degree in Broadcasting and a master's degree in Communication. She is a life-long Detroit Red Wings fan, sings with the worship team at church and lives in West Michigan with her husband Neil.

Tim has been involved in non-profits for 20 years.  He has served as Vice President of Development for Mel Trotter Ministries, Director of Development for Degage Ministries, and Director of Development for The Potter’s House School.  Tim was a Donor Officer for Habitat for Humanity Kent County and Gospel Communications International. 

Tim has passion, drive and creativity, all undergirded by a strong calling to apply biblical stewardship principles to non-profit Christian organizations.  Tim and his wife, Christy, have been married for 17 years and have four sons.  They are members of Madison Square Christian Reformed Church.

Dennis came to Mel Trotter Ministries in early 2012. He served as the Vice President of Programs until being selected as the CEO in June of 2015. Dennis came to MTM with a wide range of professional and leadership experiences. He served in camp and retreat ministry for 17 years, as a church staff pastor for 6 years and even as a reserve and part-time deputy sheriff for 15 years. In addition to MTM, Dennis continues to teach as an adjunct faculty member at Cornerstone University, which he has done for over 12 years. He also serves as a Lay pastor for his church.

“Although I did not know it at the time, I now can see God carefully orchestrating each step in preparation for my role with Mel Trotter. My job draws upon each of those past experiences.”

“When I came to Mel Trotter I had no idea how it would shape me and change me. I was brought up to believe certain stereotypes about those experiencing severe poverty. They were lazy, had no faith, were choosing to live like this, they were all addicted and more. What I now know is that the vast majority of people experiencing homelessness are none of those things. Jesus said we must Love God and Love Others, period. Serving at MTM, I have not only learned more about loving God and others than I ever knew possible, but my life has been impacted far more by what our guests have given me than what I could ever give them.”

“Life change happens here every single day. Guests find housing, jobs, freedom from addiction, healing, restoration, relationship and many choose to move forward on their faith journey. Just as often I find it is me, and the rest of the staff who have our lives transformed by serving and walking with those much of the world has given up on, but God never has and never will and neither will we at Mel Trotter.”

"I have found for me there is no greater calling than to demonstrate the compassion Jesus toward anyone experiencing homelessness.”

Stephen began working at Mel Trotter Ministries in May of 2007 during his senior year at Grand Valley State University. He began working part-time in the kitchen and within a few years he became the kitchen manager. From 2010 until 2013 Stephen served as the Pantry Coordinator. In October of 2013 he took on the role of Director of Food Services where he now oversees all dining services, food pantry services, as well as food distribution.

Ever since Stephen was young he knew that two things he really enjoyed were cooking, and helping those in need. He brings with him to Mel Trotter over 15 years of experience in the food service industry. He feels that being able to help provide good, nutritious food to those who are hungry and hurting is exactly what he has been called to do.

Stephen is a Graduate of Grand Valley State University, with degrees in Marketing and Management. He is an avid Detroit Tigers fan and enjoys playing softball and golfing with his dad and brothers. He lives in Greenville with his wife, Megan.

Martha’s roots are in North Carolina where she attended Vardell Hall and Western Carolina University in Cullowhee. After working in the travel industry for 15 years, she lived in Manhattan for a short time. She was then lead to Grand Rapids and worked at Northern Jet Management for 14 years and then began raising support for Guidling Light Mission from June 2015 – April 2017. Martha is currently a member at Calvary Church, where she continues to grow spiritually and serve the Lord. Her past experiences include serving as an elder at Forest Hills Presbyterian Church and a board member at Our Hope Association. In her free time you can find her running and visiting her daughter Bailey in Chicago.

Frank was previously employed at Spectrum Health for over 13 years in various capacities in the human resources department. His last role was Sr. Inclusion & Diversity Specialist where he was responsible for diversity training and program development.  His other positions there included recruitment and career development.  Prior to that, Frank has served as a church administrator, was promotion director at WLHT radio (95.7 FM) in Grand Rapids & station manager at the former WKWM radio (1140 AM) in Kentwood. He also worked at NBC television in Burbank Ca. as a supervisor in the guest relations department.  He was a recipient of the Ethel Coe Humanities Giants award from Grand Rapids Community College, which celebrates the contributions of African-American community members. A graduate of Michigan State University, Frank has been married to his wife Deb for 36 years, and has 3 children.  He attends Word of Faith Christian Center Church where he serves as head deacon.