Who We Are
Our House of the Way is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the Benton Harbor community with love, compassion, and impactful social initiatives.
We are more than just a charity—we are a home of hope and kindness, inspired by the example of Jesus and the teachings of love, service, and humility. Our name draws inspiration from the House of the Apostle Peter, located in Capernaum, which the Bible references as a significant place in the ministry of Jesus. Over time, this humble home became a gathering place for early Christians, embodying the values of hospitality, service, and unconditional love.
We are a team of passionate volunteers, and no one receives monetary compensation for their efforts. Our work is driven purely by the desire to create opportunities, support those in need, and foster a spirit of collaboration and mutual growth. Together, we strive to make a lasting impact and spread the light of love and faith throughout our community.
Our Mission
Inspired by the words of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, “If you judge people, you have no time to love them,” and the teachings of Jesus, “Love one another as I have loved you,” our mission is to cultivate a community rooted in love, compassion, and service. We strive to create opportunities that empower individuals and families, fostering dignity, respect, and hope for a brighter future.
Our Vision
Our vision is to build a compassionate and empowered community where every individual has the opportunity to thrive, contribute, and create a more inclusive, loving, and equitable society.
Our Values
- Respect: Honoring the dignity and worth of every individual, regardless of their circumstances.
- Love: Extending kindness and compassion to all, without judgment or hesitation.
- Goodness: Fostering a spirit of generosity and selflessness in all we do.
- Equality: Ensuring fairness and inclusivity, embracing diversity as a strength.
- Dignity: Supporting individuals in ways that preserve their pride and humanity.
Meet the Team
Stella Godinho
Executive Director / President
Alexandre Mayke Mukuno
Vice President
Elis Regina Mukuno
Event Coordinator
Evan Edward Keyes
Kids Projects Coordinator
Bertha Leal
Boutique Coordinator
Elba Caldas Santos
Children’s Literacy Project Coordinator
Daniele Boils
Tutoring Coordinator
Collaboration is at the core of what we do
By uniting volunteers, those in need, and local organizations, we work hand-in-hand to build a thriving, resilient community.
We approach every individual with honor, respect, and a nonjudgmental spirit, striving to understand their unique challenges. Many of those we serve carry heavy burdens, unsure of where to start on their journey toward a better life. Through our projects, we offer guidance, resources, and a pathway to empowerment—helping them heal, grow, and discover their place in a larger, supportive community.
We strive to:
- Empower individuals by offering opportunities for skill development, knowledge sharing, and personal growth.
- Build bridges of kindness and mutual support by connecting people through acts of service.
- Support individuals and families in vulnerable situations by providing essential resources and fostering a sense of belonging.
Our work is fueled by the generosity of sponsors and the unwavering dedication of our volunteers. At Our House of The Way, no one receives monetary compensation—every effort comes from the heart. Together, we are creating a brighter, more united community.
Our Story
2015: A Humble Beginning
Our journey began in 2015 with a small group of women gathering weekly for gospel studies. These meetings not only enriched us spiritually but also fostered a strong sense of community and purpose. Inspired by the teachings of love and service, we organized initiatives such as the Food Drive and weekly visits to the Whitcomb Senior Living Tower, where we shared special moments with elderly residents. That same year, we held our first fundraising event, laying the foundation for the development and growth of our future projects.
2016: First Space in Saint Joseph
On July 15, 2016, our growth led us to open a space at 420 Main Street, Saint Joseph, where we began expanding our efforts.
2017: Volunteer Work at the Women’s Shelter
We started volunteering weekly at the women’s shelter in Benton Harbor. This experience deepened our connections within the community and gave us a clearer understanding of the challenges faced by local families. Recognizing the significant need for basic essentials, we expanded our efforts to collect and distribute furniture, household items, clothing, shoes, and food.
2018: Relocation to Benton Harbor
We moved our headquarters to Benton Harbor, bringing us closer to the families we served. This strategic move allowed us to better understand and address the needs of the community.
2019–2021: COVID-19 Pandemic Challenges
During this period, we officially registered our organization as a nonprofit, solidifying our commitment to serving the community and expanding our reach.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought significant challenges. For safety reasons, we had to reduce many of our activities, resulting in the loss of volunteers and support. It was a difficult time that pushed us to restart and restructure our projects, focusing on building stronger community support and recruiting new volunteers to ensure the sustainability of our initiatives.
2022: New Address in Benton Harbor
In 2022, we relocated to 175 Territorial Road, further strengthening our presence and creating an even more accessible space for the families we serve.
2023: Strengthening Bonds and Projects
We worked tirelessly to strengthen our existing projects and deepen our connections with the local community, reaffirming our commitment to service and making a positive impact.
2024: Opening of Our Community Center
In 2024, we proudly opened our Community Center, a warm and welcoming space designed to house our growing initiatives. The center provides even greater support to families in need and serves as a hub for our expanding programs and activities.
2025: A Year of Hope
In 2025, we enter the year filled with hope, with strong connections to the community and collaborations with other nonprofit organizations. We are now established at 74 W Wall Street, where our Community Center and Community Garden are located. Additionally, we are inaugurating a dedicated space for arts, workshops, and events at 175 Territorial Road, which also serves as our office. These new locations reflect our continued commitment to meeting the needs of the community while creating opportunities for growth, learning, and connection for everyone.
