J127 Ministry’s recent secondannual Journey with J Dinner topped the one the year before in the amount of money raised.
Last year’s banquet raised $51,000 and this year, $69,000 was raised to help fund J127’s transitional home for young women who have aged out of the foster care system.
Melissa Hammel, operations director for J127 Ministry, said 173 people attended the event that was held at Community Christian Church. This was an increase of 20 percent compared to last year.
Although the organization’s goal was to raise $80,000, Hammel is pleased with the amount raised and they are still seeking to meet this goal.
“We’re really pleased with that,” Hammel said. “Our room was packed out. We had 19 businesses, 19 sponsors for businesses in the community.”
According to Hammel, 14 new people have become monthly legacy champion donors.
“That’s where they’ve made a commitment to donate a certain amount each month and then 10 of our current monthly donors upped giving,” she said. “It was a great night.”
J127 opened in May 2020 and the name comes from a Bible verse that talks about taking care of orphans and widows.
“We’re just still continuing on,” Hammel said. “Our house has been full pretty much. We have 10 residents and we’ve had wait lists. We’re definitely seeing the need to grow so that’s our hope in the next year is that we might start a capital campaign to grow.”
J127 has six staff members and about 150 donors.
Hammel said the ministry owns the land around the house so one of the next steps is possibly building apartments or small homes.
“That could be for when the girls transition out of this, like a next step or for pregnant moms and babies and even partnering possibly with the Pregnancy Center and The Mission to where their clients would have a next-step place,” she said. “We’re kind of in the still brainstorming and praying and looking for direction on all of that.”
J127 founder and director Adrean Stinnett said the fundraiser dinner was a truly remarkable evening.
”It was filled with high energy, great company, and lots of fun,” she said. “I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who came together and devoted their time and energy to be the hands and feet for ‘J.’ Together, we have the power to solve a solvable problem right in our own backyard. Let’s continue to work together to make a positive impact on our community.”
To make a donation, visit j127ministry.com/donate.
“Every gift, no matter how big or small, makes a difference, the agency said. “Let’s keep spreading the word and inviting others to join us in this noble cause. Our mission is to empower generational change through safe housing, relationships, coaching, and opportunities for ‘J.”’
