Our Mission
Crisis Café began with one simple word in mind. Relationships.
Relationships are the foundation of the ministry and the most powerful part of our mission. Food meets the immediate need, but relationships go beyond the food to nourish the soul.
Compassion and conversation can heal loneliness, rejection, and trauma. Jesus ministered through relationships. Ministry that mirrors Christ is relational, not transactional.
Phil and Rita Schounard began Crisis Cafe out of a passion for food and a deep desire to serve others. They wanted to combine these two passions and in turn bring the love and hope of Christ to their community.
Phil’s idea for Crisis Cafe was born on a mission trip while cooking meals for a team of volunteers. He developed the idea along with Rita, and they officially incorporated and filed for non-profit status in 2018.
God has given each of them very special gifts that enhance this ministry to the fullest. While Phil handles the cooking responsibilities, Rita keeps Crisis Cafe organized. Even though their gifts are unique, they each have a heart for strong relationships with members of their community, especially those in need. The goal of Crisis Cafe is to reach those in crisis with the redemptive story of Jesus Christ.
In 2021, the Crisis Café kitchen was added to the ministry. The 700 sq foot kitchen allows for daily food prepping, and volunteer interaction.
