HISTORY

The “Community Stewpot” was birthed in 1981 by seven Jackson congregations who were eager to provide a coordinated response to the increasing needs of their neighbors. Modeled after a soup kitchen in downtown Dallas, each house of worship committed both funds and volunteers to help serve lunch five days a week in an old gas station renovated for that purpose. The invitation was deep and broad; anyone could eat, no questions asked. 

As more congregations and volunteers came on board, Stewpot’s ability to meet more complex needs grew. Within ten years, Stewpot had added a food pantry, a clothing closet, a medical clinic, emergency shelters, and a summer camp program, each relying heavily on volunteers and donations…but also guided by a paid Stewpot staff member or two. 

In 1991, then-Executive Director Matt Devenney was shot and killed just outside the soup kitchen. Matt’s death changed our community, but so did his life. For many of us, he embodied the way of justice and mercy, of loving God and neighbor with all his heart, soul, mind, and strength. Matt inspired a new generation of leaders to carry Stewpot forward.

In 1992, the soup kitchen moved across the street into the old Central Presbyterian Church and the name was changed to “Stewpot Community Services” to reflect the array of efforts under our umbrella. All these years later, we inhabit that entire campus. Our reach has expanded to include 15 ministries, and our work is supported by thousands of volunteers and donors each year. 

We remain committed to hospitality and compassion as marks of our common life and to offering “unconditional positive regard” to everyone, wherever they are on life’s journey.   And while we do still consider ourselves to be  “people of faith meeting needs in our community,” we open our arms wide to anyone wanting to serve - and be served by - their neighbors.