Today we’d like to introduce you to Olliea Jarrett.
Hi Olliea, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My name is olliea Jarrett
I am the site director for the Jerry Lee Jarrett life Center in Bonner Springs!
The center started in the basement in Christ first ministries . Under the leadership of pastor Jerry and Melva . The center started in 2018 and in 2023 project moved into the life center. The center serves as an educational resource for the community. The life center hold several programs. The pantry of hope which is open once a month we have a wellness Wednesday program where we give out over 453 meals each month. We are home to the veterans VFW . We have five programs located within the center. We run the TEFAP and senior commodities program. We are working to be a food resource in the Bonner Springs community. As a site director I’ve had the opportunity to work with many community groups. Our focus youth engagement. We also offer for a cooking class once a month called cooking v and m – we are working with the k state extension office to provide a curriculum on creating better health. We are working hard to make a difference in the Springs area by working with area churches on community volunteers.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
We had only been open one year when we lost the lead to the project Jerry Lee Jarrett. Mr. Jarrett passed away unexpectedly in 2018. With just starting the process of grief it was hard for the family the church to carry on. That’s when the community stepped in and the project came bigger than Christ first . This project is about working together as a community this project is about facing the adversity that life put before you and turn into the good. Jerry life Center is a community engagement project that brings people together from all over county. The pantry of Hope services seven different ZIP Codes each month. The pantry give that over 15,000 pounds of food each month.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Jerry Lee Jarrett life center?
Jerry Lee Jarrett life center is working to be a resource in the community. The life center offers the pantry of Hope, wellness Wednesday monthly meal, veterans affairs, singer citizen services, child in need of care, Alcoholics Anonymous. The center focuses on food insecurity and provide resources for the community.Our moto is we are a hand up,not out . Each month with the help of community volunteers come together to touch over 500 households. We are here to help in the community we do the work and love and we do the work together
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
In my career I have been a dedicated child advocate Wyandotte county. I was part of the Bonner Springs school board for 14 years and served two terms as president.
I have an outgoing personality, and I work well with others. I understand the importance of education. consider myself a lifelong learner. I value education. As a
a leader I try to use empowerment as a tool to work with others. With God on your side and the support of family and friends you can get through anything. Jeramiah 29:11 .
Contact Info:
- Facebook: Jerry Lee Jarrett life center page
