Sally and John Goodrow Fund

The purpose of the Sally and John Goodrow Fund is to provide emergency assistance for needs like transportation, shelter, utilities, personal and household goods, medical emergencies or other support to community members. This Fund maintains particular interest in serving the special needs of community members not met or fulfilled by other community resources.

In 1962 John began working as the rector of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Mt. Pleasant, where he used his discretionary funds to provide financial assistance to community members. “John thought churches had obligations to help people in need,” said Sally. When John began helping individuals, who were passed over by state and federal assistance because of all the requirements, Sally explained he considered it, “just another part of his ministry.”

John shared his work with businessmen in town during early-morning breakfasts at Stan’s Restaurant. The businessmen took interest and started donating to his cause. After John’s death in 1985, businessmen and leaders of various churches and social agencies throughout the Mt. Pleasant community began contacting Sally. Each person was concerned the good that was happening because of John’s Fund would end, with nothing to take its place. As a result of their support and donations, the John H. Goodrow Fund was officially set in place at St. John’s in 1987, complete with a board of directors and volunteer training.

From 1987 through 2009 Sally chaired the board of trustees and served as director of the JHGF, in addition to her social worker position with the Alma school district. She led teams of volunteers in providing what totaled to $600,000 of emergency financial assistance to community residents complimented by thousands of in-kind service hours, worth several thousands of dollars. From the first budget in 1989 that allocated $100 each week through the 2009 budget that allocated $1,500 each week, she made certain the money helped the greatest number of people possible.

Patricia Hathaway, who took over Sally’s role as director of the JHGF in 2009 described Sally as not afraid to put herself into anything. “No task is too menial for her,” said Patricia. “She will help someone with laundry one day, meet another person at the train station to buy them a ticket the next, and no one will ever hear about it. She is the most humble person I have ever met.”

Although the memorial fund housed at St. John's recognized Sally's husband, Hathaway and the fund's board members wanted to find a way to honor Sally for her 20 years of commitment. "She's a dedicated, compassionate and strong individual," said Hathaway. The board's search led to the creation of the Sally and John Goodrow Fund with the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation, where funds are now permanently endowed.

The JHGF dissolved in 2020, after 33 years of supporting local community members. Monies from the JHGF were transferred to the Sally and John Goodrow Fund at MPACF as a permanent legacy of them both.