Rep. Scholten Announces $800k Grant to Mel Trotter Ministries Through Dept. of Health and Human Services

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Hillary Scholten (MI-03) today announced that Mel TrotterMinistries will receive $800k from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families for Jireh Metal to expand current metal stamping manufacturing capabilities and create jobs.

Mel Trotter Ministries is a nonprofit organization that works to expand opportunity for West Michiganders experiencing hunger and homelessness. Mel Trotter Ministries partners with Jireh Metal to provide job training opportunities for the Michiganders they serve.

The expansion of metal stamping manufacturing capabilities through this grant will create 32 full-time positions within Kent County for low-income and special-needs Michiganders as well as returning citizens.

“The partnership between Mel Trotter Ministries and Jireh Metal is truly changing lives – providing Michiganders with the second chances they deserve and setting them up for long-term success,” said Rep. Scholten. “This grant is the final piece of the puzzle that these organizations need to support this project, and I’m proud to have played a small part in securing this investment to this much-needed cause.”

 “For nearly 124 years, Mel Trotter has assisted individuals secure and maintain employment.  Our experience with many people experiencing homelessness is that they want to work. Many, however, need to gain skills and find an employer to give them a chance. Our partnership with Jireh Metal is a great example at what can happen when the for-profit and non-profit sectors work together to find a win for everyone, most importantly the person trying to leave homelessness. These partnerships are an important strategy as we as a community move the needle back on homelessness,” said Dennis Van Kampen, CEO of Mel Trotter Ministries.

“Hiring solid employees is key to Jireh’s success and its expansion plans. We will continue to be an employer who provides opportunity to individuals with little or no work experience and those with challenged histories. We will maintain a holistic view on how we help employees retain and improve their employability. Our partnership with Mel Trotter in our recruiting and retention efforts is critical to Jireh Metal Products growth and long-term sustainability,” said Michael Davenport, CEO of Jireh Metal Products.

 In April, Rep. Scholten penned a letter to the Administration for Children and Families advocating for the project.