Felix Velazquez, devoted family man and spiritual guide, serves as the Men’s Shelter Director. Together with his wife and three beautiful children, Zoe, Emory, and Titus, Felix attends Grace Community Nazarene Church in Tilton, Illinois. A recent relaunch at the church has reinvigorated their worship, and Felix is proud to be part of this transformation.

His commitment to faith extends beyond personal worship. Felix holds a local minister’s license, contributes to the church’s worship team, and directs the RU Recovery Substance Abuse Program. He finds immense joy in witnessing the healing and growth of individuals once broken, now becoming vital members of the community.

In addition, Felix owns Integrity G.C., a small construction company. But his path to these roles was not always smooth. Originally from a Puerto Rican community in Chicago’s Humboldt Park, Felix strayed from his faith in adolescence, leading to addiction. It was in a homeless shelter that he rediscovered his faith, learning the importance of a relationship with God for maintaining sobriety.

Today, Felix is a testament to the power of second chances and the transformative love of Jesus Christ. His life mission is to introduce others to the truth of Christ, believing that understanding our spiritual selves is key to overcoming inner struggles. Felix hopes to share his passion for ministry, borne from his own journey through hardship to redemption, all for the glory of God.

Christine Cooper is the Director of the Women and Children’s Shelter. Christine’s journey began over four years ago as a volunteer. Today, her mission is to see women succeed and restore families to God’s original intentions. She finds inspiration in the women who have paved the way before her, as well as the guidance and mentorship she has received from her mother, sisters, aunts, and friends. This constant encouragement has shaped her into both a compassionate individual and an effective leader.

With over 30 years of ministry experience and as a certified minister, Christine’s passion for this line of work runs deep. Throughout her career, she has actively engaged in teaching at her local church, reaching out to those in prison through Outreach Prison Ministries, and delivering impactful speeches to women, children, and young adults in various organizations. These experiences have allowed her to witness firsthand the transformative power of faith and its profound impact on individuals and families.

Christine’s personal journey includes overcoming numerous adversities, such as physical and verbal abuse, as well as experiencing homelessness with her six children. The support she received from her local church and community organizations inspired her to give back and help others facing similar challenges. Drawing inspiration from the biblical verse Matthew 25:36-40, Christine encourages extending a helping hand to those in need.

Christine is happily married to Lee Cooper, a man known for his exceptional gift of hospitality. Together, they have six children and sixteen grandchildren, a source of immense joy and gratitude. Christine attributes her blessings to God and acknowledges the profound impact her local church, New Life Church of Faith, and pastors Pastor Thomas Miller and First Lady Beverly Miller have had on her life.

With a heart brimming with service and an innate ability to encourage others, Sherri Mikalik is the Manager of the Thrift Store. Alongside her husband Fred, she began as a regular volunteer, dedicating her time and energy to the store. After a year of consistent service, the founders recognized their commitment and invited them to take on the role of “overseers”. Recognizing Sherri’s unwavering dedication and passion for community service, the board extended an invitation to her, offering the role of Manager.

When Sherri assumed the role of Manager at the Thrift Store, the community’s donations noticeably improved in both amount and quality. This surge in contributions allowed the store to increase its yearly sales, which in turn supports multiple mission ministries. Sherri attributes the store’s success to the relentless commitment of the staff and volunteers who work side by side with her.

Before embarking on this current journey, Sherri had a prosperous 40-year career as a hair stylist, dedicating all those years to the Danville community. In search of a new way to give back, she transitioned into the education sector, taking up a role as a teacher’s aide for five years in the Bismarck School District.

Above all else, Sherri’s unwavering faith and love for Jesus is the driving force behind her work. The joy she receives from serving others and addressing their needs is unparalleled. Sherri also holds a firm belief that uplifting others inherently brings encouragement to oneself.
Sherri and Fred, happily married for 22 years, are blessed with two accomplished sons and two sweet grandsons. Zac serves as a lieutenant at the Urbana Police Department, while Nate is an EMT with firefighter aspirations. In addition to her work at the Thrift Store, Sherri is an active elder at The Rock Church in Danville, IL. She passionately encourages community involvement through volunteering, believing that every act of kindness resonates deeply. Sherri extends a warm invitation to those who share her passion for service and love to join her efforts in positively impacting the community.