Mobile food bank, mentoring for juvenile probation among ways Gilbert helps out

When Ken Gilbert moved to North Idaho nearly two years ago, he wanted to help those in need.

And, after asking around, the retired computer programmer and consultant learned there was a need for a mobile food bank.

So Gilbert and his wife Maureen started the nonprofit Shepherd's Table patterned after a similar venture they started at their Silicon Valley church in California with the same name.

The couple takes food to those in need - and the chance to visit with folks to understand their needs better is the icing on the cake.

"There's those in the community who don't have a car or can't afford the gas," Gilbert said, referring to the niche the Christian-based nonprofit serves. "It's such a blessing to come alongside and help.

"This gives us an opportunity to see if we can muster community resources to help in areas other than food."

The ministry focuses on serving those in Kootenai County, but the Gilberts have driven to other counties to help.

"I'm not a pastor, but just a guy who loves serving the Lord," he said.

Gilbert also serves on the Region 1 Homeless Coalition, which conducts an annual count of the area's homeless population and organizes events to help those in need, and is a mentor for the juvenile probation program.

How is Shepherd's Table supported?

Members of Mountain View Bible (a church in Post Falls that the Gilberts attend) donate and there's other private donors. The nonprofit and the church are independent of each other. I haven't looked for grants. I figure if God wants us to do this, which He does, then He'll provide the food.

How many people has the nonprofit served?

Last year we provided food for 92 households.

Who are some examples of the folks you served?

A woman with three teens were living in a trailer. We worked with Great Floors to get carpet donated for them. Also, we found out a man in his early 20s didn't have clothes to go out in the winter, so we got him some clothes at Goodwill and he got a bike through Fresh Start (a homeless shelter in Coeur d'Alene). We gave him maps to the meal sites so he could do more on his own. I haven't heard from him in a month. It's a real blessing to see people's confidence come back.

How can those in need utilize Shepherd's Table?

We have two requirements - you call and let me deliver. We don't turn anyone away if they say they're in need of food. People can call 964-4144 or e-mail info@ShepherdsTableInc.org.

How did your upbringing influence who you are today?

I'm 180 degrees from my upbringing. I grew up in a middle class, Jewish family, but had no clue about serving God. Later in life, I realized something was missing. I was doing well in Silicon Valley, have worked for Steve Jobs (the late CEO of Apple), yet something was missing. When I was 44, I moved into a house next to a Christian family and the guy kept telling me that Jesus is the Messiah. I studied the Bible ferociously and God got to me. That was the shaking point of my life.

As being relatively new to the area, and from the outside looking in, what has been your impression of how we're doing with helping those in need in the community?

We're doing better than OK. This area is doing a great job, but the work isn't done. Compared to where we lived in California, the people here have less and give more of their time and money. This area is really unique.

Do you see any voids in the services we provide and, if so, what are they?

The lack of an entry-level point for a homeless person. Someone can't get a bed any night of the year here. (Overnight shelters are only provided during the winter months during freezing temperatures.) I've been talking to a lot of people about this. It has to be more than providing a meal and a bed. Someone needs to come alongside and help them get back into the mainstream. Very few people choose being homeless as a lifestyle.

What's it been like serving as a mentor for juvenile probation?

It's been very rewarding and challenging. I spend two to four hours a week with a teen boy. When he gets in trouble, what do you say? I try to get him to think about what he wants to be when he grows up and what he needs to do better to get there. The program desperately needs some men and women to volunteer as mentors.