We invited our board members and volunteers to share why they chose to serve Isaiah 58 Ministries and how their experiences have mattered to their community.
“When I retired, I was on the lookout for a meaningful way to impact the community in which I live. One day I rode along with the Eden Gardening and Gleaning project to deliver produce to Isaiah 58. I knew of the organization through living in the Shaw neighborhood. My availability/interest and Isaiah’s volunteer openings were a match. Fast forward 4 years: my husband Bill and I have found working as part of the Thursday crew an important part of our week. We are able to extend hospitality to neighbors and see firsthand what repairing the breach looks like, week after week.”
Julie Allen Berger, Volunteer
“I volunteer because my faith demands it of me. The need is not abstract. The people we serve are my neighbors and their well-being must be connected to mine. Everyone deserves enough to eat. If we can remove this one stressor for the families we serve then this is vital work.”
Gerry Rauch, Volunteer
“I feel compelled to defeat feelings of helplessness with action. Volunteering at Isaiah 58 has certainly allowed me to do that and I am continually brought back by my intergenerational connections with my fellow volunteers, staff members, and clients. Isaiah 58 is definitely one of the most important places to me in St. Louis, and as a young person I wish more people my age turned their helplessness into community action.”
Emily Bischoff, Volunteer
“I am inspired by Isaiah 58’s vision, through their capital campaign, to create a safe, functional space that welcomes those who need help to meet their basic needs. I am also inspired by their long-term vision to go beyond the basic necessities, to provide healthcare, education and arts opportunities, and build Beloved Community.”
Robbie Van Nest, Board Member
“I feel like this place shows God’s love in concrete ways and it’s in my neighborhood. The guests that come are here in South City and they are my neighbors. I know some by name and I enjoy my interaction with them. I worry about people if I don’t see them for a while. That is what being a neighbor is all about. I love the people. I love the compassionate service provided by so many.”
Suzy Kiel, Volunteer
“I began my journey with Isaiah 58 as a client in 2024. Many of my unhoused friends mentioned that I should visit, particularly for Fresh Food Friday! On one of my first visits, I accidentally left my skateboard behind… The next day I came back and without me asking, Meredith returned my skateboard as soon as she saw me! In life in general, but especially in the land of the unhoused, a show of care & trust like that goes a long way. Once the shower ministry started, the care I received from Christina, Susan, and Stephanie kept me going week to week. A shower for the spirit is one of the most powerful ways to connect with God... I’m so grateful to now be on the side of facilitating this experience as I continue transitioning into financial stability. God is good!!”
Clarence, Volunteer
“After 40 years in public education, I knew that serving ran strong through my veins, so as retirement began, I opened myself to new ways of service. Work at our ministry found me through a new friend encountered on a long bus journey. As Donna shared her passion for the work and the need for more help, I knew I had found a regular weekly activity with purpose. Now, seven years later, I serve and I rejoice, because it is the people—our guests and my fellow volunteers—that nourish my heart.”
Deb Yerkes, Board Member
“Isaiah 58 provides food, clothing and other services with dignity. It gives me the opportunity to live out my faith in an amazing, supportive community. Isaiah 58 is also very good about carefully using resources—rescuing food and relying on other in-kind donations for most of what we do. It is Christ in action and I’m privileged to be a part of it.”
Kathy Swaller, Board Member