program Stats

In 2015, St. Martin provided more than 80,000 meals and 30,000 food pantry visits to the poor. We have an immeasurable debt of gratitude for local businesses and individuals who donated money, food and other items to make this possible.

​​The Bible contains more than 300 verses on the poor, social justice and God's deep concern for both. The following are a few verses regarding the poor. 

Sell your possessions and give to charity; make yourselves purses which do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near, nor moth destroys.

Luke 12:33

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in. 

Matthew 25:35 

If there is a poor man among you, one of your brothers, in any of the towns of the land which the LORD your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart, nor close your hand to your poor brother; but you shall freely open your hand to him, and generously lend him sufficient for his need in whatever he lacks.
Deuteronomy 15:7

​Blessed are you who are poor, for yours in the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you shall be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh.

Luke 6:20-21

St. Martin History

St. Martin Board Members

mission & vision

St. Martin is called to feed the poor.  Our daily meals and food pantry help satisfy basic needs. As simple needs are met, the network of Health and Human Services agencies help the poor build necessary skills to work out of poverty.  

1972 - An anonymous donation of $50 was used to feed seasonal workers, and "Kay's Kitchen" was created through St. Paul's Catholic Church.

1993 ​- St. Martin Community Center became an independent, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation, presided over by a board of directors.

1995- A devastating fire destroyed the church, which housed our food security programs. Local churches graciously allowed us to utilize their facilities to continue operations. 

1997- After two years of fundraising the current St. Martin building at 901 S Branson St. was built.

2002- A $200,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Grant County funded an addition to our facility. 

Present - St. Martin serves free breakfast and lunch six days per week, and offers emergency pantry food to the poor. The proceeds from the thrift store, generous donations of money, food, time and household items and USDA enable St. Martin to continue feeding the poor. 

For the past eight years, as the Director of St Martin, I've seen the plight of the poor grow steadily within Grant County. As the county has become more economically depressed through business closure, there has been an increase in the need for food. Many people argue a "hand out" adds to the entitlement of those who receive government benefits. However, as one who understands the social science behind poverty, until lower level, basic human needs of food, shelter, and safety are met, higher level needs like job training, social skills and an overall advanced level of functioning are simply secondary concerns. At St. Martin, we aim to help satisfy those lower level needs, and work with the community of Human Services partners in Grant County to assist the poor in working out of poverty. Over the years we’ve helped many of those impacted by poverty become self-sustaining members of the county, and each one of those successes is worth our life’s mission to do God’s work and serve the poor.   

Sincerely, 

St. Martin Community Center

Teresa Campbell

 St. Martin Executive Director

About Us 

   Anne Duncan, President, (Owen-Weilert-    

   Duncan Funeral Home)

   Paul Kuczora, Treasurer, (CEO, Grant-

   Blackford Mental Health)

   Mary Eckerie, Secretary, (Librarian, Marion          ​Library)

   Teresa Campbell, Director (St. Martin)

​   Jose Perez, (Indiana Health Center Director) 

   Dave Magner, (Vice President, Old National)    ​

   Bryce Coryea, (Center Township Trustee)

   Mary Jackson, (Grant County Juvenile  

   Detention Center)

​   Debbie Dailey, (Guidance Counselor) 

   David Ritchie, (Taylor University) 

   Reverend Paul Bowen, (Retired Reverend)

   Christopher Perry, (Huhtamaki, Inc., Marion    

   Operations Plant Manager)

  Cary Laferney, (Walgreens, Marion Manager)​​

Nurturing our Community by Decreasing the Effects of Poverty

Director's Letter

We are called to Serve the poor

volunteering

Last year, volunteers donated more than 28,000 hours to help us feed Grant County's poor. Volunteers serve food, stock the thrift store shelves, unload trucks, perform building maintenance and much more.

Our founder