Christopher’s Story

Ministries Without Walls

Christopher Jackson has worked as a chef for over 22 years. His passion for cooking began while hosting dinner parties for friends and family, which quickly introduced him to the fascinating world of cuisine. The dedication to his gift afforded him the opportunity to open a prosperous catering business, CJ’s Cuisine. As an entrepreneur, Christopher found that giving back to his community was one of the most valuable reward. His inclination for feeding others would be the beginning of his mission in giving back to the community that gave so much to him.

An estimated 130,000 people in California are homeless, which around 2,500 of those people live in Skid Row, a well known area in downtown Los Angeles. February of 2016 would be the launch of Christopher’s very first initiative called “Dinner For The Homeless”.

He organized a Facebook fundraiser campaign encouraging followers to celebrate his birthday by partnering with him. After raising several hundred dollars, he was able to buy and prepare meals for the homeless. To his surprise, school aged children were amongst the crowds. He would later create the lunch and backpack campaign that would feed both children and parents, while donating backpacks filled with supplies.

Today, Christopher runs his campaign once per quarter to raise funds for his cause. He has recently branched out to areas such as the University of Southern California, where college student homeless rate is at an extreme high. He was able to feed over 250 people, most of which were students attending the University.

Christopher plans to continue his community outreach in Los Angeles. Many have asked him to extend his efforts to church functions and other business ventures, however, Christopher says his ministry is better served to reach those places without walls. For now, he is compelled to continue meeting the people in their own habitation as his services are needed there the most.

Volunteers and friends alike have played an indispensable role in Christopher’s ministry. To mention a few, LaShun Jackson for her food donations, Jackie Williams of Floral Vision for donating fresh flowers, Bryant Miller, Rebecca Neal, and DeTerrence Edwards. All have helped to make Ministries Without Walls mission a way of life.