ABOUT US
Founders
Pastor Don and Mary Bartow
The Total Living Center was launched on May 3, 1991. After Pastoring West Minster Presbyterian for 25 years Pastor Don and Mary retired but felt called to start a ministry to the poor. For the last 30 years TLC has served the poor by providing free weekly meals, grocery distribution, Chiropractic services, free haircuts, laundromat, and weekly Healing Services. Pastor Don pioneered the first free medical clinic and pharmacy in Stark County up until 2008.
An avid writer, Pastor Don wrote 28 books and lead healing conferences in 36 states. His wife of 72 years, Mary, has stood right by his side. Mary has listened, gave insight and helped Pastor Don in all his endeavors over the years. Pastor Don was a visionary and desired to see the legacy of the Total Living Center continue for years to come.
We Believe
At the Total Living Center, we believe New Testament beliefs and practices bring New Testament results.
We believe God uses ordinary individuals to accomplish the extraordinary.
We believe God the Father sent His Son because of His love and desire to save the world, not to condemn it.
Integrity
We work to provide an atmosphere of excellence in moral and ethical standards.
Responsible
We are responsible for the stewardship of each resource provided to the Total Living Center. We will use these resources in the most effective and resourceful way possible.
Compassion
We believe in the ministry of the entire individual. As a bridge of compassion, we will love every individual who walks through the door with the love of Christ Jesus.
Ben Kariuki
Director
Pastor Ben came on staff full of energy, drive and compassion to see people feed, the lost saved, and a community transformed. He graduated from Valor Christian college with a degree in Evangelism and Missions and later finished his BA in Business Administration. He continues to invest in his education through Global Awakening where he challenges himself to keep growing in God through courses such as Physical Healing, Inner Healing, and Deliverance. Ben began in urban ministry in the second worse neighborhood in Columbus, OH where he was part of a satellite church plant. During this time, he would take upwards of 50 young adults into this neighborhood to do home groups, grocery giveaway, and more.
Jacqueline Kariuki
Development Coordinator
Jackie is Pastor Ben’s wife and is all about organization, efficiency, and fundraising. She aims to keep the place running with excellence in all we do for the community. She graduated from Valor Christian College with a degree in Pastoral Leadership and later finished her BA in Business Operations and Logistics. Jackie grew up in church and has held leadership roles in various capacities for years. She is very business oriented, passionate about kingdom business, and her heart is for people to encounter the presence of God.
Morris DuBose
Facility/Food Manager
Morris has been apart of the Total Living Center for 25 years. He first came to TLC as a volunteer and later came on staff after retiring from Timken. Morris has always been the backbone of the facilites management of TLC and a constant support of Pastor Don and a student of his many books. He has been faithful to the cause and has a heart to see people feed and TLC running.