As we move through another season of ministry, we are continually reminded how much can happen when a community comes together to serve others with compassion and generosity. Over the past few months, we’ve seen lives impacted through Backpack Love, Beautiful Feet, and Street Impact.
In this quarter’s newsletter, we’re excited to share ministry updates, celebrate the people behind the work, recap special events, and give you a glimpse into what’s ahead this fall. Thank you for continuing to walk alongside us and be part of the story God is writing through Straight Street Ministry.
Ministry Snapshot
Backpack Love
Backpack Love has had a strong and steady season of serving students facing food insecurity throughout our community. Thanks to our incredible volunteers, church partners, and supporters, bags continue to be packed and delivered each week with consistency and care. God has provided in amazing ways! After completing a full warehouse inventory in February, we discovered we have more than enough food to finish out the school year strong and be able to prepare bags for the next year. We’re also excited about new growth opportunities, including expanded partnerships with schools and churches, updated counselor training procedures, and the launch of our 2nd Annual Coins 4 Kids fundraising initiative.
Backpack Love Needs Met Through the 2025-2026 School Year
The past few months at Beautiful Feet have been filled with growth, encouragement, and meaningful progress for both residents and staff. We’ve celebrated milestones like residents obtaining driver’s licenses, purchasing vehicles, joining local churches, serving in ministry roles, and continuing to build stability through work opportunities and personal development. One resident shared how proud she was to be recognized at work for her integrity and Christlike character, a powerful reminder that transformation happens in both big and small moments. Our residents have also continued serving others through volunteer opportunities, community involvement, and hands-on learning experiences like self-defense classes, floral workshops, and spa days provided by generous community partners. Behind the scenes, staff have expanded their training and advocacy efforts through human trafficking certification programs, statewide task force involvement, and Department of Justice trainings.
The first few months of the year have been busy for the Street Impact team as we’ve continued serving individuals and families through critical home repair projects, accessibility improvements, and ongoing support visits. Between January and March alone, our team completed more than 100 site visits, including ramp builds and repairs, deck repairs, landscape cleanup projects, bathroom renovation assessments, and planning meetings for future projects. Beyond construction work, Street Impact continues to focus on building relationships and encouraging homeowners long after projects are completed. Through follow-up visits, devotional deliveries, and practical support, we’ve had the opportunity to continue walking alongside many of the families we serve.
Keri serves as our Backpack Love Coordinator and has been in the role for the past one and a half years, while also serving as a board member for the last four years. She is married to her husband, Lance, and together they have three children. Her heart for serving others and helping those who may not be able to help themselves is what first drew her to the ministry.
One of Keri’s favorite parts of serving is delivering Birthday Ministry packages to children in the Backpack Love program. One delivery especially stood out to her when a little girl was so excited about receiving her birthday package that she checked in every five minutes for the hour leading up to the delivery. When Keri arrived, the child was jumping up and down with excitement and gratitude, a moment that Keri says truly blessed her heart.
Keri shares that working with Straight Street Ministry has deeply strengthened her faith. She loves seeing how God provides in unexpected ways and says one of the greatest blessings has been watching Him weave miracles into everyday moments throughout the ministry.
And one fun fact about Keri? She proudly wears a size 11.5 shoe!
Push-up for a Purpose
Recently, Straight Street Ministry partnered with Burn Boot Camp in Braselton for our Push-Up for a Purpose fundraiser, and it was an incredible display of community support and energy. Participants showed up ready to challenge themselves physically while rallying around a shared mission of serving local families in need.
We are so grateful to everyone who participated, donated, encouraged, and helped make the event possible. The atmosphere was filled with excitement, teamwork, and purpose from start to finish, and the generosity shown throughout the fundraiser far exceeded what we anticipated. We were truly blown away by the support from our community and are incredibly thankful for the impact this event will have on the families and individuals we serve.
Thank you to Burn Boot Camp for hosting and partnering with us, and to every individual who helped make this fundraiser such a meaningful success for our ministry.
Save the NEW Date: Derby Day
Out of respect for a meaningful loss within our community, we made the decision to move Derby Day from May to Saturday, August 8th, at 10 AM, hosted at Family Church. We’re excited to gather together this fall for a fun and impactful event supporting Beautiful Feet, so mark your calendars for the new Derby Day date!
As we look ahead to the months to come, we remain grateful for every volunteer, donor, church, business, and supporter who helps make this ministry possible. Your generosity continues to create real impact in the lives of children, families, and individuals throughout our community.
We’re excited for what’s ahead this fall and look forward to continuing this mission together. Thank you for being part of Straight Street Ministry and for helping us serve with compassion, dignity, and hope each step of the way.
