The programs and services that Ministry with Community offers have helped to change for the better the lives of many individuals in Kalamazoo. Here are a few of their stories.

“Kathy’s” Story

For years, “Kathy” has struggled with mental illness and low self-esteem. Kathy has been a member of Ministry with Community for years, often volunteering to answer the phones and perform other tasks. Kathy took part in a recent photography class offered through the life-skills program. The life-skills coordinator spent a lot of time with Kathy and learned that she resisted medication for her mental illness because she thought she should be able to handle it on her own. The life-skills coordinator was able to convince Kathy to try the medications – to give herself a break. She did, and life started getting a bit easier and more manageable.

Today, Kathy is at a training institute, learning how to repair office machines. She calls Ministry with Community staff to share her excitement at the possibility of having a “real” job.