The Jefferson Review
More Than a Meal: How The James II Project Restores Dignity in Jefferson County
Founded on faith and fueled by partnerships, The James II Project is helping neighbors in need find food, connection, and a path forward.
By The Jefferson Review Team
What started as a vision Karin Kostich felt placed on her heart has grown into one of Jefferson County’s most practical and compassionate outreach efforts.
The James II Project began after Karin spent years helping lead a large food outreach program through her church. While food outreach was already helping many people in the community, Karin began imagining a way to sit down face to face with people, hear their stories, and share a meal in a setting that felt human and dignified.
“I just really felt like we needed to have a meal and serve people and provide some dignity where they don’t often have dignity.”
— Karin Kostich Founder/Executive Director of The James II Project
The idea took a surprising turn when she reached out to the Salvation Army in Arnold. When she toured the facility, the director showed her the building’s kitchen.
It had not been used in three years.
For Karin, it felt like confirmation that the idea could become something real.
“That was one of the most exciting moments,” she said. “There was this kitchen sitting there ready to be used.”
Today, The James II Project hosts community meals in Arnold and Festus where guests are welcomed to sit down, enjoy a hot meal served on real plates with real silverware, and connect with volunteers and local service providers.
But Karin says the meals are only the beginning.
One of the guiding principles of the organization is a message volunteers are encouraged to communicate to every person who shares a meal with them:
“You are made in the image of God, and you are worthy of more than your circumstance.”
Karin says that reminder is central to the mission of The James II Project. Many people who come through the doors are navigating homelessness, financial hardship, or personal crises. The goal is not only to meet an immediate need, but also to remind people that their dignity and value remain intact.
Every detail is designed to reinforce that idea.
“One of the important details to me was to be like they’re coming to my home. I’m going to show them something I would make for them in my home.”
— Karin Kostich Founder/Executive Director of The James II Project
Through those meals, the organization also helps connect people with practical support such as IDs, showers, laundry services, and caseworkers from organizations like Compass Health, Chestnut Health Systems, the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, and St. Vincent de Paul.
Those partnerships are already producing meaningful results.
In the three years since the project began, 15 neighbors who attended the meals have been connected to stable housing through partnerships with local service organizations. In another case, volunteers helped connect a guest with Adult & Teen Challenge, where that individual is now six months into the program and doing well in recovery.
The outreach has also helped people reconnect with family and support systems beyond Jefferson County. Volunteers assisted one individual in returning to Utah where housing and family support were available, while another dual citizen was helped in returning to Mexico City to reconnect with family and stable housing.
“This is so much deeper than a meal.”
— Karin Kostich Founder/Executive Director of The James II Project
Each gathering becomes an opportunity not only to feed someone, but to listen, build trust, and help connect them with the resources they need to move forward.
The effort is powered by a strong network of local volunteers. More than 150 people from Connect Church and seven Catholic parishes including Our Lady in Festus, Sacred Heart in Crystal City, Good Shepherd in Hillsboro, St. Joseph in Imperial, Holy Family in Arnold, Queen of All Saints in Oakville, and Assumption and Mary Mother help prepare and serve the meals.
Their work helps create a welcoming environment where guests are treated with dignity and care. This volunteer effort reflects the heart of the mission.
“This doesn’t happen without the people who show up to cook, serve, listen, and care.”
— Karin Kostich Founder/Executive Director of The James II Project
And with every meal served, a community of volunteers quietly proves that compassion still lives here in Jefferson County.
Support the James II Project
Community Support
The James II Project operates entirely through volunteers, partnerships, and community support. Every meal served is made possible by neighbors who believe in restoring dignity and hope to people facing difficult circumstances.
If you would like to help provide meals and support services for those in need in Jefferson County, there are several ways to get involved.
Donate to the Annual Appeal
Scan the QR code to make a one time or monthly donation that helps fund community meals, outreach efforts, and connections to local services.
Learn more about upcoming meals, volunteer opportunities, and how The James II Project serves the Jefferson County community.
Community support makes this work possible. Whether through volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word, every contribution helps ensure that more neighbors can find a seat at the table.
*Photos courtesy of The James II Project
Stay connected to what’s happening in Jefferson County.
The Jefferson Review delivers the local government decisions, development updates, and community stories shaping our county every Thursday and Sunday.
Don’t miss what your neighbors are talking about.