Food For The Journey Project | Photo by Melissa Fisher
Food for the Journey Project (FJP) is a local 501(c)(3) organization that provides free meals and emotional support to people in need within the Dayton community.
FJP’s mission
FJP founder Charles Wourms is passionate about serving others and views hunger as one of the most prominent issues in Dayton. After working with House of Bread for several years, Wourms founded FJP.
It has been seven years since FJP’s inception, but Wourms has no plans of slowing down in his effort to make a difference for local families.
Although FJP volunteers and guests originally ate together, they have pivoted to serving meals in to-go containers to follow coronavirus protocols. However, FJP continues to adapt their methods as the situation evolves.
“Hunger is everywhere and it is neighborhood-centric. Some people can’t get out of their neighborhoods to eat because they don’t have the means. Our response to that is for us to go out into the neighborhoods to meet our guests where they live and provide them a hot, fresh meal,” Wourms said.
In addition, FJP focuses on providing ready-to-eat meals rather than canned food items and non-perishables directly to families.
“There are a lot of barriers for people who are trying to eat. Some of them are psychological, some of them are emotional, some are physical and some are circumstantial. You could give them the components of the meal, but many people do not have the means to put together a meal,” Wourms said.
FJP is always looking for more volunteers, as they serve between 700-1,000 meals each week. Despite the large number of meals being served, FJP strives to make each interaction genuine and positive rather than rushing guests through the experience.
“The most important meal is the meal we are serving to each individual in that specific moment. Everyone has a story. Our guests have lives that are meaningful and interesting and it’s our [FJP’s] privilege to be a part of their lives and to have those individuals share with us,” Wourms said.
FJP also donates socks, blankets, school supplies and more. To see the current donational needs for FJP, please visit: https://www.foodforthejourneyproject.org/current-needs.html
Volunteers share their experiences
Nancy Frank began as a volunteer with House of Bread, where she initially met Wourms. Once Wourms left to start FJP, Frank joined alongside several of their mutual associates.
Frank initially planned on only helping Wourms until he found a steady staff, but her experience was so positive that she continues to volunteer seven years later.
“I have many fond memories of people coming in that were in need of simply talking to someone. I also enjoy getting to meet people from every face of life,” Frank said.
Similar to Frank, Sister Jean Rene Hoying also met Wourms through House of Bread. She had also planned to help temporarily but still volunteers today.
“I just want to spend the rest of my life helping others, putting others first and assisting them where they need help,” Hoying said.
In addition to making a difference in others’ lives, FJP volunteers feel a sense of community and belonging within each other.
“We have such a great support system within the volunteers. I have a really close bond with the other volunteers and it’s been such a nice experience,” Frank said.
Wright State University (WSU) students looking to get involved with FJP are encouraged to reach out to Charles Wourms via email (cwourms@foodforthejourneyproject.org) or phone (937-545-9959).
