Jackson First Church of the Nazarene is involved in several compassionate ministries in their area. One of thoses is the Disabled Veterans of America Hospital in Chillicothe, Ohio. For the past three years the church has purchased $700 worth of winter coats for veterans who are now homeless or have no family support. Most of these veterans are patients at the hospital. Chuck and Minnier Perkins head up this ministry (see photos below)

                           Lower Lights Ministries, Inc.

Third Annual Investor Banquet "Celebration of Hope" to be held on Saturday evening November 3rd at Northwest Church of the Nazarene in Columbus, Ohio. Click on link to find out more details!

Who We Are

Born out of the hearts of the people of the Bellows Avenue Church of the Nazarene located in the Franklinton neighborhood of Columbus, Lower Lights Ministries, Inc., was established as a response to the social needs of the neighborhood. Incorporated in 1991 by Pastors Dave and Kathleen Jane Fulks, the ministry has now expanded with the Lower Lights Christian Health Center (LLCHC), formed in 2001 to administer community-based, full service, high quality medical care to the medically-underserved population in our community. In 2002, LLCHC officially incorporated and today has a competent staff including two full-time physicians and support staff. LLCHC is a continuance of the comprehensive support provided through our organization.

Lower Lights Ministries serves Columbus’ oldest settlement, which is commonly referred to as “The Bottoms.” Franklinton is a strong community, currently facing many social threats common to urban areas. According to the US Census 2000 (Summary File 3 [Franklinton]; Tables DP-1-4), nearly 46% of families with children live at, or below the national poverty level. This percentage jumps to 63% of families with children of less than five years of age.

Motivated by the love of God, the mission of Lower Lights Ministries is to promote the development and well-being of individuals, families and the community of Franklinton by partnering together as loving neighbors. This mission compels us to exercise love in action through the following programs:

1.) Friends Ministry serves homeless men and women every Saturday night by providing a home-cooked well balanced meal followed by a time of fellowship and voluntary worship. Through this outreach, it is our desire to impart feelings of mutual respect and dignity to these folks who are often rejected and looked down-upon by much of society. In 2004, Friends Ministry served nearly 2,500 meals, and a new collaborative has formed to provide temporary housing and employment support for adult homeless men on Columbus’ eastside.

2.) Comprehensive Care Pantries are open five days-a-week to residents of Franklinton. In partnership with Gladden Food Pantry and Mid-Ohio Foodbank, we serve an average of 20 families a month through our food and personal care pantries. Lower Lights Ministries also has a day planned for each month to provide quality clothing for infants and children. Our pantries receive a majority of its goods from area businesses, churches, and individuals, and they have become an efficient way to share much-needed resources with our Franklinton neighbors. Thanks to a network of care, Lower Lights distributed the equivalent of 5,400 meals to Franklinton households in 2004.

3.) Recovery Groups are held three days-a-week in our offices. It has become very evident in our poverty-stricken community that alcohol and drug abuse contribute considerably to the dysfunctional lifestyle that plagues so many of this neighborhood’s families. It is our understanding that substance abuse involves spiritual, emotional, and relational brokenness, and our program is designed to encompass a holistic approach by employing progressive Twelve-Step Programs.

4.) Rachel’s House serves female inmates of the State of Ohio and adult women ex-offenders as they re-enter society. By offering safe housing, mentoring, transportation assistance, employment services, and life-training skills, Rachel’s House seeks to provide support for these women as they accomplish the transition to their second chance at life.

5.) Project AIM Our newest endeavor is family mentoring that combines professional case management with volunteer, team mentoring to assist families in achieving their goals.