We are a church in Jackson focused on serving our community.
We have a variety of programs available that offer compassionate assistance to the people of Jackson, Michigan.
Samaritan Fund
St. John’s reaches out to the community to help our neighbors who have eviction notices and utility shut-off notices.
We maintain a fund that can provide up to $50 toward utility shut-offs or $100 toward evictions. Click here to apply. Have the following information ready:
- A scan or photo of your photo ID
- A scan or photo of your eviction notice or shut-off notice
- Your name, address, and phone number
- For evictions, the name and address of your landlord
- Any additional information or special circumstances
We typically process requests twice a week, and mail a check directly to your landlord or utility provider within 7 business days. Thank you for your patience and understanding!
The Samaritan Fund also maintains a list of agencies which may offer additional assistance. Click here to view the list.
Food Pantry
The third week of every month is a busy week here at St. John’s! Our food pantry serves over 100 individuals and families monthly.
We provide food, personal care items, and gently-used clothing. The food pantry is open from 10am to 12pm on the third Friday of every month. If you want to participate, we welcome volunteers for set-up, serving, and clean-up, and we can always use donations! Non-perishable foods and personal care items are always needed.
Please bring your photo ID; many of our donors require that we keep records.
Baby Shower
Each year, St. John’s hosts a Baby Shower for all the new moms and expecting moms in our area! Average attendance for the previous fourteen baby showers has been 70 mothers, and most bring a guest. This year we will surpass 1000 babies served over the life of this important community service event!
The Annual Baby Shower started when St. John’s decided to give a baby shower for Wanda Beavers’ newly-adopted granddaughter “Kay Kay”. Wanda was very grateful, proclaiming, “We should give a shower for all the new moms in Partnership Park; lots of them have never had a shower for their babies.” As the event grew in popularity, and more and more agencies referred mothers to it, we opened it up to all of Jackson County.
The shower provides diapers, baby clothes (new and gently used), baby toiletries, and one large item for each mom in a drawing at the end of the shower. These items include strollers, portable cribs, high chairs, baby swings, activity centers, and more. Moms also receive education from the Health Department and the Council for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect on raising healthy babies.
Baby Sprinkles
We provide a monthly Baby Sprinkles event that gives young families an opportunity to receive a pack of diapers, a pack of baby wipes and to pick from a selection of baby clothes. We have clothing up to size 14 so that families can pick out an outfit or two for each child in the family. This opportunity is available the 3rd Friday of each month from 10am til 12noon. For those who may not be able to attend at this time, we can arrange a special time to meet with one of our volunteers. Call the church to set up a special time if you are unable to make it on the 3rd Friday of the month.
United Center for Caring
The United Center for Caring (UC4C) was formed in 2002 as an outreach of St. John’s United Church of Christ. As a 501c3, the United Center is eligible to apply for and receive grant funds that are not available to religious organizations like churches. For the past several years, the UC4C has received funding for the Food Pantry.
The purpose of the United Center is to develop, provide, encourage, and support care services and cooperate with other concerned organizations to enhance the lives of children, families, and individuals in the greater Jackson area.
Currently, the UC4C oversees community dinners, the Food Pantry, the Orchard in Partnership Park, and Partnership Park Meetings. New programs are always being explored. If you have ideas for additional areas of service, or if you would like to join in this endeavor, please contact us.
Emergency Food
Emergencies don’t always wait to happen at a convenient time.
If you and your family aren’t able to hold out until the next food pantry, we have a small reserve of food available to hand out in emergencies.
Please let us know if you have any particular dietary needs or restrictions, and we will make every effort to accommodate them.
Hot Showers
It is an unfortunate reality that not everybody has access to hot, running water, clean towels, and soap.
We are proud to have showers available for anybody in need of them. Showers are available on weekdays from 12-5 pm. Clean towels, shampoo, and body wash are provided.
Please call ahead so we can make sure everything is ready for you when you arrive.
Community Dinners
We are thrilled to offer a monthly Community Dinner. All are welcome to join in and enjoy a completely free meal. Donations are welcome.
Community Dinners take place each month at 6pm on the Tuesday following the food pantry.
Special Needs Dance
We are proud to host a Special Needs Dance. These dances were born from Linda Miller's desire to have a place for her disabled to son to feel safe, welcome, and have a great time. Bring your friends and family to enjoy great music and delicious cookies!
LEAP Program
We partner with Francis Street Primary School to provide a program that is educational, enriching, and fun. We provide kids with snacks, STEM kits, and other learning activities. We also have games in our gym, including the parachute games we all remember from our school days!
MyBakery
MyBakery provides trauma informed employment for youth who are residing in MyPlace home or are facing poverty, homelessness, and other vulnerabilities. Their mission is to provide a trauma informed, youth centered business that affords employment skills, business education, and baking trade training for youth at risk for exploitation. Through community-based action and partnership with others, they aim to offer new futures by transitioning youth to self-sufficiency in the greater Jackson area. Learn more at myplacejackson.org/mybakery