2026 Update II
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
It's hard to believe we are officially halfway through 2026. Over the last 6 months, JC First has been working for the Jasper County community. We continued supplying devotionals for the cancer care bags distributed through the Jasper County Health Department to individuals facing a cancer diagnosis. These devotionals, along with letters from cancer survivors and poems of hope from local supporters, provide a small but meaningful sense of comfort during an incredibly difficult season.
In April, we were able to provide an Easter meal to everyone who signed up. Individuals could stop by to pick up meals consisting of ham, hash brown casserole, green beans, a roll, dessert, and a bottle of water. We are grateful for the over 40 volunteers who helped prepare, serve, and deliver meals to those in Newton who requested delivery. This year, we provided 250 meals for the community. 176 of those meals were delivered directly to the people. We worked with Hartrich's Meats, The Freeze, and Newton Foods for most, if not all, of our supplies, and Dieterich Bank graciously provided the bottled water. Desserts were made possible through partnerships with Homemade Delights by Twyla, Mimi's Cookies, Laura's Little Sweet Shop, Allison Harris, and Wendy Dobbins.
Summer has just begun but August and the Back to School Bash will be here before we know it. Last year was our biggest year yet! We were able to give out over 120 shoe gift cards from Jasper Clothiers, 200 Newton Eagles sweatshirts from Borgic Designs, and dozens and dozens of pairs of new socks and underwear donated by the community for students to start the year off fresh. 8 local stylists, Lanna Michl and Kyanna Roull of Denise's Corner Salon, Misty Kurtz of Newton Hair Gallery, Debbie Goss of Snip-Tips & Sunworks Massage Spa, Scott Mitchell of Final Cut Barber Co., Erin Frichtl, Jessica Zumbahlen of Stacy's Creative Styles, and Faith Julian were able to give 50 haircuts. Jenny Milliman and Lindsey Goebel provided head checks. Newton Christian Church welcomed families to the event and gave out cinch bags. Mound Community Church funded bookbags, and Scott Avenue Christian Church distributed bags of snacks. The Back to School Bash is held each year during Upcycle, the community garage sale hosted annually by Scott Avenue Christian Church, further expanding access to clothing and household items for families attending the event. Last year, we were also able to expand beyond the event itself. The Jasper County Chamber of Commerce hosted a laundry day at the Newton Coin Laundry, providing coins and detergent. At one point, every washer and dryer was in use, with families waiting for the next available machine. While families waited, Latona Church of Christ provided a lunch consisting of hot dogs, chips, and water. We were truly grateful for the incredible support and turnout.
We plan to continue these traditions in 2026 and are always looking for individuals, organizations, and businesses to partner with us and help strengthen our community. We cannot do this work without the generosity and partnership of the community. If you have questions or would like a member of our Leadership Team to visit your organization to share our mission, current needs, and ways to partner with us, please visit our website or contact us via Facebook or Instagram at @jcfirstnewton, email us at contact@jcfirst.org, or call or text 765-820-5247.
We look forward to continuing to serve Jasper County together.
Blessings,
JC First Leadership Team
