“Sometimes it’s easy to walk by because we know we can’t change someone’s whole life in a single afternoon. But what we fail to realize it that simple kindness can go a long way toward encouraging someone who is stuck in a desolate place.” – Mike Yankoski
You come across countless stories of people helping the less privileged in society. Often, their altruistic spirit comes from a place of their cup overflowing, compelling them to share their blessings with others. Yet, the same is not the case with Johnny’s Wagon in Louisville. The fairly innocuous food truck has a striking backstory. The owner of the food truck, Johnny Goode, known popularly as Johnny G, was once homeless himself.
According to Johnny G., a person feels hopeless and helpless when you don’t know where your next meal will come from. During his homeless days, Johnny G spent most of his time at Camp Campbell, where he met the CEO of Daily Armor Ministries, Scott Goldbach. Goldbach mentioned that his organization wanted to set up a mobile kitchen, and Johnny jumped at the opportunity.
Receiving grants from the MPD Charitable Foundation and the UPS Foundation, Goldbach purchased a pick-up truck and trailer, which eventually became Johnny’s Wagon. The assistance from Goldbach enabled Johnny G to turn his life around, and he now lives in an apartment. Yet, the purpose of his life remains helping others, particularly the homeless. Goldbach states that the level of empathy he sees in Goode is exemplary, and that he clearly wants to make the world a better place.
Sheltering Grace appreciates every act of goodness, especially when it concerns the homeless. Thankfully, the homeless people of Louisville have a friend in Johnny Goode and can line up at Johnny’s Wagon for a free meal whenever they feel hungry. The fact that Johnny G rose from the bottom up, being homeless himself, makes this story even more inspirational.
Sheltering Grace Ministry, Ltd. is a 501(c)3 Ltd. non-profit ministry. We resolve the initial crisis of homelessness by providing mothers with a safe place to live during pregnancy. We also equip them with the tools they need to improve decision-making, enhance employment options, and increase family income to act responsibly as the head of their household. All of our services develop their self-reliance to progress to permanent independent living. Please join us in renewing and rebuilding the lives of these brave women – #Be1of5000.
