Our Mustard Seed Family
The Mustard Seed Shelter family includes our staff, board, current and former guests and their families, and all of the volunteers and supporters who make our ministry possible! On this page, you can learn about our staff and board. Learn about other members of our family here.
Staff
Following college, Amy’s role as volunteer changed (from painting walls, pulling up carpet, cooking and so on) to training our volunteers in a strength-based approach to work with the guests we serve. Prior to becoming the executive director in 2014, Amy worked as a social worker for Boysville and then Lutheran Child and Family Service for 12 years. She also served as pastoral minister at a local church. Many community outreach programs Amy began are still in existence today. She has similarly planted and cultivated many “seeds” for Mustard Seed Shelter and has helped widen and strengthen the organization’s base of support to prepare for future growth.
According to Irene, who spent time in multiple shelters in the Tri-City area, “Many other places focus on 90 days from the time you walk in the door – get a job and find a place to stay. But here – our focus is on the whole person. We help our guests develop a plan. We help them identify barriers and what to do to overcome them. This is a place for caring and guiding people as best we can. This is a home.”
After a year serving in the Michigan Works SNAP Workfare program, Bre came back to the Mustard Seed family and was hired as our first Guest Services Support Team Member in July 2020. Her experience in the community serving as a volunteer, AmeriCorps State Member and case manager has led her to building connections with our guests, staff and supporters and the seeds of service and unity Bre has planted within agencies of the community has led to a bountiful harvest through the bonds she continues to make.
Bre has an associates of arts in psychology from Delta College and a bachelor of arts in psychology with a minor in business from SVSU.
Stacey herself became homeless as a result of drug addiction. She and her two children, who are both on the autism spectrum, spent three months at Mustard Seed and moved to their own home in the fall of 2021, thanks to a Shelter Plus Care grant and our partnership with Saginaw-Shiawassee Habitat for Humanity.
As our Guest Services Coordinator, Stacey helps guests make a plan for their lives and connects them to services and resources in our community. In addition to sharing her insights and experience with our organization, Stacey serves on the board of the Saginaw County Consortium of Homeless Assistance Providers (SC-CHAP).
About her role here at Mustard Seed, Trina says she does a lot of listening and tries to uplift guests who are struggling. She helps them understand the rules of the house and shares her own experiences of living at Mustard Seed, as well as struggling with a crack addiction for more than half of her life (she celebrated nine years of sobriety in early 2022!).
“My main goal is to help them along the way like somebody helped me,” she says. “Mustard Seed helped – and continues to help – me to get better as a person. And if I can get better, I can help someone else get better.”
Shelly is a regular fixture at our events and you’ve likely seen her smiling face at the registration table for our annual Sowing Seeds of Hope fall fundraiser or driving the beverage cart at our golf outing. While serving on our board of directors, Shelly made the motion to embark upon the expansion/renovation project we completed in 2021 – a motion that was approved unanimously by her fellow board members. Now, Shelly’s friendly demeanor, boundless energy – and shared lived experience – make her a valued member of our Guest Services Support Team.
Shelly shares more of her story in the 2016 Faith Magazine article linked on our home page and media page (page 6). And yes – she still always goes above and beyond!
Board of Directors
Board meetings are held the third Tuesday of the month at 6 pm. We begin with a prayer and a meal, shared with our guests in residence. Visitors are always welcome. Please contact us in advance if you are interested in joining us for dinner, attending a meeting or exploring the possibility of serving on the board or any of our committees.
“I have counted on the wisdom and experience of the board to guide Mustard Seed Shelter through a continuity plan to this new stage of development. Inspired by the Gospel, the board is open to connecting with community to increase job and housing opportunities, while never losing focus on our mission to ‘water the seed of inner strength in women so they can start a new life for themselves and their children.’ Board members make a vital difference for our women.”
– Leona Sullivan
“I’ve had a good life, which makes me want to give back to people who are less fortunate so they may become a happy and productive part of our society.”
“Every time I visit Mustard Seed Shelter, I leave in awe of the people and the work that is done there. By serving on the board, I hope I am able to assist those who truly make a difference in helping our guests grow and reshape their lives.”
“Mustard Seed Shelter helps women and children in crisis in a compassionate family-like atmosphere – offering hope to the homeless.”
“The services provided by the Mustard Seed Shelter are vital to our community. I am thankful for the opportunity to contribute to this great work. When asked, I was drawn to serve on the board, not only by the mission — but by the compassion and respectfulness that are evident in the way services are provided.”
“I’m a former guest of Mustard Seed Shelter and was there at the lowest time in my life. Mustard Seed helped me rebuild my life. Now I’m back in the community, giving back to others. In addition to the Mustard Seed board, I’m serving on the board of my neighborhood watch group. The changes I’ve seen in myself since living at the shelter are very exciting.”
“The work that Mustard Seed Shelter does for women in Saginaw is awesome! It is such an honor, as a member of the board of directors, to be part of such a wonderful and caring organization, even if only in a small way. I continue to be in awe of the women who come here seeking support and then go on to achieve success in their lives. May God bless them!”
“It is a privilege and honor to be a part of the Mustard Seed organization, where women and families are given the opportunity to rebuild their lives.”
Leona’s background is rich and varied. She was a member of the religious community The Home Visitors of Mary, based in Detroit. Upon leaving that community because of its shrinking size, then-Sister Leona took private vows to Bishop Kenneth Untener in Saginaw. Leona holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a master’s degree in theology. She has spent her entire life dedicated to care of the poor.