After 14 years of dedicated and fruitful ministry with the Mission, Teri Kwiatek is stepping into retirement. As the Mission’s Outreach Coordinator, Teri has touched countless lives—helping the homeless find housing, lifting people out of emotional despair, and introducing many to a life-changing relationship with their Creator.
Throughout her tenure, Teri became the welcoming face of the Mission, especially during mealtimes when guests would regularly see her offering both practical support and heartfelt compassion.
When Bobbi decided she was ready to leave life on the streets behind, Teri walked alongside her every step of the way. Their journey began with something simple but essential: securing a P.O. Box so Bobbi could list an address on job applications. Over time, Teri helped Bobbi move into Faith House, where she found stability, landed a job, and began saving money. A year later, when Bobbi was ready to take the next step, Teri supported her through the process of finding a place of her own. Today, Bobbi still lives in that home—proof of how far she’s come, and the power of walking the journey together.
What’s the secret behind Teri’s impactful outreach? According to her, it’s simple: availability—being present and open to both God and the people she serves.
“Every day I ask, ‘What do you have for me today, Lord?’” she says. Her guidance to ministry team volunteers reflects this same mindset: “Just show up. That’s huge!”
Mobilizing volunteers to engage with guests has been one of Teri’s greatest joys. “Some people have really blossomed in their faith as well as in their ministry impact,” she shares.
While Teri initiated many impactful programs—including special holiday events for guests—she never lost sight of her ultimate goal: sharing the gospel that sets people free. “Everything we do is about building relationships where people can see Christ in us,” she says. “Feeding people and helping them out of homelessness is important, but when we pray with them, it goes so much deeper.”
When Robert* came to the Mission for lunch, Teri asked if he needed prayer. He assured her everything was fine—even though he was living in someone’s unheated garage during the middle of winter. Sensing the reality behind his words, Teri offered to pray specifically for heat in the garage. The next day, Robert returned—but this time, he was in tears. Concerned, Teri took him into the conference room to talk. Through his sobs, Robert shared what had happened: the night before, his landlord had unexpectedly run an extension cord into the garage. All he needed now was a heater. As they spoke, Teri noticed a space heater sitting in the corner of the room. It had a broken wheel, and when she asked about it, she was told it still worked perfectly—it had just been set aside because of the minor damage. Within 24 hours of that simple prayer, God had provided both electricity and a heater. When Robert realized this, he was overwhelmed by the goodness of God and couldn’t hold back his emotions.
Teri is known for her attentive ear and compassionate prayers—gifts that many of our guests, particularly those experiencing homelessness, rarely encounter. “I know God is active in every situation,” she says. “I often ask Him, ‘What are you doing in this person’s life?’”
One story beautifully captures Teri’s heart for ministry. She recalls praying, “Lord, how do you delight in me?” Not long after, a homeless man walked into the Mission, spotted her, and exclaimed, “Hey, you’re the one who smiled at me the last time I came in!” That simple moment, Teri says, was God’s answer to her prayer.
A decade ago, Teri launched our Summer Enrichment Camp with just a handful of children. Today, the Mission hosts three camps each summer, serving dozens of at-risk children. It has become one of our most impactful ministries, with many families expressing deep gratitude for the difference it’s made in their lives.
As Teri discerned the right time to retire, several factors came together: she’s been supporting her brother through a serious illness, her husband has recently retired, and she feels confident in the team she’s mentored to carry the mission forward.
Yet, retirement doesn’t mean stepping away from ministry. “I still listen to people and pray for them,” she says. “I’m remaining available—just as I always have—and carrying that into retirement.”
*Names have been changed.
