ABOUT

Our Vision

To provide access for any adult individual to the opportunities they need to eradicate the physical, mental and spiritual poverties of their life.

Our Mission

Eradicate poverty:  body (physical poverty), mind (soul poverty), and spirit (spiritual poverty).

Our Core Values:

Some of the behaviors you will see lived out through our programs and services by our staff include the following core values:

Christ Centered: Following the example of Christ, our actions are guided with compassion, integrity, and service; Fostering a culture of faith, kindness, and respect.

  • Galatians 2:20 “My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So, I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

Relational: Cultivating meaningful connections, trust, and collaboration among team members, guests, and community members; Fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for all.

  • John 13:34– “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.”
  • Ephesians 4:2– “With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
  • Matthew 25:40 “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!”

Innovative: Embracing creativity, forward-thinking, and continuous improvement to drive groundbreaking solutions and be a leader in setting industry standards.

  • Genesis 1:27 -“So God created human beings in his own image.  In the image of God created them” ~God is The Creator, we are made in His image, therefore we are creative.”
  • Ephesians 2:10– “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God prepared in advance for us to do”

Solution Oriented: Committed to proactive problem-solving, resilience, and adaptability; fostering a culture where challenges are opportunities for innovation and growth.

  • Psalm 50:15 “Then call on me when you are in trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory.”
  • Matthew 7:7– “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”
  • Philippians 4:13– “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me”

Gritty: Demonstrating perseverance, determination, and resilience in the face of obstacles, moving the mission forward with unwavering commitment.

  • Joshua 1:9 “This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
  • James 2:14-17 “What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”
  • Moses leading the Israelites through the wilderness for 40 years; Noah spending decades building a ship while the world called him crazy; Job continuing to praise God through the many trials of his life… The stories of Grit, Endurance, and perseverance go on and on!

Our Staff

CEO


Ann Ebbert

419.214.4160

President


Rachel Gagnon

419.214.4038


Executive Assistant


Lesley Watson

419.214.3010

Vice President of Programs and Services


Candace Buckley

567.661.0382


Vice President of Development and Marketing


Katie Frye

419.214.3312

Vice President Workforce Development


Carrie Arnold

567.661.0362


Program Manager


Nora Riggs

419.214.3879

Guest Services Manager


Thomas Fowler

567.661.0015


Operations Manager


Kary Jo Gribble

419.214.3322

Environmental Services Manager


Nick Casteel

419.214.3998


Donor Relations Manager


Shannon Nowak

567.420.1473

 Human Resources Manager


Jim Casteel

419.214.3356


Discipleship Manager


Dustin Schmidt

419.214.3712

Volunteer Coordinator


Sherry Bruinsma

419.214.3419

Mrs. Ann Ebbert


President & CEO
Cherry Street Mission Ministries

Mr. Houston Young


Chair
Owens Corning

Ms. Laura Rerucha


Vice Chair
Professional EOS Implementer, EOS Worldwide


Mrs. Janell Vickers


Secretary
Retired, Mercy Health & Owens Corning

Mr. John C. Wagner


Member At-Large
E.S. Wagner Company


Ms. Rachel Gagnon


Director
Lucas Metropolitan Housing

Pastor Ben Snyder


Director
Cedar Creek Church

Mr. Timothy Stansfield


Director
IET, Inc.


Mrs. Christine Sweeney


Director
Art Tatum Zone, Executive Director and The Tabernacle, Pastor

Mr. Matt Britt


Treasurer
Owens Corning

Mr. Jack Hollister


Director
The Employers Association, CEO, Executive Coach & Consultant, Retired


Mr. Carter Bayer


Director
Croak Asset Management

Mrs. Shirley Trail


Director
ProMedica, Retired

Ms. Callie Zake


Director
Lourdes University, Director of Undergraduate Admissions & Financial Aid

Mr. Bryce Roberts


Director
Foxwood Counseling & Consulting, LLC

Humble Beginnings

Jessie and Bertha Fleck founded Cherry Street Mission Ministries in 1947, their calling was to provide people in need with sustenance for the body and nourishment for the soul. Named for its location on Cherry Street in Toledo, the mission provided meals, housing, and the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ for the poor and homeless.

A Wide Footprint

Cherry Street serves those living in poverty throughout our region. As the largest entity acting as a homeless shelter, Cherry Street has been here of the community for generations. Within those years, our focus has expanded beyond basic needs, like food and shelter; to plan development and a continuum of care. Similarly, our area of responsibility has expanded to include more rural counties and areas outside of the central city. Simply put, poverty occurs all across northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan.

Hungry For Change

Cherry Street Mission Ministries is moving beyond the basics. Those served at Cherry Street need a meal, a bed, AND are still hungry. They are Hungry for Change, Hungry for Direction, Hungry for a Career, or Hungry for Success. Cherry Street has created a unique economy to incentivize personal development and positive movement forward toward stability.

Doing More Together

Cherry Street Mission Ministries is moving beyond the basics. Those served at Cherry Street need a meal, a bed, AND are still hungry. They are Hungry for Change, Hungry for Direction, Hungry for a Career, or Hungry for Success. Cherry Street has created a unique economy to incentivize personal development and positive movement forward toward stability.

Our Ministry's Promise

We take your support seriously. When you give to Cherry Street Mission Ministries, you are giving to an organization that is committed to using your resources wisely and efficiently. We operate with a lean staff, relaying on volunteer labor and donated goods whenever possible, and undergo voluntary audits every year.