Under the direction of Frederick Bowden, Royal Oak First United Methodist Church (ROFUM) Lead Custodian and Building Manager, a unique ministry that provides skill development for special needs young adults is underway.
Frederick Bowden (r) is the Lead Custodian at Royal Oak First UMC. His caretaking extends beyond the building to help special needs adults, like Travis Walls, learn new skills. Job coaches that work with cognitively challenged adults operate at the church to provide on-the-job-training that improves chances to gain paid employment.
The program began with a relationship established between ROFUM and “The Nichol’s Bunch Staffing” (TNB), a non-profit business engaged in job skills development for the cognitively disabled. ROFUM became the base of operations, where clients and their coaches completed tasks for cleaning and office assistance under the direction of Mr. Bowden.
The program has grown and now is serviced by Jewish Vocational Services (JVS), a Community Volunteer Program that provides volunteers for local non-profit organizations. These placements offer work opportunities that utilize the talents and gifts of individuals with disabilities. Tasks such as room set-ups, shredding, cleaning, kitchen organization and stocking, and sorting cards and flyers for sanctuary pews are a few of the responsibilities fulfilled at ROFUM. As a community-based program JVS appreciates the support of ROFUM.
Most recently Mr. Bowden arranged for the employ of clients working with Therapeutic Rehabilitation & Vocational Training Centers (Therapeutic Rehab) to employ clients recovering from closed head injuries. Unlike TNB and JVS, these clients are paid for their work through employment opportunities and funds through Therapeutic Rehab.
The church’s role in these services is to simply serve as a safe and understanding location where clients may grow in their skills and confidence. Their presence and service is provided at no financial cost to the church, with the exception of the time Mr. Bowden commits to their supervision.
Mr. Bowden is passionate about the powerful ministry this provides to people who are becoming more self-sufficient. He sees it as a work of God that reaches out to persons often ignored by the main stream of society. He says, “Some of these adults may never get a chance to be a part of the work force; but at least, through these agencies and programs, they’re not living in a corner somewhere, not being a part of life.”
Mr. Bowden is eager to share this program in order to “spread the joy of being a part of this ministry.” He says, “I’m also seeking out others that are willing and wanting to become a partaker, becoming strong figures in these adult lives by caring enough to add onto their lives.” Anyone interested in developing this kind of ministry in the local church may contact Mr. Frederick Bowden at (248) 541-4100, ext. 1223. From left to right: Fred Bowden (Royal Oak First United Methodist Building Manager), Todd McMillan (Jewish Vocational Services supervisor); Kris Stevens (Clinical Director, Universal Institute Rehabilitation and Living Centers); and Rev. John Hice (ROFUM pastor)
Last Updated on February 2, 2024