The Charge Keepers seek return to Madison
After a decade of giving to the Madison community, a local outreach ministry is hoping the community will return the spirit of giving by helping the organization re-establish its presence in the city of Madison.
Dr. Evelynn C. Holt is the founder of The Charge Keepers, Inc., a ministry of Bright Star Church where Holt is a pastor and has served the church as a missionary and spiritual leader for 30 years. The Madison-based community outreach organization was established in 1996 to improve lifestyles and strengthen families through educational, social and community involvement.
"Madison is home to me because when I was first approached about being a pastor the Holy Spirit so clearly said to me, 'Madison,'" Holt recalled. "I know the Lord was telling me to take this ministry to Madison."
Holt, a woman of African-American and Native American descent, raised seven of her own children and one adopted child while working two jobs and going to school. As a divorced, single mother and a minority, Holt said she truly understands the struggles young mothers and families face--and The Charge Keepers, Inc. is there to help.
"Its mission is to heal people," Holt explained. "I know if we work at it like Christ did, there will not be people in America who are hungry, uneducated, sick or homeless."
The Charge Keepers, Inc. offers a variety of programs for youth, adults and families as a whole, all of which Holt said are free to those in need. Programs include a food pantry; mentoring, financial assistance and emotional support for at-risk children and their families; screening and monitoring for hypertension and diabetes to prevent limb loss; supplies and support in times of crisis; a summer youth program for foster children and children of troubled homes; and improving self-esteem among minority men.
While Holt is proud of all the programs offered by The Charge Keepers, Inc., she seems most proud of MEAMS. The Minority Educational and Motivational Services (MEAMS) program enables individuals to get job training and pursue continuing education as a means of improving lifestyles and securing a future for children.
Holt remembers when The Charge Keepers first moved to its Wall-Triana location, directly across the street from a low-income apartment complex, and how MEAMS made a difference to its new neighbors.
"The police were always there and I decided I needed to be there, too," Holt said of the apartment complex. "I went and offered young women the opportunity to get their GED and childcare while many of them went on to be nurses. The police weren't coming as often, so I know we were starting to make a difference. Eventually, we hardly ever saw the police there."
Holt said The Charge Keepers, Inc. received a letter of appreciation from former Madison mayor Jan Wells for their work in the Madison community, as well as numerous letters of thanks from parents who noticed remarkable differences in their children's behavior after participating in programs.
Because she knows The Charge Keepers, Inc. made a difference in the lives of many Madison families, Holt wants the organization to return to Madison.
"We had a big, beautiful building on Wall-Triana, and we made many improvements to it over the years, but we struggled to pay the more than $2,000 rent each month," Holt said. "Now we're in this 1,000-square-foot office space in Huntsville because it's all we can afford. We're still running our programs, but we don't have the space to continue providing daycare for the 30 children we served."
The Charge Keepers, Inc. moved from its Madison location in September 2005 and has since been unable to find an affordable space in Madison to accommodate programs, daycare and its annual Coming to the Light conference and banquet. Without its annual fundraiser, the organization has not been able to provide as many services to deserving families.
"As we give charity, we need charity in return," Holt explained. "Ninety percent of what we are given is given to the public. No one here takes a salary. We are all volunteers. We are only limited by space and funds."
The Charge Keepers, Inc. is qualified by the Internal Revenue Service to receive tax-deducible bequests, devises, transfers and gifts. Holt has also studied grant writing to apply for federal aid.
"I think if you make your needs known someone will be touched," Holt said.
The Charge Keepers, Inc. currently needs a 3,000-square-foot building in the city of Madison to continue its ministry to Madison citizens. The organization's food pantry is also severely depleted and Holt said a permanent sponsor is needed to supply approximately $350 per month to keep the shelves filled.
"Everyone's not happy having to ask for help. Ask me, I know," Holt said. "I've been on welfare, but my seven children went to school, attended some form of college and are helping others. I know not everyone is lazy and shiftless. I see all of the things our country has to offer and I know we're blessed, but what about the poor?"
Holt is asking the Madison community to contact her at 746-0336 with leads for an affordable space for The Charge Keepers, Inc. to return its full range of services to the city of Madison. Donations are also appreciated and accepted at any Regions Bank location.
"I know somehow it will all come together," Holt explained. "I know it is the Lord's will for The Charge Keepers to return to Madison."
