9-year-old's initiative leads way in service to homeless

Submitted by Kimberly Nuzman, director of marketing and development, House of Refuge East

You can easily spot her among the dozen are so volunteers handing out much-needed back-to-school supplies to nearly 150 disadvantaged children.

She is the short one with sandy-colored hair, freckles and an infectious smile who has a dog named Gordo and pet snake she calls Izzy.

But this 9-year-old little girl has a heart devoted to service that outshines people many years her senior.

Jordan Schumacher, a fourth-grader at Surrey Garden Christian School in Gilbert, posted fliers and knocked on doors in her Agritopia neighborhood last month requesting school supplies to help children at House of Refuge East transitional housing facility in Mesa.

"If we each do a little, together we can do a lot" read the flier, which included drop-off points and times.

What resulted was an incredible response that netted about 20 baskets full of backpacks, pencils, notebooks, crayons, scissors, erasers and more.

"I just had a thought that I wanted to help people," Jordan said. "And God provided me with the guidance and directed me to the people really needing my help."

Andrea Swartz, a support-services manager at the facility, is amazed by Jordan's initiative.

"She came in at the last minute when we were really struggling to make sure we had enough supplies for every child needing them," she said. "Jordan created this amazing flier with an attachment listing not only the places but at what price her neighbors could buy the needed supplies and she hit the pavement with it."

House of Refuge East is a faith-based non-profit organization that provides transitional housing and support services to homeless individuals, families and victims of domestic violence. It is on the former Williams Air Force Base next to ASU.

Jordan admits that it was the location of the facility that prompted her to act.

"I really wanted to help people living in my community. I think it is important for them to know their neighbors care about them, too," she said.

Her introduction to service came through her regular attendance at East Valley Bible Church and her parents' involvement in faith-based community service events.

Jordan enjoys playing volleyball, basketball or teaching origami in her spare time.

Sheila Bates, vice president of House of Refuge East, extended her gratitude to Jordan and is deeply moved by her passion for service at such a young age.