As we head into the end of 2023, we wanted to take the time to reflect on the many things that have happened throughout this year. We have seen incredible growth within our organization with our Meals Served increasing over 15% by the end of November, plus adding our additional programs, WashUp and LiftUp! We have definitely been busy this year, but we wouldn't be able to do any of it without our team of staff, volunteers and supporters like you!

As we approach the departure of valued members of our FedUp family, we want to take a moment to extend our heartfelt thanks for their dedicated devotion to serving alongside us in our mission to serve nutritious food, build community, and provide other essential resources to those we serve. Your unwavering commitment to embodying our mission in the spirit of compassion has illuminated our path and strengthened our shared purpose; In not just nourishing bodies but nourishing souls in our community. 

As you transition to a new phase of your journey, please know that your impact has been more than organizational. The ripples of your efforts will continue to resonate, bringing solace and hope to those who seek refuge in our work. May your path ahead be guided by the divine, and may you continue to be a beacon of light in the lives of those you encounter. 

In gratitude and with prayers for your continued journey, 

Miah Laster

Program Staff

FedUp Ministries

This year, we were blessed with the opportunity to launch not one, but TWO different programs: WashUp Mobile Showers and Laundry and LiftUp Breakfast Worship! 

Our Shower Trailer has been quite an adventure & learning opportunity for us all! After getting the proper equipment and learning how to use our new stuff, we've been able to provide free showers for our folks! We learned that it is easier to have direct water access wherever the trailer goes, so we have mostly provided showers at Zion Lutheran Church during God & Grub Lunches and while the Warming Center was there. We have moved Peach (our Shower Trailer's Nickname) out to Ypsilanti to serve folks at the Freight House Warming Center on Mondays & Wednesdays from 10:00am-12:00pm! We hope to have the trailer near the overnight shelters in Ypsilanti on the weekends as well. We will be in need of volunteers to help folks sign in & get their supplies, so please let us know if you're available!

Our Laundry trailer is still under construction, but we are almost ready! Stay tuned for more info as we hope to launch the Laundry Trailer soon in 2024!

When we decided to launch our LiftUp Worship Service, we gave our folks about a 24-48 hour notice that we would be showing up outside of Growing Hope/The Farmer's Market in Downtown Ypsi on a Thursday Morning at 10:00am... God knew his folks needed us and over 60 people showed up for our first LiftUp service! We have had special music guests, such as Nickel & the Spare Change, Joanna Whaley, and many more folks from our community! We share breakfast from the Food Truck together, have coffee, Lavender Lemonade, and a safe space for everyone to come together. We have currently paused this program until we can find an indoor location for the cold seasons. We hope to provide 2 weekly LiftUp services, one in Ann Arbor and one in Ypsilanti! Stay Tuned for more!

We have 3 team members that you may have seen out & about with us, but we want to take the time to introduce them to y'all here!

Sharieff has joined the team as Program Staff but has been a HUGE support for our WashUp program! When he isn't making delicious meals with the team in the kitchen, you can find him driving our trucks/trailer and teaching us all how to use the Shower Trailer! Thank you, Sharieff!

Chrystal has also joined the team as Program Staff after being a volunteer with us for a long time! We've always loved having Chrystal & her positive attitude around, so we hired her to help support the WashUp program! Thank you, Chrystal!

Miah has also joined us as Program Staff after her years of working with Growing Hope! Miah has been a huge help to us as administrative/social media support, assisting on the Food Truck, and even prepping in the Kitchen! Thank you, Miah!

We also have Retired Pastor Dave who has OFFICIALLY joined our team! Pastor Dave is taking the role of Chaplain to provide spiritual care and connection with our folks. You've probably seen him around with us at our LiftUp services or maybe from Zion's God & Grub, where he is one of the leaders of that ministry. We are so happy to have his wisdom, guidance, comfort and comedy! Thank you, Retired Pastor Dave!

Barbara is our newest at large member of the board! She's also been one of our favorite volunteers since the beginning! You can usually find her with us at our Wednesday meals in Ann Arbor at Liberty Plaza, taking orders and handing out meals. She's also helped us cook, clean, and just about anything inbetween! We are thankful to have her as on official member of our board and know that her voice & support will guide us in the right direction! Thank you, Barabara!

Winter Free Meals:
Wednesdays at 12:00pm
Served at the Ann Arbor Warming Center (Location Changes)
& The Ypsilanti Warming Center (Freight House)

Winter WashUp Showers:
Mondays & Wednesdays 10:00am-12:00pm
at the Ypsilanti Freight House
Weekends:
We hope to bring the trailer over to Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Ypsilanti for the Overnight Shelter, if it is needed.

Winter LiftUp Breakfast Worship:
Temporarily Paused
*We are looking for indoor locations to host service in Ann Arbor on Tuesdays at 10:00am and Ypsilanti on Thursdays at 10:00am. Stay posted for updates!

As we reflect on the year's end, we have realized that we have outgrown our space here at Zion. As much as we will miss the beloved community here, we know that it is time to take FedUp and find a space of our own. We are currently looking at Real Estate opportunities in Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor, with a goal to find a space that we can provide our services, and also open our Pay-What-You-Can Cafe!! We have been dreaming of this since the start, and the time has finally come!

You can help support us in securing a new location by making monetary donations, or signing up for monthly giving and joining as a Companion on The Convoy! Anything and everything helps, as we will have new costs ahead. We appreciate your dedication & support of our mission. We truly can't do this with out you!