Jonathan Eck officially took over as volunteer coordinator at Freedom House on June 7, 2010, but he’s been a part of the ministry going back several years to when he was 16 and his family volunteered regularly at Freedom House. When he graduated after being homeschooled, he immediately started training in DePere for youth ministry outreach, worked at an area church and came on board at Freedom House first part time, then full time as a house supervisor. Although he loved the organization and all it was doing, after two years in that position, he felt he wanted to do more, go even deeper with the organization’s ministry. After being asked to help with staff restructuring, he was identified as the logical replacement for the volunteer coordinator who decided to stay at home with her newborn child. It’s a position Jonathan felt called to and one he considers a personal ministry mission.

“I have a real passion for youth and for men because I don’t think in our society men own up to their responsibilities as much as they should,” he explained. “For me, it’s really important to pour into these men and that’s what I’m focused on. When men are strong, the family unit works better and changing that family atmosphere means we’re changing lives.”

Freedom House’s focus on family is what gets this Wisconsin native excited. He sees the uniqueness of the program – the only shelter in the area that deals with all aspects of family – as the thing that results in family restoration and he credits that focus for the program’s incredible 95% success rate. “You can have a men’s shelter, you can have a women’s shelter, but when you work on the family you’re changing generations,” he said.

He brings that same passion to volunteers, recognizing they need to feel valued and appreciated and a part of the family as well; he “pours” into them as much as the residents and ensures the lines of communication are open and active. His passion is for consistency and longevity of the people at Freedom House. “Yes, they’re giving to us, but we need to give back to them as well. It’s what makes it all come together,” he said.