Capital Campaign 2026
Answering the Call
Since 1968, for almost sixty years, Isaiah 58 Ministries has been a place of compassion, justice, and community. Together, we have shared bread with the hungry, clothed the naked, and walked alongside our neighbors with dignity and hope. Each day, the food pantry, shower ministry, and outreach programs extend the love of God in tangible ways to children, families and seniors.
Today the needs in our community have grown beyond what our current space can manage. Last year Isaiah 58 Ministries served more than 6,100 individuals — a 30% increase in one year. Each week nearly 8,000 pounds of food moves through our pantry. Guests come from neighborhoods in our area, and across the St. Louis region. Our ministry is growing but our current space is not.
We are launching a bold campaign that will allow us to meet the needs of today and the dreams of tomorrow for thousands more in our community. More than bricks and mortar, this is about creating a safe haven where families are nourished, neighbors are cared for, and the community grows in hope. We invite you to join us in this mission. With your partnership, we are working beyond brokenness to create a beloved community for generations to come.
With gratitude and hope,
Rev. Brenda Booth
Executive Director
Margaret Cooper
Board Chair
Our Vision
Isaiah 58 Ministries envisions a vibrant, compassionate community where every individual is empowered to thrive. By providing essential services and fostering an inclusive, supportive environment, we seek to be a beacon of hope and restoration, meeting the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of all. We aspire to create a future where every person experiences dignity, belonging, and the opportunity to live with purpose and thrive in hope.
The Need: Why Now
In 2024
- Isaiah 58 Ministries served 6,141 unique individuals, equaling 13,707 visits to our ministry — more than a 30% increase in visits compared to 2023.
- Almost 33,000 individuals received assistance during the year.
This year
- Nearly 8,000 pounds of food pass through our pantry every week.
- Each month we distribute nearly 32,000 pounds of food — the equivalent of 6,000+ meals moving from our shelves to family tables.
- 24,000 pounds of food is rescued each month from local grocery stores, keeping it from landfills and preventing unnecessary food waste.
- More than 300 individuals visit our clothing room each month, seeking gently used clothing for themselves and their families.
- Between 8 and 10 showers are offered each week to our unhoused neighbors.
- Our current space limits us from expanding programs — hallways double as waiting rooms, offices are shared and crowded, and pantry aisles are too narrow to accommodate shopping carts or those with mobility needs.
Because of our commitment to good earth stewardship through food rescue programs, the cost for a pantry visit at Isaiah 58 Ministries is just $2.02 per visit — compared to $16–$19 at similar programs across the region — making us one of the most cost-effective, high-impact food ministries in the region.
Voices from the Community
“When I walk through your doors, I feel seen, cared for, and safe. I know I won’t go hungry tonight.”
“Great place…friendly and kind volunteers work here. They have an amazing food pantry…I have always had a good experience and been treated kindly. This place truly is an example of the scripture Isaiah 58.”
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Hospitality & Welcome Center: A reception area with seating for 30, coffee/tea counter, and private meeting spaces.
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Choice Food Pantry: Grocery-style aisles, walk-in cooler and freezer, fresh produce, and shelves for hygiene and cleaning supplies.
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Clothing Room: Expanding space to accommodate increased needs while maintaining our dignity-centered care.
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Showers Ministry: Expanding showers from one to many, providing private and welcoming space for our unhoused guests.
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Education & Community Rooms: Space for community fairs, worship, and partner-led programs.
Our Campaign Goal
We are launching a $3.5 million campaign:
- $1.3 million – purchase of a new building to multiply our service reach beyond our current ability
- 1,000 visits to our food pantry each month
- 500 visits to our clothing room each month
- Showers to 50 unhoused guests each week
- 500 families assisted each Thanksgiving and Christmas.
- 400 children receiving school supplies each year
- $2.0 million – renovations and accessibility upgrades
- Ground level access for guests and visitors
- Elevator for access to second floor
- Inviting and welcoming space for people of all abilities
- $200,000 – furnishings, equipment, and contingency
- AV equipment and monitors for reception area community space and conference room
- Comfortable seating throughout
- Shelves, racks and other necessary equipment
- Office furniture and needed electronics for staff and volunteers
The Impact of your Gift
Your generosity of:
|
Donation amount |
What your donation can accomplish |
|---|---|
|
$1,000 |
Furnish necessary equipment and supplies for our shower ministry |
|
$2,500 |
Provide shelving for our food pantry |
|
$5,000 |
Provide AV equipment for the multi-purpose community room |
|
$10,000 |
Sponsor the welcome space, furnished with comfortable and inviting seating, charging stations and tables |
|
$25,000 |
Sponsor a staff office |
|
$50,000 |
Sponsor a walk-in cooler or freezer |
|
$100,000 |
Sponsor the construction of 1 level of elevator build-out |
By Answering the call, we ensure…
Families receive healthy food with dignity and choice.
Seniors find companionship and nourishment.
Children thrive with full bellies and year-round support.
Neighbors experiencing homelessness find showers, clothing, and compassion.
Friends,
This is our moment to build beyond brokenness — to create a place where every neighbor is welcomed, nourished, and cared for. Together, we can make this vision a reality.
Your investment in Isaiah 58 Ministries’ capital campaign is more than a gift. It is a legacy of compassion, a commitment to justice, and a promise of hope for generations to come.
We ask you to prayerfully consider how you might join us. Whether through a one-time gift, a multi-year pledge, or a legacy investment, your generosity will help us build a beloved community where all can flourish.
Together, let us repair the breach, restore hope, and build a future worthy of our neighbors.
Join us. The time is now to answer the call.
2026 Board of Directors
Executive Team
- Katherine Swaller
Board Chair - Deb Yerkes
Vice Chair - Darrell Hughes
Financial Secretary - Julie Hesed
Secretary
At Large Members
- Dennis Belieu
- Margaret Cooper
- Joseph Folk
- Chris Hartshorn
- Darrell Hughes
- Peggy Madras
- Jessica Malone
- Christina Sterman
- Anita Soteres