GET TO KNOW 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
Executive Director
Pastor Ben came on staff full of energy and compassion to see people fed, the lost saved, and a community transformed. He graduated from Valor Christian College with a diploma in Evangelism and Missions and later finished his BA in Business Management at Ohio Christian University. He continues to invest in his education through Global Awakening Theological Seminary, taking courses such as Physical Healing, Inner Healing, and Deliverance. Ben began in urban ministry in one of the worst neighborhoods in Columbus, OH. During this time, he would take upwards of 50 young adults into this neighborhood to do home groups, grocery giveaways, and more.
Jacqueline Kariuki
Director of Development
Jackie is Pastor Ben’s wife who plays a major role in the overall organization and fundraising for Total Living Center. She graduated from Valor Christian College, with a diploma in Pastoral Leadership and later completed her BA in Business Operations and Logistics at Ohio Christian University. Jackie has held leadership roles in various capacities, in the church and business worlds for a number of years. She is very business oriented and passionate about Kingdom advancement, and her desire is to see people encounter the presence of God.
Morris DuBose
Facility Manager
Morris has been apart of the Total Living Center for 27 years. He first came to TLC as a volunteer and later came on staff after retiring from Timkensteel Corporation where he worked for 45 years. Morris is the Facilities Manager at TLC. Morris operates in various support roles and has a passion to see people fed and transformed by the love of God.
George Gonis
Food Coordinator
Pastor George graduated Garfield High School in 1988. He came to know Christ and was filled with the Holy Spirit soon after. He got involved in a youth leadership program and felt the call of God on His life as a young adult. Pastor George attended Rhema Bible College in Oklahoma. His pursuit of the Lord continued, and he was ordained in 1998 at Canton Christian Fellowship under Pastor Mike Cameneti. Since then, he has worked in sales and the recovery community as a recovery coach and peer support for Comm Quest and Restore Addiction Recovery before finding his home with Total Living Center. He is a proud father to his son Nicholas who lives in Los Angeles.