The Ones who Stay…
Nonprofits and restaurants both have generally high turnover rates. Add onto that the transitional nature of our neighborhood with many people moving in and out and around regularly, and it is no surprise that we have seen a lot of different great people come onto our team at different points. As life happens we have had to say goodbye to many of these people, staying in contact but in a different capacity as they are no longer able to help support the mission of Love City for one reason or another. That makes it even more meaningful when people join alongside us and stay there. Last week we introduced some of our new team members. This week I wanted to highlight someone who has been with us for 3.5 years now. His name is Johnathon Asher, but to us he is Jay.
Jay grew up right across the bridge in Clarksville, Indiana. He decided to move over to Louisville in 2018 and in 2021 he moved into the Portland neighborhood. However Jay is not the first of his family that we met, it was actually his 5 year old sister Birdie who we met when she walked into a Love City summer camp in 2021. Her free spirited, fun-loving attitude was infectious. As we got to know their family better, Jay and Birdie’s mom joined our team at Porkland as cashier for a little while. One day she asked if we may have a position open for her son, Jay. We did, the fry cook position needed filled. So Jay joined the team in March of 2022.
Jay Posing Center
Jay was a great fit on the team. He had a passion for cooking and serving people up actual food that they couldn’t get elsewhere in the community. He felt like he was carrying on his great-grandma’s passion for hospitality who he says always had a meal at the ready and wouldn’t hesitate to invite anyone in. Because of this passion that we saw, when Porkland had to switch to Fridays only, just a month after Jay started, he was offered hours still to make sure everything was cooked and prepped for every Friday. And Jay has continued to hop in and help wherever he can. He played a big part as the “lunchlady” one year, preparing and serving Mighty Oak’s lunches while still making sure everything was ready for Fridays. He comes to community dinners and events, one time he even volunteered to perform some original songs at a music event we were having.
Through various changes in responsibilities, in team members, and in Porkland, Jay has stuck by our side. He understands that there is something different here, that it is more than you can possibly get from working at a fast food chain or for some big company. It is a chance to serve your neighbors real food, at an affordable price. It is something that he feels he gets to play part in, a purpose that he is living out. Carrying on his great-grandmother’s tradition of loving people through food.
It is a tradition that we have enjoyed getting to watch serve our neighbors over the years. Jay has played a huge part in helping keep Porkland going on the Friday only schedule. We are so appreciative of him for sticking by our side, and the communities side, over the years, through uncertainty and all. We are also appreciative of all of you who have stood by our side whether it be through prayer, financial support, encouragement, or service projects. Next time you stop by Porkland, holler back in the kitchen at Jay, let him know you appreciate him.
Ethan Essex
Support Love City!!
If you are looking for a great way to show Love City some support, come out to the first annual crawfish boil at Lou Lou in Middletown. Enjoy live music and all you can eat crawfish boil for $30 a person. This is taking place on Saturday, June 28th from 12-5pm. Part of proceeds go to Love City!! Hope to see you there.
Merriment Moving!!!
Merriment will be closed for the time being while we move to the Saint Cecilia Campus. If you would still like to make a donation, please call (502) 930-9006 to arrange a time to drop off.
Fish Fry Open!!!
The Fish Fry is open!! Stop in for a fish sandwich or some churched up tots. Whether you’re in the mood for burgers or chicken tenders, we have them here.
If you are interested in volunteering or to find out more information about supplies needed please email: info@lovecityinc.org or call (502) 272-078.