Ministry with Community offers a variety of programs and services for people in need in central Kalamazoo.

Meals Program

In 2004, we served more than 88,000 meals, including breakfast and lunch. Our meals are a joint effort by Ministry with Community and Loaves and Fishes. Volunteer groups pick up most of the ingredients at the Loaves & Fishes warehouse, our local food bank, and then make large amounts of soup or casserole. Other volunteers come to Ministry with Community to set tables and serve meals. Tables are set family-style, and volunteers greet and serve individuals. Fresh flowers on the table and volunteer service feed the spirit as well as the body. 

Drop-in Center

Our Drop-in Center is open 10-1/2 hours every day. The building also houses the Kalamazoo County Emergency Overnight Shelter, the Homeless Health Clinic, and a Loaves & Fishes Pantry.

Life Skills

Through our staff and support from area agencies and volunteers, we offer on-site classes and individual coaching to:

• Improve opportunities for member economic independence
• Help members initiate and maintain a clean and sober life
• Improve communication skills
• Educate about basic health care
• Generate member interest in self-improvement

Volunteer Program

We are able to serve increasing numbers of people without dramatically increasing our budget by encouraging our consumer members to volunteer. Volunteers work in the kitchen, serve food, clean, haul groceries, answer phones, and manage the reception desk.

Candle Project

Members and community volunteers hand roll beeswax candles each year. Area merchants and churches sell the candles. This fundraiser is an opportunity for people from all walks of life to work toward a common goal.

Santa’s Workshop

Each December, volunteers come to Ministry with Community to wrap more than 800 gifts that are distributed from the Drop-In Center on Christmas Day. In most cases these are the only Christmas gifts our members receive.