About Us
What Moves Us
What Moves Us
We are led into this work by grace, love and respect for the dignity of every person.
We are led into this work by grace, love and respect for the dignity of every person.
The grace of God, offered to all, moves through us to others. We share God’s grace from a perspective that none of us has earned anything and all of us are inherently worthy of all good gifts by nature of our shared humanity.
The grace of God, offered to all, moves through us to others. We share God’s grace from a perspective that none of us has earned anything and all of us are inherently worthy of all good gifts by nature of our shared humanity.
Love is the verb that drives us, and loving our neighbor is at the root of what we do.
Love is the verb that drives us, and loving our neighbor is at the root of what we do.
Every person is created in the image of God and worthy, by their personhood and not through any special merit, to be treated with respect and compassion, and to maintain agency over their own lives.
Every person is created in the image of God and worthy, by their personhood and not through any special merit, to be treated with respect and compassion, and to maintain agency over their own lives.
This leads us to attend to people holistically, including their physical, spiritual, mental, and emotional needs.
This leads us to attend to people holistically, including their physical, spiritual, mental, and emotional needs.
It leads us to engage warmly and with empathy. It compels us to listen and not make assumptions about others’ experience and their sense of what they need. We are called to be open to all.
It leads us to engage warmly and with empathy. It compels us to listen and not make assumptions about others’ experience and their sense of what they need. We are called to be open to all.
Our Values
Our Values
Love: We believe that love is the verb that drives us, and loving our neighbor is at the root of what we do. Our belief stems from the teachings of Jesus, but “do unto others” is a command shared by all faith traditions.
Love: We believe that love is the verb that drives us, and loving our neighbor is at the root of what we do. Our belief stems from the teachings of Jesus, but “do unto others” is a command shared by all faith traditions.
Grace: We believe that the grace of God, offered to all, moves outward from us to others. We share God’s grace from a perspective that none of us have earned anything and all of us are inherently worthy of all good gifts by nature of our shared humanity.
Grace: We believe that the grace of God, offered to all, moves outward from us to others. We share God’s grace from a perspective that none of us have earned anything and all of us are inherently worthy of all good gifts by nature of our shared humanity.
Creativity: We believe that to be creative means to seek varied and innovative solutions, to be bold in our thoughts and actions, to value wisdom and experience, to be playful and kind in our relationships, and to be driven by a vision of a just and compassionate world.
Creativity: We believe that to be creative means to seek varied and innovative solutions, to be bold in our thoughts and actions, to value wisdom and experience, to be playful and kind in our relationships, and to be driven by a vision of a just and compassionate world.
Trustworthiness: We believe that we are called to integrity, honesty and steadfastness in all good things. We are committed to our work, always striving to do our best, to treat our neighbors with respect and compassion, and to continue to improve our processes and ourselves.
Trustworthiness: We believe that we are called to integrity, honesty and steadfastness in all good things. We are committed to our work, always striving to do our best, to treat our neighbors with respect and compassion, and to continue to improve our processes and ourselves.
Dignity and worth of the person: We believe that every person is created in the image of God and worthy, by their personhood and not through any special merit, to be treated with respect and compassion, and to maintain agency over their own lives.
Dignity and worth of the person: We believe that every person is created in the image of God and worthy, by their personhood and not through any special merit, to be treated with respect and compassion, and to maintain agency over their own lives.
Just relationships: Just relationships are "safe spaces where each of us is free to become our whole self." We believe that all are equal in the sight of God, and that human relationships are the foundation of our lives on this earth. We believe that to start to repair our broken world, we must start with healing in our own selves, and in our relationships with others.
Just relationships: Just relationships are "safe spaces where each of us is free to become our whole self." We believe that all are equal in the sight of God, and that human relationships are the foundation of our lives on this earth. We believe that to start to repair our broken world, we must start with healing in our own selves, and in our relationships with others.
How We Engage
How We Engage
We are guided by justice, trustworthiness, and imagination for what’s possible.
We are guided by justice, trustworthiness, and imagination for what’s possible.
Our fundamental equality requires us to start with healing in our own selves, and in our relationships with others so that we can collaborate in truly just ways rather than by privileged use of power. The requirements of integrity, honesty, and steadfastness keep us open to learning, acknowledging error, and striving to improve the quality of our partnerships with individuals and groups in the community. We will neither neglect nor settle for known ways of doing things, and hope that the creative power of human insight and commitment can open up better ways to care for each other.
Our fundamental equality requires us to start with healing in our own selves, and in our relationships with others so that we can collaborate in truly just ways rather than by privileged use of power. The requirements of integrity, honesty, and steadfastness keep us open to learning, acknowledging error, and striving to improve the quality of our partnerships with individuals and groups in the community. We will neither neglect nor settle for known ways of doing things, and hope that the creative power of human insight and commitment can open up better ways to care for each other.
This leads us to be there when we say we will and follow through on our promises to provide goods and services to those we serve, without regard to the financial and personal cost.
This leads us to be there when we say we will and follow through on our promises to provide goods and services to those we serve, without regard to the financial and personal cost.
The uniqueness of each person we serve will lead us to do what uniquely helps, based on how we can work together. We will seek others in our community (and beyond) who are doing similar work in order to learn from their experience and expertise, share resources, and forge partnerships. We will seek to build awareness about the needs, desires, and dreams of our neighbors in order to foster compassion, eliminate prejudice and discrimination, and secure basic human rights for all Louisvillians, thus bringing us closer and closer to a community where everyone can thrive.
The uniqueness of each person we serve will lead us to do what uniquely helps, based on how we can work together. We will seek others in our community (and beyond) who are doing similar work in order to learn from their experience and expertise, share resources, and forge partnerships. We will seek to build awareness about the needs, desires, and dreams of our neighbors in order to foster compassion, eliminate prejudice and discrimination, and secure basic human rights for all Louisvillians, thus bringing us closer and closer to a community where everyone can thrive.
How We Got Here
How We Got Here
Source: Feeding America, https://map.feedingamerica.org/county/2018/overall/kentucky/county/jefferson
Bringing Justice Home was formed when a group of like-minded people, who had been previously involved in food ministries in Louisville, saw a need for more direct, personalized support for those experiencing food insecurity. We also saw a need to build just relationships with the people we serve in order to normalize our interdependence and eliminate the stigma of needing help. We seek to provide a more personal encounter than is sometimes experienced at traditional food pantries. This is why we use the term "neighbor" when referring to those we serve; we affirm the common humanity we all share.
Bringing Justice Home was formed when a group of like-minded people, who had been previously involved in food ministries in Louisville, saw a need for more direct, personalized support for those experiencing food insecurity. We also saw a need to build just relationships with the people we serve in order to normalize our interdependence and eliminate the stigma of needing help. We seek to provide a more personal encounter than is sometimes experienced at traditional food pantries. This is why we use the term "neighbor" when referring to those we serve; we affirm the common humanity we all share.
Moreover, we wanted to help those who have barriers to accessing traditional food pantries, especially during this time of the COVID-19 pandemic. This global health crisis has highlighted the already existing inequities that separate those who have privilege and resources and those who do not. There are those who can easily afford contactless food delivery services, while others, whose needs are just as important and valid, cannot afford safer options for accessing food and other needed supplies.
Moreover, we wanted to help those who have barriers to accessing traditional food pantries, especially during this time of the COVID-19 pandemic. This global health crisis has highlighted the already existing inequities that separate those who have privilege and resources and those who do not. There are those who can easily afford contactless food delivery services, while others, whose needs are just as important and valid, cannot afford safer options for accessing food and other needed supplies.
Bringing Justice Home seeks to do something new, exciting, and life-giving at the intersection of these needs, desires, experiences, and resources. We have found great joy in sharing what we have and invite you to join us in this joyful experience. Let's build a just and equal world together.
Bringing Justice Home seeks to do something new, exciting, and life-giving at the intersection of these needs, desires, experiences, and resources. We have found great joy in sharing what we have and invite you to join us in this joyful experience. Let's build a just and equal world together.
Bringing Justice Home Board of Directors
Bringing Justice Home Board of Directors
Maria T. Accardi, President
Maria T. Accardi, President
Maria is a librarian, a teacher, and a writer who has worked in higher education for almost 20 years. Her career has focused primarily on the intersections of social justice and teaching and learning. She brings her experience in food ministries, as well as her extensive background in teaching, to her work at Bringing Justice Home.
Maria is a librarian, a teacher, and a writer who has worked in higher education for almost 20 years. Her career has focused primarily on the intersections of social justice and teaching and learning. She brings her experience in food ministries, as well as her extensive background in teaching, to her work at Bringing Justice Home.
Val Shelton,
Val Shelton,
Vice President and Secretary
Vice President and Secretary
Director of Community Engagement
Director of Community Engagement
Val came to us as a volunteer in the fall of 2020 and has been working diligently for the organization ever since. Val is the former President and CEO of Winston Industries, a global foodservice equipment manufacturer, where she served from August 2010 to March 2020. During her tenure at Winston Industries, she launched three new divisions, two of which still exist today. Val has 5 children, including 2 grandchildren she adopted. She has traveled to many places including Ireland, China, Thailand, South Africa, Europe, Mexico, the Caribbean, Alaska, South America and still hopes to make it to Australia, New Zealand, and Antarctica. She loves to read, play Scrabble, cook, and is a certified scuba diver.
Val came to us as a volunteer in the fall of 2020 and has been working diligently for the organization ever since. Val is the former President and CEO of Winston Industries, a global foodservice equipment manufacturer, where she served from August 2010 to March 2020. During her tenure at Winston Industries, she launched three new divisions, two of which still exist today. Val has 5 children, including 2 grandchildren she adopted. She has traveled to many places including Ireland, China, Thailand, South Africa, Europe, Mexico, the Caribbean, Alaska, South America and still hopes to make it to Australia, New Zealand, and Antarctica. She loves to read, play Scrabble, cook, and is a certified scuba diver.
Constance Merritt, Treasurer
Constance Merritt, Treasurer
Constance Merritt has a Master's of Science in Social Work from the University of Louisville. She has experience working with older adults in low income senior housing, patients and families in hospital palliative care, and with people receiving HIV/AIDS services. She has been involved in various food ministries over the past ten years, including as a volunteer coordinator. She is excited to build a vibrant and diverse community where people can learn to relate to each other in ways that are truly just and loving.
Constance Merritt has a Master's of Science in Social Work from the University of Louisville. She has experience working with older adults in low income senior housing, patients and families in hospital palliative care, and with people receiving HIV/AIDS services. She has been involved in various food ministries over the past ten years, including as a volunteer coordinator. She is excited to build a vibrant and diverse community where people can learn to relate to each other in ways that are truly just and loving.
Lakeisha Gardner, Director
Lakeisha Gardner, Director
Lakeisha is a volunteer with an invested interest in social justice and equity. She works as an Abuse Hotline Counselor with Seven Counties Services and has prior experience in child welfare. She holds a Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Louisville and seeks to cultivate a career advocating for vulnerable populations. In addition to her work with BJH, Lakeisha volunteers with Catholic Charities in assisting local refugees learn English. She enjoys engaging with others from diverse backgrounds and learning about their ways of life. She looks forward to spreading awareness of food insecurity and advancing the mission of BJH.
Lakeisha is a volunteer with an invested interest in social justice and equity. She works as an Abuse Hotline Counselor with Seven Counties Services and has prior experience in child welfare. She holds a Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Louisville and seeks to cultivate a career advocating for vulnerable populations. In addition to her work with BJH, Lakeisha volunteers with Catholic Charities in assisting local refugees learn English. She enjoys engaging with others from diverse backgrounds and learning about their ways of life. She looks forward to spreading awareness of food insecurity and advancing the mission of BJH.
Kelsey Eilers Lynn, Director
Kelsey Eilers Lynn, Director
Kelsey is new to the Bringing Justice Home neighborhood. She has a non-profit fundraising and events background and is currently the Grants Manager for Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest. A recent transplant from Cincinnati, Kelsey is eager to get to know Louisville better through the BJH neighborhood. She is excited to contribute to creating a more equitable Louisville through community building. In addition to her work with BJH, Kelsey loves to read, run, cook, and sing and serves on the board of VOICES of Kentuckiana, an inclusive nonprofit choir.
Kelsey is new to the Bringing Justice Home neighborhood. She has a non-profit fundraising and events background and is currently the Grants Manager for Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest. A recent transplant from Cincinnati, Kelsey is eager to get to know Louisville better through the BJH neighborhood. She is excited to contribute to creating a more equitable Louisville through community building. In addition to her work with BJH, Kelsey loves to read, run, cook, and sing and serves on the board of VOICES of Kentuckiana, an inclusive nonprofit choir.