Meet our Director & Learn About our Ministry
Take a little time to read about our Director, Jan Nowak Walters. She's an amazing leader who serves this community with a heart for Jesus. I've included a link to a recent Local Faith article by the Buchanan Chronicle about Jan and a letter she wrote explaining the roots of RAM in the Buchanan Community.
Follow this link to the Buchanan Chronicle's story titled:
"God Doesn’t Call the Equipped, He Equips the Called" – Jan Nowak
Redbud Area Ministries: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Jan Nowak-Walters and I am honored to serve as the Executive Director for RAM. With a Bachelor Degree in Social Work, over 30 years’ experience, ten of which while working in Social Ministry, I am eager and privileged to see where God takes this vibrant outreach.
Years ago, there was a television commercial that stated, “We’ve come a long way baby”, and while I do not condone the product they were marketing with that line, I DO love the concept in that statement! Redbud Area Ministries has indeed, come a long way baby!! From its formation and founding in 1982 as Redbud Area Ministries/LOVE Inc., under the leadership of Chickie Hanson, this non-profit and Christian based Social Service outreach for the Buchanan and Galien area has grown and evolved exponentially.
The original name included an association with the LOVE Inc. movement, purposed to organize and generate support to the less fortunate in our midst. LOVE Inc. was “built on the assumption that the Body of Christ has resources to meet the needs of its community.” Though our current name no longer maintains the “LOVE Inc” association, we still believe our ministry AND our support are vibrant through, and because of, the continued commitment of the Body of Christ in our midst. More importantly, RAM was originally formed and supported as a collaborative effort by many of the local churches. Today our Board of Directors is still represented by several churches, as well as community members who have a passion for our ministry.
In its inception, Redbud Area Ministries/LOVE Inc was housed in a variety of places, at times hindering the ability to respond. Eventually, through a variety of financial blessings, RAM was able to purchase our current location at 708 North Redbud Trail. From this location we are able to offer a wide variety of help to those in need; pantry support, clothing, household items, personal care items, limited financial assistance for utility shut offs or evictions, a small library, a prayer room and Christian support and encouragement.
Located prominently in our lobby is a framed document which says, “The mission of Redbud Area Ministries is to demonstrate the love of Christ by distributing food, clothing, household items and limited financial assistance to those in need within our community.” But exactly how is this done? Glad you asked!! Through the kindness and generosity of caring souls who donate time, talent and treasure. WE CANNOT DO THIS WITHOUT YOU!!!
While most folks profess to really appreciate RAM, we want to expand our public’s understanding of WHAT we do, and HOW we do it. First and foremost, the part-time Executive Director is the only paid position, meaning all other funds contributed go directly to support the outreach of RAM. Secondly, all other “staff” positions are filled by caring volunteers, who donate their time and talents by being the hands and feet of Christ when meeting with our guests. Thirdly, we depend on local donations of food items, personal care items, household good and clothing items in order to provide to local support. Monetary donations allow us to take advantage of some bulk purchasing, as well as purchase operational materials.
We are not just piling up someone’s back seat with groceries or clothing articles: I truly believe we are transforming lives! We are the hand-up when life is difficult. RAM is a welcoming place where people feel valued. We don’t just offer material goods, but also the Good News! We endeavor to support the needs of the whole person.
So, what should all this mean to YOU? I hope it means that you will feel compelled to support this dynamic area ministry. I hope it means that you feel called to come visit us and actually see God in action. I hope it means you understand that our guests are just like you, trying to get by the best way they can. I hope it means that after reading this, some of you will give us a call and ask how you can help, how you can become a volunteer to help change a life, or what we might need that you can contribute. I truly believe RAM is God’s house, that we are all His staff & that WE are called to be servants to others.
R-A-M………… Really Awesome Minions?.....Rowdy Amazing Members?........Ready Available Meaningful? None of the above. Redbud Area Ministries is ALL of that, and then some. Come see us and find out for yourself!! Peace.
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