Off the busy streets of West Davenport, there is a place of peace and a house of hope: Timothy's House of Hope.
"We need hope," said Jim Swope. "Let's offer these guys and gals on the street hope."
It's named after Timothy Swope, Jim's son.
"I tell people I've got three kids," he said. "I've got two on Earth and one in Heaven."
"Timothy was born handicapped," explained Jim. "He never walked and he never talked, but yet he wasn't mute. He made sounds. He giggled. He laughed. He was the funniest kid you ever wanted to see."
Timothy passed away from Pneumonia when he was 22 years old. It was a turning point for Jim and just a few years later, he said he heard his calling... to quit his job of 33 years and start helping those in need.
"To the world, that's crazy," said Jim. "I use this analogy: You may think I'm a nut, but I'm screwed on the right bolt."
From a full-time worker to a full-time pastor, Jim dedicated his time to helping the hungry, the hurting, and the homeless - the mission statement of Timothy's House of Hope.
There, Jim's team serves up to 5,000 meals a month including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They also offer free haircuts, clothing, a food pantry, addiction classes, and "Church on the Street."
"We don't need another painting on a wall or a padded pew," said Jim. "Let's make a difference in the community, in people's lives."
"Anybody can get into a situation," he added. "My house could burn down tomorrow and I could be standing out there wanting breakfast today."
"He just loves people and cares for others," said Sue Hutchison, who nominated Jim for the Jefferson Award, on behalf of WQAD and Genesis Health System.
"I didn't think about it twice," she said. "He came to my mind instantly."
"I'm honored to even be considered for this award, but I don't feel like I've done anything we shouldn't be doing every day anyway," explained Jim.
"People say you can't do this for everyone and I say I don't have to do it for everyone," he said. "I can't do everything, but I can do something and isn't that the way it is in life?"
Jim's everyday efforts reach across the world. He visited Uganda, Africa where he sponsored a child in need.
"We met a man with an orphanage of 400 kids and who's name did we draw out of the hat? Hope," he said.
Hope's picture is on the wall surrounded by signatures, scriptures, and messages from those who've been touched by Timothy's House of Hope. On another wall, is a picture of Timothy himself, drawn by Phyllis Hodges, who was one of the first people Jim helped.
"When I did open it, this lady we met on the streets - Phyllis Hodges - came in and she drew a beautiful picture of little Timmy," said Jim. "In honor of him, that's where he comes in and links up with his dad and this ministry. Timothy's House of Hope. Here I am."
WQAD will be introducing you to a new Jefferson Award Nominee every month. In Spring 2016, we will announce who is going to represent our area at the National Jefferson Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C.
The Jefferson Awards are the country’s longest standing and most prestigious celebration of public service. Past winners include Chad Pregracke, Walter Cronkite, Steve Jobs, Paul Newman, and Michael Bloomberg.
To nominate an “unsung hero” for the Jefferson Award, click here.