John May is an inspiration and knows firsthand the struggles of going from trouble to triumph. John Left New Jersey in May 1995 headed to Florida in hope of a better path; it only took a month and he found himself incarcerated. While in jail, at the age of 35, John tells me “I asked God to help make me drug free and I will serve him until I die.” John was released and ordered to 160 hours of community service hours. My Father’s Table Soup Kitchen took John in so he could full-fill his community service hours; that relationship has lasted over 17 years.
J Ralph Lundy was John’s mentor at Our Father’s Table Soup Kitchen; Mr. Lundy oversaw the soup kitchen, the summer camp program, and was a pillar in the community. John was fortunate to be able to care for his mom for many years and she was able to rejoice that her child was able to flourish. With focus and gratitude, John incorporated the summer camp into Feed the Lambs Enrichment Program and became President of Feed the Lambs. He expanded the summer camp from 4 hours to 7 hours. In addition, mentoring and tutoring programs are also available.
John May is also the HIV Outreach Coordinator for the Florida Department of Health in Indian River County. “We want our community to learn more to stay safe and healthy” explains John. He has served this full-time position for 19 years. John’s dedication to our community’s health and to the future of our children is obvious through his words and commitments.
Feed the Lambs Enrichment Program, Inc. is a local non-profit organization that mentoring, tutoring, a 13-week electrical workshop, and supper camp provides to children in need; and they do this at no financial cost to families. Programs are supported by members and businesses in our community. Feed the Lambs Enrichment Program objectives are:
• To instill in our youth with the necessary knowledge and skills to make positive life choices.
• To empower our youth to remain drug, alcohol, and tobacco-free.
• To empower our youth to solve problems and handle interpersonal relationships and conflict without anger and violence.
• To prepare our youth scholastically for school-related educational activities and responsibilities
• To empower our youth to practice obedience and have respect for their elders, family members, teachers, and peers.
• To prepare our youth to develop goals associated with fostering a positive work ethic.
In talking with John, he makes it clear that his mission is to anybody he can; it is clear that he believes this mission begins with children. “I want our youth to believe that they are able to do whatever they want to do and become. They need to feel empowered. They need fun, and mentoring to promote better life choices.” John wants to sit back one day and see his accomplishment from this heart to the head. John explains it’s not about a collection of dollars; it’s about collaboration for life enrichment.
“We hope one day to have our own space and transportation,” John says. Feed the Lambs Enrichment Program has been blessed with the support of Principle Beth Hofer at Oslo Middle School which helps with mentoring, tutoring, and provide space for summer camp. Feed the Lambs also incorporates a parent’s program to help them learn how to help their children exceed scholastically.
Thank you John May, the board of directors, staff, and volunteers who are committed to fostering well-being and future success for our youth. You provide valuable services and mentoring across their life span. You offer opportunities for many of our youth to thrive and reach their dreams from childhood to adulthood.
Please call Feed the Lambs Enrichment Program at 772-404-9955 or 772-501-2617. Your donations and volunteer contributions are invaluable. You can also reach John at his email address: [email protected]