MFB Indiana partner helping ex-cons

On September 5, 2015, Keven King was released from prison. It was time to start a new life. He connected with a ministry called Jesus Inside Prison Ministry (JIPM), and the mentoring, food, and encouragement he received created a new path.

"The support meant so much to me. It was the first time I had received support in my entire life. I could attend the program for free, and it made all the difference," says Keven.

JIPM receives food, without charge, from Midwest Food Bank Indiana. MFB has partnered with JIPM for many years. Keven knows the impact of that food. He received it, and now he is the director of JIPM. Now he provides food.

"We feed a lot of people with the food we receive from MFB - people just out of prison, youth involved with juvenile justice, and our community. When I return with a truckload of food, people will be lined up to receive it," says Keven.

The support Keven received from JIPM now inspires him to reach out to others. Besides his work at JIPM, Keven owns a vending machine business and works overnights at a homeless shelter.

"His recovery from incarceration has been a success, and it helps him to serve others and watch them succeed," says Marcie Luhigo, Executive Director of MFB Indiana.

JIPM can assist 46 residents at its Jesus House. The ministry also visits prisons and jails in Marion County and offers programs for vulnerable youth.

The success stories continue, too. Keven worked with and mentored a man named Marcus, who was released from prison. Today Marcus manages an auto repair shop and employs other people that have been incarcerated.

"We could not do this without MFB and the free food you give us," says Keven.

"MFB Indiana serves more than 300 agencies like JIPM. Many agencies offer a variety of services, and food is a component of their work," says Marcie. "We are blessed to partner with them and provide food at no cost."