The term “steward” dates back to the 1300s with various definitions, including “overseer of workmen” and “one in charge of provisions and meals.” The name then is most appropriate for an organization working to meet the practical needs—food, shelter, education and employment—of those less fortunate.

Top (L to R): Mariah Flickinger, Jessica Furtado, Marissa Flickinger, Isabella Furtado and Heidi Jaerger; Bottom (L to R): Alisha Mecier, Trey Mecier and Brandon Mecier - Photo by Dante Fontana © Style Media Group

Brandon and Alisha Mecier established Faithful Stewards in 2006. The couple shares a strong personal commitment to their faith and to making a positive impact in the community. Based in El Dorado Hills, the group partners with other people, businesses, churches and charities to make a difference in the lives of others (mainly single parents and their children, low-income families, the homeless and those facing difficult circumstances); local outreach efforts include meal programs, youth relationship building, bible studies and athletic programs/scholarships.

The group makes an impact globally, too. Each year for nearly a decade, Faithful Stewards has traveled to Nicaragua to assist a village that was devastated by a hurricane almost 20 years ago. This year, for their ninth annual trip, 22 high school students joined them and spent their spring break working at the refugee camp. “It’s always eye-opening and impactful for our entire team, as well as for the people there.”  

The couple is quick to acknowledge that, although there are many worthwhile needs all over the world, they “find it most beneficial to focus all of our attention on one community. By growing relationships with the residents and being involved in their activities on an ongoing basis, Faithful Stewards can make a real impact and provide them with hope and opportunities.” 

During their recent visit, they organized a sports camp and vacation bible school for 160 children each day, along with an Easter egg hunt and water park outing. They also delivered 25 beds to people without bedding, repaired seven homes with major health-compromising conditions, and reinforced its continuing efforts in the refugee camp. “A meal program has been established that feeds 200 children daily before and after school, and we built a bakery that provides 15 people with full-time work,” Brandon explains. “Our involvement has helped start a classroom to provide English classes and education to 400 children weekly.”

Back in El Dorado Hills, the group fulfills many services to the local community. “Here at home we focus our efforts on whatever needs are presented,” Brandon says. “Some examples are a weekly disc golf program for teenage boys, picking vegetables and fruit for a local food bank, soccer sponsorships, and support at low-income apartments.” 

Holidays are always busy with the group’s Thanksgiving meal outreach and “Adopt a Family” Christmas program. “It’s interesting to look back at the past nine years and see the different directions this journey has taken us on,” Brandon says. “Our goal is to create awareness of ways that we can contribute to the lives of others. We would love to see our community known not for how much we have, but how much we give.”

-Janet Scherr

Visit faithfulstewards.net for more information.