In May 2025 our team had the privilege of hosting students from Helena Intermediate School for an end of year field trip. The following day, we were incredibly moved by educator, Renee Scott’s testimony of her experience visiting our facility:
“I have taught for 27 years and have been on so many field trips. I have some in my core memory of being fun and some being a disaster, but yesterday, I experienced something that has never been experienced before. The field trip was humbling, rewarding, intentional, and just awe-inspiring. The student council took a 6-mile trip to Grace Klein Community. A short trip, a place we most likely drive by all the time, and what is going on inside this not so large building, is something that touches not only our surrounding communities, but needs that are across the United States.
In just one day, these kiddos, helped the hungry, turned plastic bags into the needed “yarn” to create waterproof sleeping mats for the homeless, created floral arrangements to reach the emotional needs of anyone that was on their heart…(I cried when I got back to school as I was chosen as a recipient and the sweet words they wrote melted my heart.), learned and practiced food rescue, worked in the library to put together bags of books, helped to wash and package as much of the 40,000 lbs.(that number is correct) of grapes they could in our time there. We stayed to have lunch and found our “scraps” could be rescued to feed the farm animals or create a compost, our drink containers had so many recycling possibilities, even the cardboard food boxes had a need. The last ten minutes of our trip involved a little dance party to show their uniqueness and to express the joy you can find in yourself while sharing with others.
Hands down!!!!!!! This is a place EVERY single person should go and find an area they can be plugged into. There are more opportunities than I could ever name.
Grace Klein Community your vision, your willingness, your attitude, your giving heart, your love, your resourcefulness…. Absolutely……Amazing!!!!!
This experience is etched in my heart forever! These kiddos are blessed to have the comfort of this world, but to have witnessed AND helped those who may be having a hard time is something I think they will remember for years to come! An empty pickle or jelly jar, grocery bags, a school led food drive, and GRAPES will have a totally different meaning!!!! Thank you for allowing us to also receive the blessing of practicing a servant’s heart.”
One student was heard saying “this is better than being at a baseball game!”
Another staff member was greeted by an educator, as she exited the bus, tearing up as she conveyed how grateful she was to be at FeedBHM Bessemer. The educators and students had not even started the field trip at this point!
Giving ourselves to teach next generation leaders is one of the most honored positions. We are blessed. We are chosen. We are called by God!
We thank God for the YES of everyone on our team and their hearts to inspire others to say YES and be challenged to live for more. God is using us to reset the hearts of people who are weary, tired, or distracted by the cares of this world, and need to remember how valuable they are, and they have something to give too!! Come say yes with us!
What we are accomplishing for the Kingdom of God is something we will never understand in our lifetimes, but we are so thankful to be a part of the work of Jesus in our city.
