• Date of Hire:  December 2004
• Business Administration, University of MS
• M.A. in Religion, Memphis Theological Seminary
• Over 20 years in Business Administration and Marketing
• 10 years working for Christian non-profits
• Married to Nash, two daughters, two granddaughters

Donna loves her work at RIFA because “I’m sure this is where God wants me at this time.  Very few have the rare opportunity to help so many people in need.  Because of this community’s great compassion, I have the unique opportunity of seeing despair turn to hope every day.” 

• Date of hire:  January 2008
• B.S. Psychology, Youth Ministry, minor, Union University
• From Corinth, MS

Beth is everyone's first contact with RIFA. Whether you contact RIFA by telephone, mail, personal visit, or email, you are sure to encounter her cheerful greeting and watch her model true servanthood as she works to fulfill your need.

"I love God and I love people.  So, this is a natural fit of ministry for me!  God's allowing me to minister in this way is a blessing and an honor!"

• Date of hire:  September 2007
• Married to Megan
• Two daughters and one son

John's experience as a kitchen manager for a California chef prepared him for this work.  John prepares nutritious, delicious meals and shows kindness and hospitality to everyone who enters RIFA Soup Kitchen.  "God has called me to the ministry of feeding people.  I go home everyday with new testimonies of seeing God at work at RIFA."

• Date of hire:  October 2007
• Hurricane Katrina evacuee from New Orleans
• 2 daughters, 1 son

Crystal operates the RIFA Soup Kitchen on Saturdays and Sundays.

• Date of hire:  January 2002
• Began as Receptionist; promoted Nov. 2005
• Attended W. TN Business College
• 1 daughter, 1 son

Sandra is thorough and effective is everything she undertakes.  She coordinates emergency assistance for our clients, the Food Pantry, and Volunteer Services.

When asked why she works here:  “I love it.  I like helping people.  It’s more than a job – it’s my life!” Sandra is a single mom with 2 children and she is raising two nieces.

• Date of hire:  July 2007
• Relocated to Jackson as Hurrican Katrina evacuee
• Hometown - New Orlean, LA

Evelyn works with donated clothing, food, housewares, and furniture.  She is super organized and helps keep order in the warehouse.  "I've seen God at work at RIFA.  It's so amazing to know that I first came to RIFA for help  -  and now, I'm helping others."

• Date of hire:  August 2007
• Bachelors in Human Development & Family Studies from Samford University, Birmingham, AL

• Masters of Social Work from University of Alabama

• Certified Master Social Worker

• Married to Richard since October 2005

 "I am so honored to be a part of the Lord’s work here at RIFA. My passion is helping others as they work toward their God-given potential and seeing lives transformed through the Word of the Lord. "

• Date of hire:  May 2001
• Married to Alean
• 7 children, 5 grandchildren

Kenneth picks up and delivers to RIFA food and furniture donations from the community.  Kenneth is very resourceful and always comes to the rescue when something in the RIFA building breaks down.  A man of integrity and strength of character, Kenneth represents RIFA well wherever he goes. 

“I like helping people and RIFA is a helping organization.  I like seeing the smiles on peoples’ faces after we have helped them.”

• Date of hire:  March 2003
• Husband, Thomas
• 5 children, 4 grandchildren

Elaine is always pleasant and fun to be around.  She is efficient, dependable, and dedicated to helping those in need.

"I like working with people and working in a Christian atmosphere.  People are always so grateful when we take extra time to help them.  Often we need to take extra time to help the elderly and they are most appreciative.”

• Date of hire:  August 2005
• Husband, David.  Son, Adrian, 18
• Business degree from Lambuth University, and provides freelance interior design
• Presents free “Decorating on a Budget” classes for our clients and customers

Cheryl has transformed RIFA Thrift Store to more closely resemble a boutique and home decor store than a thrift store  -  all with donated fixtures and supplies!

“The Thrift Store is a ministry.  Whether we are providing something at no cost to someone in crisis or selling it at our low prices to someone on limited income, it’s a joy helping people who can benefit from the wide variety of things donated to RIFA.  Clients often come back later to thank us for working to put together just what they needed for their particular situation.”

• Date of hire:  April 11, 2006
• Jackson native
• Husband, Braxton, daughter Ellie
• Lambuth BA, UT of Martin, Master of Acountancy
• Experience with 3 regional CPA firms

RIFA depends on Lori's accuracy and efficiency in all financial matters.  She can squeeze a penny better than most, always making the best cost efficient, cost effective purchases.  Lori says she is not interested in working for another CPA firm.  She wants to work somewhere "where it makes a difference."  Lori IS making a difference at RIFA.