FFT Questions Answered

I was approached by a Mercy College student this morning to answer some questions in response to my service with Food For Thought.  I thought the answers may give some insight to those that are interested in volunteering and those that have a difficult time understanding why I devote so much time to it.


1) Why was FFT started? What was the need that had to be filled? How long has it been in existance?
FFT began Memorial Day 2007. A handful of compassionate people noticed a need for the unhoused downtown to receive food. They gathered together and made a few dozen peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. They then walked the streets of downtown Toledo and offered them to anyone they thought may like some PB&J. We now also operate a food pantry in Oregon and a mobile pantry that travels throughout Lucas County four times a month. These pantries together serve nearly 1300 families each month.

What set FFT apart from other organizations is that we were, and still are, more concerned with developing relationships with those that we serve instead of just a handout of food. We believe in serving more than the body.

2) How many volunteers do you have? How many paid staff?
We are blessed with many volunteers! We have two paid staff-our Executive Director and Assistant Director. Due to the nature of our mission, our number of volunteers is constantly changing. We probably average 100-150 each week, and in 2009 we logged around 25,000 volunteer hours!

3) What do you feel is the first responsibility of FFT and of yours as marketing director?
I believe that FFT's responsibility, as I touched on in your first question, is to treat all of our patrons with dignity and respect. Many of these families and individuals have experienced hardships that brought them to us. We want to be a place where they can go and forget about these worries, feel welcomed and appreciated and even loved.

As the marketing director, my job is to ensure that our message is consistent across all mediums. Equally important, that our community is aware of the organization and how we are striving to make a difference. As you know, we only have two paid staff members, so we rely heavily on our amazing volunteers to spread the word about programs and activities and provide donations. We are proud of our grassroots and thankfully today's technology allows us to grow without the large budgets that other groups in the past would need.

4) What is the mission and vision of FFT? Has that changed over the course of time? Do you see it changing in the future?
Food For Thought’s mission is to serve those in various needs despite their position in order to develop relationships that aid in reconciliation and redemption. I can proudly say that our mission hasn't changed one bit! I certainly hope that it doesn't change. We strive to ensure we are congruent with this mission in all of our planning, programs and policies.

5) What is the biggest concern the leaders of FFT have?
Our biggest concern in the majority of conversations is whether or not we are doing enough to help those in need. We have the heart and ambition to help everyone, but sometimes we don't have the resources available to do so.

6) How does the leadership of FFT hold itself acountable? Who are you accountable to? Who is your customer?
Our two staff members are also present at all of our board meetings. We have a diverse board of directors that adhere to policies and procedures and vote on all major decisions within the organization. In addition, we are blessed with amazing community sponsors and donors. They entrust us with their funding and resources to uphold ethical standards and disperse their funds appropriately.

Our customer? That's a great question! We really strive to help anyone in need--whatever they may be. We began as a group of people helping a few unhoused individuals downtown, and now we are assisting families affected by the tornado, elderly and disabled women in need of home repairs and feeding thousands of families even beyond the Lucas County border.

We're not sure where the future may take us from here, but it is very exciting to be part of such a genuine and giving group of people. I believe that I am the one benefiting from serving Food For Thought. It has sincerely changed my life for the better.

Benefit Concert for a Great Kid

Scott and Michelle are our long-time friends and neighbors.  My husband has lived across the street from them for almost 10 years now. Jalen and his little brother Eli love to come to our house and use our porch swing.  They giggle and swing while the grown-ups talk about their lives and new developments. 

When I first met Jalen I was struck with his vocabulary and aptitude.  He is one of the smartest kids I have ever met!  I was even more amazed when I found out that he's visually-impaired.  My husband has told me stories of when he was 4 years old and played at Scott and Michelle's church as their drummer.  By himself.  He has played with his dad, Scott, during live performances too.  He composes his own music and loves to tell me about the projects that he's working on in their studio basement.  How many seven-year-olds do that?

His father, Scott, is a great dad and wonderful person as well.  He is well-known throughout Toledo as a member of the band, Skoobie Snaks, but is working on a solo career as a country musician.  And he is GOOD.  Really good.  Sometimes you hear about local musicians or friends that can sing and I think of those terrible tryouts on American Idol.  Ick.  No thank you. Scott is truly a gifted musician and one-man-band.  See for yourself on his website.

Jalen has been blessed with a chance to participate in the National Braille Challenge in Los Angeles this June.  He and his family are very excited about the opportunity for Jalen to meet other kids who are also blind and feel a sense of achievement. 

The problem is that it's quite expensive to travel to LA.  Plus the cost of lodging, meals...and they hope to take the kids to Disneyland while they're in the area.

You can help make a difference in this wonderful family's life and help a little boy fulfill his dream by attending the benefit concert this Sunday, May 23rd at the Clazel in Bowling Green.  I have attached the news release that I wrote below for more information.  They are amazing musicians and well worth the money and fulfillment of helping out those that honestly deserve it.  Please consider attending.  Plus, I'll be there. :)  I hope to see you. 

If you're still not convinced, check out this video of the performers and Jalen.  Have some tissues handy. 


Benefit to Fund Local Blind Child’s Achievement

Scott Ballard, Alex DePue and Scoobie Snaks to Perform

TOLEDO, Ohio–May 20, 2010–Scott Ballard, an up and coming country musician, will be joined by the talented Alex DePue and local favorite, Skoobie Snaks, for a benefit concert on Sunday, May 23, 2010 at 3:00 at the Clazel in Bowling Green, Ohio. Scott’s seven-year-old sight-impaired son, Jalen, will be performing as well.

Jalen qualified as one of 60 finalists to participate in the National Braille Challenge in Los Angeles on June 26, 2010. Twelve students from five age groups were chosen out of nearly 800 contestants. The Braille Challenge is sponsored by Braille Institute of America and serves to encourage blind children of all ages to fine-tune their braille skills and increase braille literacy. Students are tested in reading comprehension, braille speed and accuracy, proofreading, spelling and reading tactile charts and graphs.

Jalen also sings, plays keyboard and even composes his own music. He started playing piano at the age of 2. In addition, at the age of 4, he was the percussionist for services at his family’s church. His talent and interest has grown due, in part, to his father’s musical aptitude.

Scott Ballard is Jalen’s father, concert headliner and rising country star. A sample video of Scott and Jalen can be seen here. Scott is also a member of the local favorite band, Skoobie Snaks, who will be performing as well. For more information on Scott Ballard, please review his website.

Alex DePue will be joining the group from Los Angeles. Alex has played with many well-known musicians including country star Chris Cagle, famous for the hit “Chicks Dig It”. He is a regular touring and recording member with the Steve Vai Band as well as the DePue/DeHoyos Duo. Please visit http://www.alexdepue.com/ for more information.

All proceeds from the show will go towards airfare and accommodations for Jalen and his family. Profits above and beyond the cost of the trip will be donated to The Sight Center. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 the day of the show. They can be purchased by contacted The Clazel at 419.353.5000 or via their website at http://www.clazel.net/.

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