As Bishop’s Wives, we are called not only to support our

husbands in ministry, but to live out our faith through compassion, unity, and service. In that spirit, the Bishop’s Wives of Michigan/Ontario once again chose to set aside personal gifts and instead sow into the lives of others, a decision that reflects the heart of Christ and the power of collective generosity. This year, the Bishop’s Wives selected the R.L. Jones Community Outreach Center of Flint, Michigan (R.L. Jones COC) as the recipient of their charitable contribution.

The presentation was made by Lady Pearl Hill, President of the Michigan/Ontario Bishop’s Wives Circle, on Thursday, December 11, 2025, during the Michigan/Ontario Supervisors and Bishop’s Wives Annual Christmas Luncheon.

“As one of the Bishop’s Wives and as the Executive Director of R.L. Jones COC, I was both honored and deeply humbled by this act of Love.”, said Mother Sandra Smith-Jones.

Founded 10 years ago, R.L. Jones Community Outreach Center operates as a full-scale Health & Wellness Resource HUB serving families across Flint and Genesee County. Since its beginning, the Center has remained open and operational without interruption, even through the Flint Water Crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and ongoing community challenges.

Mother Jones added that “R.L. Jones COC is a 40-hour-per-week, year-round nonprofit organization, not a seasonal or occasional outreach. Our doors are open consistently to meet real-time needs, provide stability, and serve as a trusted place of support for individuals and families.”

As a Health & Wellness Resource HUB, R.L. Jones COC work includes:

Food distribution and nutrition support, including a Client-Choice model that allows families to select food with dignity

Health and wellness services, such as screenings, referrals, and coordinated care with healthcare partners

Access & Functional Needs (AFN) support, including services for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and homebound residents

Clothing and household essentials through community-based resource programs

Navigation and referral services, connecting families to housing, healthcare, transportation, and social supports

R.L. Jones COC works in collaboration with local, state, and national partners, including healthcare systems, universities, faith organizations, community agencies, and philanthropic supporters. These partnerships allow them to deliver services at scale while maintaining a personal, compassionate approach. Because of these relationships and their dedicated staff and volunteers, thousands of families are served each year, not as numbers, but as neighbors.

The Bishop’s Wives’ substantial cash contribution directly supports the daily operations and programs of the R. L. Jones Community Outreach Center. This gift helps ensure that families have access to food, health resources, and essential support when they need it most.

“From my heart as a Bishop’s Wife, I am grateful to stand among women who consistently choose service over self and generosity over tradition. From my heart as a recipient, I can say with confidence that this gift was placed in fertile ground — ground that continues to bear fruit every day through lives touched and strengthened.”, says Mother Jones. “We thank Mother Pearl Hill and the Bishop’s Wives for their shared act of faith, unity, and service.”

The Bishop’s Wives of Michigan/Ontario continue to demonstrate that when women of faith come together with purpose, communities are uplifted. It is our hope that this story not only honors their generosity but also encourages others to learn more, share this work, and support organizations committed to sustained, faithful service.

You can join the Bishop’s Wives in their support of the work of R.L. Jones Community Outreach Center, through a tax-deductible charitable contribution or a corporate matching gift. Such support would help sustain food access, health and wellness services, Access & Functional Needs programming, and essential community supports delivered through their Health & Wellness Resource HUB.

Tax-deductible contributions may be made through standard charitable giving methods. Payable to:

The R.L. Jones Community Outreach Center

6800 Dort Highway

Flint, MI 48505

Electronic giving option: CashApp: $RLJonesCOCenter

Corporate matching gifts may be directed through employer giving programs. Contact R.L. Jones COC directly at: info@rljonescoc.org or (810) 228-3368 for EIN information.

Together, we serve. Together, we give. Together, we make a difference.

Michigan-Ontario (Canada) Church Of God In Christ Bishop’s Wives Choose Service Through Giving

L to R: Mother Sandra Smith-Jones, Evangelist Karen Clark Sheard—First Lady of the Church Of God In Christ, Inc., Lady Pearl Hill, Mother Dianne Bogan—Executive Secretary, Lady Lisa Hicks—Vice-President, and Lady Dorothy Duncan—Treasurer of the MI/ONT Bishop’s Wives Circle