SHELBY — Shelby Help Line Ministries served more than 7,400 lunches to children around the community last year.
The highest number of children served in one day was 182.
As the end of the school year nears, the non-profit organization is currently preparing for its 17th free summer lunch program.
Executive Director Jolene Arms, who took over for Sheryl Cramer in January, said serving the community through summer lunches has been “such a blessing.”
“This program is available to every child in the community, 18 and under, who are Shelby or Tiro residents,” she said. “Our volunteers truly enjoy serving the children and their families in this way.”
Lunches distributed at Walnut Street facility
Shelby Help Line Ministries will begin serving lunches June 3 and continue through Aug. 16. Pick up hours will take place from 12 to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday.
No lunches will be distributed July 4 and the facility will be closed.
Those seeking lunches can pick up their meal at 39 Walnut St. around the backside of the facility. Food will be packed to take home. However, there is seating for children to sit inside and eat their meals if they’d like.
Arms said children must be present to receive a lunch, adding the organization asks that preschool children and younger be accompanied by an adult.
Ten area churches have volunteered to help prepare and serve meals.
“United Fund partners with us each year through financial giving for our continued programs,” Arms said. “Shelby Help Line gives each church a weekly allowance of $1,000 for food and packaging.”
Contributions to the program can be to Shelby Help Line Ministries through its website, as well as cash, check or Venmo. Donations can also be mailed or dropped off at the 39 Walnut St. facility during business hours.
Shelby Help Line is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The facility closes for an hour on Wednesdays from noon to 1 p.m. for prayer.
Shelby Help Line offers seasonal and year-round ministries
The non-profit organization leads two additional seasonal ministries, including a school supply and clothing distribution, as well as a community Christmas program.
Ministries offered year-round include financial aid for utilities, budgeting classes, medical equipment and clothing. Shelby Help Line also links individuals and families with services to meet their needs.
The Here to Help ministry responds to those who find themselves in difficult situations — whether financial or otherwise. The facility’s lobby also functions as a warming and cooling center during regular business hours.
Furthermore, the Shelby Salvation Army Service Unit and FISH Food Pantry share space with Shelby Help Line at the Walnut Street facility.
Arms said the biggest thing Shelby Help Line offers is an opportunity to minister to community members dealing with difficult situations.
“Whatever may arise in their life, then we’re here to direct them as best as we can and also speak with them and help them walk through the process,” she said.
‘It was totally the Lord’s leading’
Prior to joining Shelby Help Line Ministries, Arms worked at the Kroc Center in Ashland helping with a Salvation Army kids program.
Amidst the unknowns of the COVID-19 pandemic, Arms said she was led to Shelby Help Line.
“It was totally the Lord’s leading because in 2020, everything shut down and that was including my job,” she said.
Arms moved back to Shelby and applied for a receptionist position at Shelby Help Line — unaware she’d be asked to become the organization’s next executive director.
She assumed the role of assistant director and trained under Cramer for three years.
“It was definitely God and even when I started, he just started giving little trickles of things,” Arms said. “It was like, ‘Okay Lord, you really did lead me here.'”
Following a smooth transition into her new role, Arms has been revisiting the services offered by Shelby Help Line to ensure the organization adjusts with the community’s needs.
“It’s just been a day to day (process), being able to talk with people, give them some hope and encouragement, and be there during difficult times,” she said. “It’s been a blessing for sure.”
