History

Sharing God’s Love was organized in 1984 when representatives from a few churches in the area got together and agreed that there needed to be a central location where community families facing emergencies related to their basic living needs could be served. Thus, they began to establish this ministry to provide food, clothing, and financial assistance to those in need.

The idea was well received, and all area churches were invited to participate. The program would allow churches to refer people to SGL, instead of their going from one church to the other for help. One requirement for the ministry would be that each client be interviewed to try to determine true need and records be kept to assure that SGL guidelines were met. The same guidelines continue to govern, but church and community participation has increased and the ministry thrives.

Due to these increases and need for space, several moves have been made. The following is a quote from a report on activities at the first location. “Excitement and enthusiasm abound at the small white house, as more and more of the needy have been referred here for help. Love and services are dispensed and gratitude received.”

The excitement and enthusiasm which prevailed at the beginning of this ministry continues to grow, and blessings abound for those who serve in various capacities, as well as those who are served. The faith and vision of the founders has been an inspiration to all who have followed in their footsteps.

In 2019, Sharing God’s Love served 4,968 people (1,759 families) of which 384 were new families needing our services.

Staff

Executive Director: Shari Selke
Client Services Coordinator : Elaine Schmitt
Client Services: Carla Leone                                                                                                             Administrative Assistant: Cathy Calamas
Financial Secretary: Ashley Samson
Receiving Area Manager: Joyce Faber; Jill Vandermeulen
Inventory Manager : Jodi Warlick

Board of Directors

Judy Gallagher, St. Simon/St. Jude Episcopal Church – President                                                                        Judy Davis, Gateway Baptist – Vice President                                                                                                   Leata Parrott, Riverland Hills Baptist Church- Secretary                                                                                        Richard Burke, Christus Victor Lutheran Church – Treasurer                                                           

Richie Eisenman, Union United Methodist Church                                                                                        George How – Union United Methodist Church                                                                                                      David Brent, St. Andrews Presbyterian Church        
Rev. Fred Suhr, Christus Victor Lutheran
Cheryl Carroll, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church
Steve Smith, Salem United Methodist Church
Chris Stockholm, Our Lady of the Hills Catholic
Bill Haselden, Riverland Hills Baptist Church                                                                                               Pauline Harley, St. Peter Baptist Church                                                                                                             The Rev. Jill Beimdiek, St. Mary’s Episcopal                                                                                                           Marisa Cebulski – McGregor Presbyterian

Director(s) Emeritus: Frances McDonald, Union United Methodist Church
Marcia Adkins, Union United Methodist Church

Sharing God’s Love is a Christian-based 501(c)(3) charitable organization and does not receive federal, state, or United Way funding.