The Jesus Center is a non-profit
organization founded in God’s love.
In response to the complexity of homelessness, hunger and poverty, we work with our community to offer respite, restoration and lasting transformation to God’s children.
History & Core Values
Founded in God’s love in 1981…
The Jesus Center began over 40 years ago when a group of women called the Beatitudes began serving soup from crockpots in the back of a thrift store on Park Avenue in Chico. With community support a simple commercial kitchen was constructed. When the thrift store closed, a non-profit organization (which would eventually be known as the Jesus Center) formed to provide folks experiencing homelessness a free dinner.
After several years of hard work and expansion, the Jesus Center now provides more than just a meal to this community. Leading with a trauma-informed model and a strengths-based approach, all Jesus Center programs are designed to be sensitive to the experiences of who we serve. In response to those who are unhoused, our carefully constructed programs and services are versatile to best suit the needs of each individual in our program.
All we do at the Jesus Center, is guided and inspired by our four Core Values:
CHRIST CENTERED
Founded in God's love, we serve by respecting human dignity, offering hope and a path to transforming their lives.
ACCOUNTABLE
Responsible stewardship of the resources provided by our supporters, volunteers and employees.
COLLABORATIVE
In response to the complexity of homelessness, hunger and poverty, we work with our community to restore those suffering from isolation to community integration.
RESTORATIVE
Inspiring people to reach their full spiritual, physical, emotional and vocational wellness.
Our Team
The Jesus Center is led by a diverse and committed executive leadership team, that works to uphold our core values and lead our administrative staff with a wealth of knowledge and skill.
Amber Abney-Bass
Executive Director
Raised in the North State, Amber Abney-Bass joined the Jesus Center in 2014 as Development Director; prior to her January 2022 appointment as the Executive Director, she also served as the Assistant Director and Chief Operations Director. Amber brings 20 years of real estate experience in sales, finance & escrow, plus a background in the food service industry as both a previous small business owner/operator and corporate quality auditor. Having experienced her own family members battle with addiction, mental illness and trauma as a child, Amber’s passion is to design appropriate services that support individuals and families in similar circumstances, recognizing that the restoration of lives begins when others believe in their ability to escape both situational and generational homelessness and thrive independently.
Shelly Watson
Program Director
Shelly Watson holds a master’s degree in social work (MSW) from California State University, Chico. Shelly has been with the Jesus Center since 2008 and since then has held several leadership positions. Currently, Shelly serves as the Program Director, overseeing the shelters, the transitional housing program, case management and vocational training. Additionally, she engineered the dream and concept of Bloomin’ Hope; our vocational flower business, and was instrumental in opening our first transitional house, which has since grown into seven different houses. Shelly believes that all people matter, and everyone has a purpose. This notion has inspired her to build programs at the Jesus Center that heal people in their entirety and allow them to find new hope and restoration.
Ryan Green
Operations Director
Gwen Bean
Accountant
OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
At the Jesus Center, we believe in honoring community. Our Board of Directors is collaboration of local figures and business owners who are well renowned in Chico. With their support, we are able to make decisions with great tact and compassion.
Toni Scott
Board Chair
Jovanni Tricerri
Board Vice-Chair
Heather Lyon, CPA
Treasurer
Jodi Drysdale
Secretary
David Lopez
Director
Jim Mathys
Director
George Nicolaus
Director
LaFreeda Thomas
Director