It’s been a long time in the making, but Kim Emch believes that every job she has ever had has led to the founding of Serving Our Neighbors (SON) Ministries. Kim majored in economics in college with a minor in public speaking, she worked with youth at the YMCA, received professional business experience at The Huntington National Bank, and served her church community. It might seem like a random string of events, but on March 11th, 2007, Kim heard Gods calling and knew that her experiences had prepared her for a commitment to serve others and founded SON.
Kim, a Hilliard resident, started Serving Our Neighbors as a faith-based non-profit minis-
try that helps families in her community take steps out of poverty. SON directs the Hilliard Free Summer Lunch Program, which provides lunches to underprivileged children during the months when they are not in school and don’t receive a lunch. The Kids Club is another program developed by Kim and SON that helps the youth of Hilliard. This afterschool program provides tutoring and homework help for students who may not have the additional support they need. SON Ministries also connects families to resources and educational programs to help them with their heavy loads.
“Giddy up!” Kim often says to inspire others to get going and to do their best. It is important for Kim to provide encouragement to others because she would not be where she is today without the support of her own community. Kim says that having a community that has encour- aged her to follow her dreams “has helped me believe in my soul that hard work and pit-bull perseverance along with a dream or vision -big enough to make people laugh- can be amazing!”
Kim’s inspiration has come from the people she calls “The Great 1’s.” These are people throughout history who were leading normal lives until they passionately motivated people to join them in fighting for a cause. She believes everyone has it in their heart to be outstanding. “You don’t have to be special to make a difference in this world.”
Of all of Kim’s accomplishments, she is the most proud of her children. Kim and her hus- band of eighteen years, Scott, have two, Lydia (15) and Jared (12). “By God’s grace they are amazing people and I’m so blessed and awed by them every day!” Kim proudly boasts. Kim’s children can surely be proud of their mother as well.
For more information on Serving Our Neighbors (SON) Ministries, visit www.son-ministries.org.