Stillpoint Mission was established in 1998 by a Franciscan Sister Nora Brick, soon thereafter to be known as “Mother Theresa of Bradenton.” Her goal was to provide basic supplemental assistance to migrant families, other poor families and the homeless.
That goal has remained in place ever since.
We reach out to the disadvantaged in our community to help them meet their basic daily needs including food, clothing, baby and adult diapers, hygiene items, children books and financial assistance. We serve all who come through our doors in need of the resources we can provide and all our services are free.
We are an independent, non-denominational, non-profit organization that is staffed by volunteers — we have no payroll expense; 100% of our donations go to support client needs. We are grateful and privileged to have such generous and faithful individual and local organizational support.
Mailing address is Stillpoint Mission, P. O. Box 619, Bradenton, FL 34206. Phone: 941-748-6835.
Gene Tischer
President, Board Member
Working history: labor law attorney; home health agency administration; Executive Director, Florida Home Care Association.
Bible instructor at local church, Desoto Correctional Institution & FL Civil Commitment Center in Arcadia. Gene had met Sister Nora Brick in the early 80’s when she worked at St. Michael’s church in Wauchula and then learned of her work at Stillpoint and began volunteering there in 2010.
Marge Slepica
Vice-President, Board Member
Volunteer at Stillpoint since 2017.
Working history: Administrative Assistant in a Catholic Church, the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program Director for two counties and then Administrative Assistant at a middle school firmly implanted the need for volunteerism and giving back to the community in which we live. Being a graduate of the “Just Faith” program (a study of social justice issues through the Catholic Church) further instilled this need and led me to find a place in Manatee County where I could serve the poor and marginal. I found Stillpoint and I have been honored to serve the clients of the mission wherever I am needed.
Linda Berman
Secretary, Board Member
I moved from upstate New York to the east coast of Florida 35 years ago and came to the west coast two years ago for my husband’s work. I worked as a Registered Nurse for 24 years and am currently retired. I served on the board of our condo association for 3 years. I volunteered 4 days a week on the east coast at 2 different food pantries for several years and I was thrilled when I found a volunteer opportunity at Stillpoint. It’s nice to see how welcoming and nonjudgmental the volunteers are toward everyone who comes for help.
James Keiner
Treasurer, Board Member
Volunteer at Stillpoint since 2015.
Education: Xavier University, BS, Marketing
Working history: Retail services for Mercantile Stores for 35 years until they were sold to Dillard’s. Began as a buyer, general merchandise manager, store manager, and Toledo area Manager for 5 department stores.
Michael John
Board Member
Originally from Upstate New York, Michael was a high school teacher in the South Bronx and midtown Manhattan. In Florida he has ministered as Director of Faith Formation at St Joseph’s, Campus Minister at Cardinal Mooney H.S, pastoral Associate at Our Lady of Lourdes Daytona Beach. Michael’s ministries include teaching, retreats and a published book on catechesis.
Teretha Bell
Board Member
I worked in the medical field for 38 year’s before becoming disabled/semi-retired due to medical issues. I am an ordained Minister and have served at Holy Christian Church of St. Petersburg, for the past nine years. My introduction to Stillpoint came when I needed help with a bill and the Mission assistance enabled me to pay it. I have now volunteered here for the past year. Stillpoint has allowed me to fulfill my passion for helping others seek and achieve a better outcome in their situation or circumstances. As we read in John 15:21: “Love each other as I have Loved you.”
Marge Guyton
Board Member
I moved to Bradenton from Erie, Pennsylvania in 2003. I have been a hairstylist for 42 years including owning my own salon. After retiring, I became a volunteer with Stillpoint House of Prayer and came to know the founder, Sister Nora Brick. I enjoyed working with the clients of the mission, doing whatever was needed. As time went on I became more committed to the diaper program. I oversee the inventory; ordering diapers and wipes, repackaging them for distribution, and serving the clients at the diaper table on Fridays. Over the years, I have gotten to know many of the families the mission serves and have found great joy and gratification when I see the happy hearts and faces of the moms and children receiving diapers, wipes, layettes and other donated items.