LEADERSHIP

FOUNDER

Jenny Waltman

Jenny began a friendship with Jesus when she was five years old and she has been on the ride of a lifetime. If only she had known what she was saying “yes” to when she started praying about providing food support to Birmingham families.

A graduate of Samford University, insurance adjuster for six years, a bookkeeper, an entrepreneur, with her husband Jason, through Grace Klein Construction, Inc., a mama to two biological children and many others, a writer and avid reader, and a servant leader of Grace Klein Community as Director of the Board, her journey is beautifully amazing, stretching and fulfilling.

She serves behind the scenes, in a daily capacity, with Grace Klein Community to propel vision, develop structures, oversee record keeping and non-profit compliance, and assist in community support advocacy, volunteer engagement and relevant education regarding combating food waste, early church principles and resourcefulness.

“The moment we begin walking in a relationship with Jesus, He changes everything. We start to see what He sees, desire to love how He loves and realize that the moments we are the most fulfilled are the moments when we are giving ourselves away. Come join us in an incredible adventure of life on mission.”

“God’s plan is to make known his secret to his people, this rich and glorious secret which he has for all peoples. And the secret is that Christ is in you, which means that you will share in the glory of God.” – Colossians 1:27

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Natalie Spronk

Natalie moved across the ocean in obedience to Jesus. Though she will literally do anything to propel the mission, vision and purpose of Grace Klein Community, her focus is global partner advocacy, business, church and donor engagement and operations management. Natalie is a native of South Africa with 13 years of experience in administration and Human Resource Management.

In 2013, Natalie committed to serve onsite in Zambia, alongside the Directors of Kwathu Ministries, Jeanette and Agripa Phiri. In a privileged and blessed position, Natalie shared love, life and faith with the precious Kwathu children, empowering and investing in the future generation. Evey child should know that are accepted and known. No matter what obstacles or setbacks come, Father God can transform our hurt into a testimony of His saving Grace.

In 2014, her original two month plan was a visit to Grace Klein Community as an advocate for partner ministry, Kwathu Ministries, but God had other plans. Grace Klein Community applied with immigration for her to remain in the United States to serve in Birmingham, AL, under an R1 VISA. Now, we await approval for her Green Card application. We pray Natalie will be allowed a lifetime of ministry with Grace Klein Community.

“I may be over 8,000 miles away from my home, family and friends, but I am home, I have family, and there is nothing more fulfilling than walking in the Lord’s will for your life.”

“As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him.” – Psalm 18:30

ADMINISTRATION

DonDee Osburn

DonDee provides management of the office including administration to the Grace Klein Community team. DonDee is a native of Birmingham, AL, and has an extensive employment history in non-profit administration, as well as years of experience in youth, children and adult teaching, pregnancy resources, food distribution and church office support. She received a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Faulkner University and is planning to pursue completion of a master’s degree next year in social work from the University of Alabama.

In addition, DonDee is a successful business owner of Covenant Heating and Cooling, and the leader of Embrace Grace, a non-profit whose mission is to inspire and equip the church to love on single and pregnant young women and their families. Wife to Dewayne, and mama to Garth, Caleb and Hannah, DonDee is “superwoman” in disguise.

“I am honored to be serving full time on staff, using the gifts of administration and organization given to me by God in order to further His kingdom. I am humbled and grateful. And I am excited to introduce others to this life together. Let us gaze toward heaven as Stephen did, full of the Holy Spirit, as we introduce others to our Jesus and serve them as he modeled for us.”

WAREHOUSE MANAGER

Josh Key

Josh Key was born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama. As an Army Veteran he has served a deployment in Iraq, and been stationed in South Korea and Fort Drum, New York. He brings self-discipline, positivity, and enthusiasm to the team. He is a true team player, inclusive to all volunteers as he engages everyone in the fun and the work ethic, and Josh is willing to train anyone. Josh thrives as Warehouse Manager at Grace Klein Community providing exceptional logistic support and direction to the team.

Josh knows his purpose and wakes up with passion! He loves God and loves people! In his free time, he enjoys playing golf and time with his family and two miniature dachshunds.

“Thank you guys for creating an opportunity for me to be able to do the things I get to do on a daily basis. It’s amazing watching Jesus flow through all the people involved with Grace Klein.”

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Then I will teach transgressors your ways, so that sinners will turn back to you. Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God, you who are God my Savior, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness. Open my lips, Lord, and my mouth will declare your praise.” – Psalm 51:10-15:

OFFICE MANAGER

Alyna Click

Alyna grew up in Alabaster, AL, as an only child. After graduating from Thompson High School, Alyna hit a rough patch when she was pulled into the world of addiction. But GOD! Her aunt and uncle “just so happened” to come serve with Grace Klein Community, where we were able to connect Alyna to one of our staff and met Jesus. Then we were able to refer her to a recovery program where she walked through the steps of restoration and earned an associate’s degree in theology from Covenant Bible College made possible by a scholarship from Radical Restoration Ministries. After completion of the program, she returned to Birmingham, AL, and begin volunteering with GKC.  As the demands of the pandemic grew, GKC brought Alyna on staff to help run our day to day operations.

Her deep love for people is evident everyday as she serves at the Grace Klein Community office. Her ever-present smile is a light on even the most hectic days. She claims both King’s Way Church in Irondale and Liberty Church Birmingham in Hoover as hers and attends both as her schedule allows. In her free time, Alyna loves spending time outdoors (especially fishing!) and hanging out with friends and family.

“I never thought two years ago that His plan for me would be so extravagant! God has really blessed me at Grace Klein and I am so thankful to be part of the Grace Klein family.  All things are possible with God – Matthew 19:26”

She stands on the firm foundation of faith each day, especially a scripture God gave her a couple of years ago, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13

FACILITY ASSISTANT

Melanie Weeks

Melanie serves as a stable and loyal support for Grace Klein Community leadership and staff through her giftings of organization and logistics as she aids with inflow and outflow of donations. Melanie’s first encounter with Grace Klein Community happened the Summer of 2017 via a simple Facebook post when she was looking for a way to share and love like Jesus. She jumped right in and helped in any way she could, having no idea that she would soon become a staff member.

Melanie and her husband have been married for 40 years. They have 33 year old twin boys, a beautiful daughter-in-law and a perfect grandson. Melanie feels blessed to have had a strong, resilient father and to spend her Thursdays with a prayer warrior of a mother. They taught her how serving others brings fulfillment and purpose to a life. Melanie spent many years professionally in the medical field and in several management capacities, but nothing brings her more joy than the opportunity to serve those around her.

Prior to joining the GKC staff she served with several different ministries, everything from event planning to children’s ministry, to praise and worship… wherever the Lord called her; and we are delighted the Lord called her here! Melanie appreciates the ever-changing landscape of the ministry. She thrives in this challenging atmosphere and has learned to rely on the Lord’s strength and timing more than her own.

“When I first arrived at the GKC office I did not know the world would face so many struggles in a short period of time, but it has brought to mind the verse that has carried me through so many of my own personal struggles:”

“He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge.” I am honored to be in the position to share the reality of Jesus with others.” – Psalm 91:4

SERVE TEAM AND VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR

Carla Phillips

Carla coordinates our many volunteers and serve teams which ensures Grace Klein Community operates efficiently. Whether a team of thirty landscaping at one of our community homes or a small group organizing our food shelves, she will be happily serving alongside our volunteers. During the Covid-19 season, Carla’s role shifted to Drive-Thru trainer, where she implements and trains new volunteers on a consistent food distribution drive thru process upholding the highest in CDC safety protocols.

A native of Birmingham, AL, Carla received her undergraduate and master’s degree in Elementary/Early Childhood Education from the University of Montevallo. She snagged her a Good Ole’ Boy from her hometown and has been happily married for 29 years to Doug Phillips. She is mother of two boys, Brooks and Tyler and two “dog”ters Sydney and Lucy.

Carla’s path to GKC took many roads. She began her career as a 3rd grade teacher at Central Park Christian School, and was promoted to her most important job, a “stay-at-home-mom” where she is blessed to have raised two upstanding young men. In 1995, she certified as a fitness instructor and successfully ran her own Jazzercise Fitness Center for 25 years. She continues to teach a couple of classes a week. Carla dabbled in retail sales and administrative work while looking for the perfect job fit… something meaningful, purposeful, enjoyable, a place she could look forward to each day. God led her to GKC.

“I am truly blessed to be a part of the GKC family. Each day I work with people I genuinely love and I am able to share food, friendship, advice, love and prayer. The best part is that I receive as much as I give. God strengthens me through those I meet. Sharing comes full circle. What a gift from God.”

CLIENT CARE ADMINISTRATOR

Laney DeMaris

Laney provides support and care to individuals and families as our Client Care Administrator. An  Atlanta native, she loves calling Birmingham home. She graduated from the University of Georgia with her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and is currently pursuing her Masters in Counseling. Laney has served in church ministry as a volunteer coordinator and as a high school student ministry leader. Her work has specialized in social services by assisting families and individuals, in extremely difficult situations, to find the resources they need to live their best, most independent life. She loves connecting GKC families with vital resources to meet their physical, emotional and spiritual needs. Laney’s passion is to love people by meeting them wherever they are and pointing them to the wonderful hope, peace and love we are given in Jesus. Laney loves good coffee, The Office, ballet, hiking, and most of all being with her husband Jake and their two little girls Addie and RayRay.

“It is such a privilege being on staff with GKC. I am honored to listen to client’s stories and walk through life with them. I believe we are meant to do life in community-not alone.  My passion is for all to know the great immense love of Jesus! ”

“So she called the name of the LORD who spoke to her, ‘You are a God of seeing,’ for she said, ‘Truly here I have seen him who looks after me.’” – Genesis 16:13

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT + COMMUNICATIONS

Blake Ells

Blake has spent more than a decade working in communications for non-profits in Birmingham. He began working with Grace Klein Community in 2020, through our community partnership with Birmingham Strong, and continues to pursue relationships throughout the Birmingham community to open doors for Grace Klein Community to share its message. A native of Rogersville, Alabama, and a graduate of Auburn University, with a B.A. in Public Relations, he is growing our business relationships in the city and providing a voice for those facing food insecurity. In his spare time, Blake has written two books about the rich musical history of the state of Alabama.

VOLUNTEER CTO + FOOD RESCUE LEADER

DJ Petry

As an accomplished technologist and leader with 22+ years of experience, I excel at translating business objectives to innovative technical vision, driving continuous learning & improvement, applying architectural and engineering principles, and leading through influence in complex global organizations.

For the last ~10 years I have been applying my skills to help various non-profit organizations such as MUST Ministries, Kids Need Dads Too, Helping One Guy and the Lovelady Center, achieve their goals. I joined GKC in 2019 as the (volunteer) Chief Technology Officer with the goals of increasing their impact through the use of improved technology, process, and people development. In this role I am accountable for technology strategy, engineering and operations. My passions and skills have allowed me to drive tactical improvements across nearly all aspects of the organization and I look forward moving the organization toward our 5 year vision.

In 2021, I am looking forward to leading the primary pillar of this vision which is the goal to #FeedBHM by increasing food rescue and ending food waste through technology enablement, improved logistical processes and expanded volunteer coordination.

“What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” James 2:14-17

DISPATCHER

Joline Galusha

Joline Galusha moved to Birmingham as teenager from Hawaii. After high school, she attended the University of Alabama Birmingham and graduated with a BA in Biology. She felt drawn to give back to the community that helped form my most important years. As a foster child, she was around all types of people that needed help. So when the opportunity presented itself, she found that God had led her to Grace Klein Community as a dispatcher, which gives her the opportunity to give back to Birmingham.  

Joline coordinates hundreds of deliveries each month, getting food to those who need it most, but who has the least access. Her heart for people is obvious every single day as she communicates with recipients and delivery drivers with compassion and skillful management of time and people. 

ADMINISTRATOR

Laurie O’Berry

Laurie provides administrative support to Grace Klein Community. She administrates our annual programs such as the Gifts for the Forgotten Christmas initiative, Love Does, and School Supplies. Laurie received a Bachelors in Business Management from Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Alabama.

Laurie grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and essentially raised in her Dad’s pizza place. She moved to Birmingham, Alabama in 2000, working in the claims portion of the insurance industry for 19 years before joining our team at Grace Klein Community.

She has compassion for loving and helping people.  Knowing that apart from God we are nothing, she often stops in the middle of a task to pray. Her behind the scenes role assists Grace Klein Community in being a conduit to reach those in their time of need and connect them with those who have time and resources to give.

“Yes, God is more than ready to overwhelm you with every form of grace, so that you will have more than enough of everything, every moment and in every way. He will make you overflow with abundance in every good thing you do.” – 2 Corinthians 9:8 TPT

LOGISTICS

Joel and Gayle Gilbert

Joel and Gayle Gilbert provide logistical and organizational support to the Grace Klein Community Team. Joel, a retired computer systems analyst from Southern Company, coordinates GKC volunteer drivers for daily food pick-ups for the organization, while Gayle facilitates incoming and outgoing clothing donations, diaper support, hygiene products, school supplies, etc. for Birmingham families.

The Gilberts began serving with Grace Klein Community in 2012 and soon became the backbone of the non-profit. Projects that require faithful stewardship, patience and efficiency are skillfully handled by the Gilberts. Large-scale donations, like the ones related to our No More Safety Pins clothing event, thrive under their leadership. Long-term projects, like filling a shipping container bound for South Africa with library and music supplies after 5+ years of collection, organization, and packing, are successful because of the Gilberts’ steady, strong influence.

Joel and Gayle Gilbert have been married for 54 years. They have two sons, five beautiful grandchildren and one great granddaughter.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7