I contacted Shalam when a dear friend needed more support than I could give her alone. Their involvement has been life-altering, and that is in no way an understatment. Carissa, with the support of the rest of her team, has walked alongside my friend in a way that is truly unique. She focused less on goals and programs than on simply loving with the love described in the New Testament. She has prayed continuously, supported sacrificially, and challenged when necessary. The relationship of support and trust that she built opened the door for her recommend drastic life changes which my friend would not have considered otherwise. She is now enrolled in a residential program that God is using to change her life. Carissa worked very hard to research this program and help her apply. She and the others at Shalam used their knowledge and connections with other ministries to get her the help she needed. I'm incredibly grateful for the way they followed the leading of the Holy Spirit, took the time to build trust, persevered, and utilized the resources at their disposal to help someone find healing.
I've served on the board of directors for Shalam since its founding. I am so proud of this group for their vision, their commitment, and their growth. The staff of Shalam have shown unwavering commitment to their clients, who have suffered some of their worst nightmares in real life. They have helped their clients to rebuild their lives emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Now that they are building facilities for Hero's Rest, I am excited to see Shalam staff serve first responders and veterans by providing an escape to nature. No one else is serving those on the front lines in this way, and I believe this will be a healing gift to those who have devoted their lives to rescuing and protecting the rest of us from trauma.
I first learned about Shalam in the earlier years of their ministry. I have seen their heart for the hurting and their unwavering commitment to provide encouragement and respite to traumatized individuals including our first responders.
Their thoughtful and transparent approach is a salve to those in pain and fills a vital gap in trauma ministry services. They unapologetically point their clients to the Great Physician and healer of our souls - Jesus Christ. As a result, we at Immanuel Way Ministries look for opportunities to partner with them whenever possible.
Sharon Ogden, LCSW
Co-founder
Immanuel Way Ministries
When you think of the absolute worst of what can happen to people who have been traumatized, this is where Shalam Ministries begins their work. Whether it is the trauma of serving in a high stress profession like being a first responder, or the PTSD of being a military combat survivor, or the victim of abuse, the staff of Shalam Ministries is there to help 24/7 and around the globe. With its new rustic retreat center called Hero’s Rest located in the Ozarks of Missouri, this faith based ministry serves first responders in need of mental health care and nurturing.
carissashalam 08/06/2021
Thank you for your succinct summary of our work! Your consulting for the past 5 years have helped us immensely and allow us to offer these vital services.
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I was very fortunate to be referred to Shalam Ministries to serve as an advisor/consultant. My first role was to conduct a feasibility study for a capital campaign. This study revealed that the ministry needed to do some work first in order to be successful. That work included board development, social media, branding, staff development, expanding their donor base, marketing, foundation research/grant writing, and monthly/annual giving. They were already doing a great job serving their clients very effectively, but needed training and encouragement regarding the business side of the operation. They were very receptive to all suggestions and training, and followed coaching exceptionally well and thoroughly. Over a short period of time they were ready. Their very frugal goal was to raise $250,000 for a mini-capital campaign to construct a rustic retreat center for first responders while raising/maintaining a balanced operating budget of about $50,000 annually. Shalam Ministries discovered an opportunity to buy more land than they initially projected and was able to raise more than the $250,000 initial goal, ultimately raising $338,000, more than enough to financially handle the difference. Shalam Ministries keeps their word, ministers to those who have experienced severe trauma in their lives, are now effective in operating and capital funding, greatly expanded their donor base, are properly branded, have a definite social media presence, and have a well equipped plan led by a trained staff and board. They are currently in the construction phase for their new rustic retreat center, Hero’s Rest, in the Ozarks of Missouri. They are exceptionally worthy of your support! Stephen J. Taylor, CFRE
We have personally been supporting Shalam Ministries since it's beginning. Every member of the team is extremely dedicated to the path God has chosen for them to help those suffering from trauma. It is an honor to help them along that path.
carissashalam 08/06/2021
Thank you for your positive review and kind words! Your generous and consistent support enables us to help so many. We appreciate you!
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I have witnessed the development of Shalam Ministries from it's inception. They have walked through many hurdles along the way but have never waivered in their focus to serve those who have suffered trauma. They are dedicated to God's will and have sacrificed much in making this ministry successful in doing just that. It is an honor to have watched Shalam develop and even a greater honor to contribute financially as I know every dollar is spent with God's intension guiding them.
I love Shalam and the work they do! They are meeting a need that practically nobody else is addressing. When they support the emotional, mental, and spiritual health of our first responders, police officers, firefighters, and service members they are making a tangible impact on our communities and nation as whole!! Keep it up!
carissashalam 08/06/2021
Thank you for your enthusiastic review! We are excited to offer Hero's Rest as a resource to our underserved public servants. Your support and encouragement give us what we need to do this work!
Today being a First Responder can be a very stressful career and Hero’s Rest has been created to help those First Responders and their families have a safe haven. This ministry serves those that we owe so much too. I highly recommend this ministry as a great place to relax.
carissashalam 08/06/2021
JLKrug, thank you for your positive review and recommendation! We are honored to do this work and deeply grateful for your support.
I am excited to watch Shalam as they grow and expand into new areas of service. I've heard the stories as they have been able to minister to many trauma survivors, and then to expand their vision to opening a retreat center for first responders. It's beautiful to see how their vision is coming together at the perfect time when so many first responders need even more support.
carissashalam 08/06/2021
Your years of support, prayer, and encouragement are a vital part of what got us here! Thank you for joining us on this journey.
I have known Shalam founders, Ryan and Cheryl Hatch, for many years and have been so impressed with their vision and tenacity to build this vital ministry, literally from the ground up. With the amount of trauma that first responders of all kinds encounter on a daily basis, the service that Shalam provides is critical to their survival and success-not only in their careers, but in life itself.
And now with the addition of the retreat center, Hero's Rest, Shalam's ability to serve and honor those who need rest and support will soon be rising to a whole new level! The concept of having a place to find relief from the stress and fatigue they experience continually, really resonates with first responders. Those with whom I've shared about Hero's Rest are always amazed that someone is creating a place where they will be able to go and find the tranquility they so desperately need.
So, it is very clear to me that this nonprofit ministry is meeting a great need and doing so with excellence. That is why my husband and I have committed to support their efforts financially and can't wait to see all the good that will come from their continued development and expansion in the future.
carissashalam 08/06/2021
Thank you for such a thoughtful and heartfelt review! We have been blessed by your support and friendship since before Shalam began! We are honored to do this work, made possible because of your support and prayers.
I have been involved with a pediatric brain tumor nonprofit for over 24 years. When I was introduced to Shalam, I turned my energy, time, and finances to Shalam. When I learned about their mission of helping trauma survivors and first responders, I then wanted to see Shalam become successful.
They struggled as they started and the journey was filled with tremendous work, with not only planning for and finding a place for Shalam; they at the same time working with their clients helping them to heal. One of these activities would be a large undertaking. They performed both and have achieved way beyond my first expectations.
The future looks very bright for Shalam, and the survivors and first responders will greatly benefit from the way this nonprofit operates
carissashalam 08/06/2021
Thank you for being there and offering your support since the beginning! It has been a long journey and your help has been integral to our success. We are also excited about the future for Shalam!
Excellent non-profit serving trauma survivors as well as 1st responders and veterans. Truly a work from the ground up, they have worked tirelessly to fill a desperate need.
carissashalam 08/06/2021
Thank you for sharing your enthusiasm for this ministry! It is donors and supporters like yourself that make this work possible.
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carissashalam 08/06/2021 Thank you for your eloquent review for Shalam and for thinking of us when your friend was in need. We are honored to walk alongside her and so proud of her profound choices to change her life for the better.