Helping to plant the seed
By Leah Nash, Contributing Writer
November 2024
Founding board member and board secretary Sigrid Ewers first learned about and got involved with Mustard Seed Shelter nearly 30 years ago thanks to her friend Nan, with help from Sigrid’s dog, Lexi. Nan and her husband, Ted, were early Mustard Seed volunteers who helping with various aspects of running the brand-new organization, which had just opened in 1995.
Sigrid would help Nan with paperwork in the church office during the day, but needed someone to watch Lexi. Nan recommended bringing her to Mustard Seed. Sigrid recalls that when she and Lexi arrived at Mustard Seed’s first home on Holland Ave., co-founders Leona, Rosalie and Jeannine welcomed them both with open arms. As a thank-you for watching Lexi, Sigrid began bringing dishes of food to the home. After two years, Nan no longer needed help with paperwork, so Sigrid offered to volunteer 12 hours a week at Mustard Seed. She would arrive at noon and stay overnight for “on-house” duty, which entailed answering the phone and door, cleaning, cooking meals, etc. At the same time in the morning, Sigrid also served in the community as the morning bookkeeper for Fresh Start Partnership (later renamed Partnership Center), a neighboring nonprofit.
For nearly 30 years, Mustard Seed has been a home dedicated to spreading hope, love and compassion to the community. When asked why she believes Mustard Seed is an asset to Saginaw, Sigrid replies, “Help is always needed.” She reflects that the community has always gravitated toward Mustard Seed in search of new beginnings and guidance.
Information about Mustard Seed and all that it offered was initially shared by word of mouth. There were few advertisements – a newsletter mailed to supporters here and there – but no social media and very few emails or other technology. “I’m amazed at how Mustard Seed has grown from a tiny enterprise with five ladies working to what it is now: a beautiful home-like atmosphere with a great number of staff and volunteers to help contribute,” Sigrid says.
To those interested in serving on the board, Sigrid advises, “Be passionate, practice good time management, be ready to socialize and create connections and, most importantly, lend a helping hand.”
Throughout all of the changes that have occurred over the years, one tradition has remained – Mustard Seed has an engaged, working board. They are serious about governance, setting policies and providing for the organization’s future but also never shy away from rolling up their sleeves and helping when needed.
Sigrid’s time volunteering at Mustard Seed spanned about eight years until she needed surgery and had to take time off to prioritize her health. After a short break, she was called back to remain on the board and assist the team. Sigrid feels that all these years spent at Mustard Seed have been very rewarding, especially when she witnesses guests getting back on their feet, starting anew and succeeding. She adds, “I hope Mustard Seed continues to grow and prosper for many years to come.”
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About Leah Nash
Leah Nash is originally from Detroit but moved to Saginaw in 2022 to attend Saginaw Valley State University to pursue a technical writing degree. She finds joy in helping her community and is completing a writing internship with Mustard Seed Shelter, Partnership Center and The Well of Saginaw Men’s Shelter.