Key People
Where Passion and Dedication Meet
Our dedicated team of experienced professionals are at the heart of what we do, utilizing their unique skills and passion to move the work of our Non-Profit Organization forward. Without them, JC Ministries would not be where it is today. Meet some of our team members below.
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At the young age of 12, my mother volunteered at a church to serve on the homeless program. I came along with her and manned the soup station. As I was serving each homeless person, I was moved to the point of crying, trying my best not to let tears fall into their soup.
That was such a pivotal and unforgettable moment for me, in hindsight I now know that was when God gave me my life’s purpose.
Later on in life, I joined the military. In each place that I was stationed in some way, shape, or form an opportunity to serve the homeless found me. During those times, God was pruning me under others, teaching me the way to lead and understand those that would become family to me
Fast forward to mid summer of 2020 during the height of chaos, God told me “it was time” and JC Ministries was born.
Tanjanika Smith
Founder
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My introduction to the homeless community experience came a couple of years after high school. Growing up in a middle class community in
Chicago, I knew there were people living on the streets, but never knew anyone personally. Until, Donald, my best friend in high school, became
homeless. After his short tour in the Army and a dishonorable discharge he was abandoned by his family. I was devastated and felt helpless
and hopeless. I had joined the Air Force, no longer living in Chicago, I was unable to provide any assistance. This left a void, and a passion to
help others that are less fortunate.
I was able to relate to those who battled with both alcoholism and
drug use, as I overcame both of those personal issues. I was able to provide housing and companionship for those like me in my surrounding area. My sobriety allowed me to relate and communicate a message of compassion, empathy, and hope for a better future. My life experiences and my faith in God have prepared me to make a difference to a segment of people that our society has turned their backs on. This is my passion and purpose, I pray and hope you will join me on this journey to change lives.
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Robert Evans
Board Secretary
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Through the times of me growing up and becoming a mom, homelessness is something I have battled with my whole life and it wasn’t a good feeling. God has since then delivered me and I just want to help families and individuals alike to know that God has their back and they will be ok.
This is why serving with JC Ministries is so important to me. I want to be sure I go where God tells me to go and continue to help others to grow and become a better version of themselves.
Ashanti Franklin
Board Member