Over the past several blog posts, we’ve highlighted the ministries and programs at Church of the Reconciler (COTR). For this blog post, we’re grateful to have Jimmekka Walker, our Community Coordinator and Case Manager at COTR, share about the weekly support group she leads.

Every Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. in the library of The Church of the Reconciler, a circle of chairs becomes something more than furniture. It becomes a place of belonging. A place where men and women who have weathered some of life’s hardest storms gather to reflect and remind themselves that they are more than their circumstances.

We start each meeting with a “check-in”. This allows each member to give a brief explanation of the things that are going on in their lives, things that they may need encouragement with, or the overall stressors of daily life. Whatever the subject, every response is met with respect.

Homelessness in Birmingham is complex - shaped by housing shortages, economic barriers, and the lingering impact of trauma. But behind every statistic is a person with a name, a story, and a future.

Each person - their courage, humor, and willingness to share - makes this group special. Week by week, I watch as trust grows, confidence grows, and community grows. This circle stands as a reminder: everyone deserves a place to feel connected, human, and hopeful.

Our support group is one small piece of our mission to restore people to loving relationships with themselves, with their community and with God. It's a place where people can reflect and remember their own strength. Every week, I am reminded that healing doesn’t happen alone. It happens in circles like ours.

By Jimmekka Walker

Thank you to the volunteers that provide a meal for the individuals attending the support group each week. If you feel led to get involved in God’s work of restoration at COTR you can email our Associate Pastor, Dylan Rigg, at dylan@churchofthereconciler.com. We welcome any financial contributions, which can be made by clicking here.