Last Monday, Chelsea Kiwanis heard from Faith In Action Executive Director Sarah Shugart. The organization is celebrating 46 years of operation. It was started by the Rev. Jerry Beaumont of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church with the aim of providing essential support and alleviate the effects of hunger and poverty before folks fall through the cracks.
Faith In Action provides:
- Emergency food pantry
- Free clothing room
- Financial help with utilities and lodging
- Counseling
- Durable medical equipment
- Holiday and back-to-school support
- Shower and laundry at the Chelsea location
Services are available for those living below 225% of the federal poverty level.
Funding sources:
- 50% individuals
- 19% grants
- 7% fundraisers
- 7% churches
- 6% foundations
- 3% Material Girls
- 2% service clubs
Milestones:
- By 1983, a request was made for volunteers
- By 1991, moved into a new home on the Chelsea Hospital campus
- By 2005, began serving Dexter
- By 2017, began working with Avalon property management
- By 2018, began helping tenants into Sharon Ann Apartments
- By 2022, began helping tenants into Hilltop Apartments in Dexter
- By 2023, began serving Grass Lake
One of Faith In Action’s new services is the Transitional Housing Program, where apartments are made available temporarily for families in need thanks to seed money provided by Chelsea United Methodist Church.
Faith In Action now serves a 200-square-mile area. It partners with Food Gatherers and many groups that conduct food drives. The organization also works with Emilee Fetters, Chelsea’s Community Social Worker, to help people learn about local available services.
With the ever-growing need, Faith In Action will work to strengthen its branding and marketing to improve its work.
Kiwanis is pleased to continue its yearly support.
Thanks to Bob Milbrodt for the information in this story.
