Stories

Testimonies of Your Generosity

Each story of those who come the Mission for help is different, and the reasons for their need are as varied as the guests. Many individuals who turn to the Mission are working hard in jobs that simply don’t cover the full cost of living, while others are diligently looking for employment. The testimonies below highlight how your support is creating real, lasting change in the lives of our neighbors.

Omoh’s job does not pay enough for her to make ends meet in Frederick, so she comes to the Mission for food every week.

“The Mission makes me proud to serve good food to my family. The food and clothes are so helpful for those of us with a small income. The Mission gives us life!”

Claudia is a senior citizen who comes to the Mission for lunch and groceries. She was eager to describe her experience with the Mission: “The food I get from the Food Distribution Center (FDC) lasts us over a week! I freeze and thaw it as needed. (I go to Dollar General for fill-ins.)”

Marta has struggled to make ends meet in Frederick for the last 15 years and comes to the Mission for periodic assistance. “This place helps me in many ways: food, clothes, and more. I am so grateful. I heard about the Mission from my kids’ school and spread the word to my friends.”

Sherrie has been coming to the Mission for lunch for several years. She testifies enthusiastically: “The Mission is spiritual, but the spiritual aspect is not crammed down your throat. It gives me a safe place to be. I’ve been trafficked, and I feel insecure elsewhere, but here, I feel safe.”

Sandra has been coming to the FDC every week for six months. “I needed a lot of help because of this bad economy. The Mission puts food on my table every day.”

Mayerly prepares meals for her parents and brothers at home. “This place is very helpful because of high food prices. You all have been so helpful to me for the past six months I’ve been coming.”

Denise gushes: “This is a place you feel at home; it feels good being here. It’s like family. It allows your soul to breathe!”

At the Mission, every guest is welcomed with dignity, respect, and grace. The resources we offer come from the generosity of people like you, and for that, we are deeply grateful.

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Shari Balodato
Faith House Program Specialist

Shari Badolato is the Program Specialist for Fath House. Before joining the Mission staff, she was a church Kids and Family Pastor. Shari enjoys hand lettering and going to the beach and movies with her family. She says, “I am grateful for the hope I have found in Jesus and have a passion for helping women find wholeness and healing in Him. I consider it a true privilege to partner with The Faith House.”

Brenda Bell
Rescued Treasures Coordinator

Brenda coordinates the volunteers who sort clothes and assist guests in Rescued Treasures.

She has been working with people in poverty since 1981. She says, “First, I befriend them. Then I find out what they need and refer them to the program that could best help. I only help people who want help, and only in the ways they want help. Some people have addiction problems and don’t want to leave the street. I’m still their friend.”

Carol Switzer
Faith House Program Coordinator

Carol coordinates the programs at Faith House, working with residents to help them develop skills for independence. Carol also runs Crossed Bridges with her husband Jonathan. She enjoys playing any sport with a ball, crocheting, bike riding, and spending time with her husband and five children. 

“He who loves God must love his brother also.” (1 John 4:21) explains what wakes Carol up in the morning to begin a new day; being able to serve the Lord while working with people, whether it be administratively or relationally. She loves hearing the testimonies of how Jesus has changed people’s lives, especially because He’s done so much for her!