Martha Gery is the Founder and current President of ‘The Advocacy, Journey Partner, Bounty to Blessings, and Outreach Steward. After moving from PA in 2018 with her husband, Keith, her passion for working with the community was ignited by a personal experience with a family member who experienced addiction, mental illnesses, and homelessness for 15 years. This deeply personal journey fueled her desire to give back to her new community, ensuring that those in need receive support and assistance with dignity, compassion, and respect. With an MBA in Project Management, Martha leads the non-profit, focusing on addressing the short- and long-term challenges faced by community members in need. She continues to dedicate her time and energy to improving the lives of those who are vulnerable, striving to create an environment where everyone is supported in their journey from unstable to stable living conditions.

Cynthia (Cindy) Dawe is the Vice President of “The Advocacy” and Our Daily Bread & Fundraising Steward, where she passionately serves her community. Originally from Pennsylvania, she moved to Milford, DE, in 2017 with her partner, Bruce, marking a new chapter in their lives. As a mother of three and “Grandie” to six grandchildren, she encourages friends and family to give, believing that even 30 minutes spent in small acts of kindness can impact a life. This belief continues to inspire her advocacy. Cindy’s passion for service was shaped by her father’s heart for the “underdog” and her own heart transformation, which began in the cold of Tent City, where she realized that “those people” were her neighbors in God’s eyes, fully known and fully loved. Three years later, she helps steward the Our Daily Bread Kitchen, grows volunteer teams, mentors others, and fundraises, believing that if we do not raise young people to serve, volunteering as we know it will one day be extinct.

Ruth Houton is the Secretary of “The Advocacy”, Senior Center & Emergency Heating & Cooling Programs, whose heart for service and encouragement shines throughout our community. Originally from Oklahoma, Ruth moved to Delaware to spend time with her mother and aunts, bringing with her a lifelong passion for helping others. She also serves as Secretary/Treasurer for the Milford Area Ministerial Association and spent 10 years singing alongside her husband, Ken, in nursing homes across Delaware and Maryland, bringing joy and comfort through music. Ruth began volunteering with MAH as a Board Member and Corporate Secretary, where she continues to encourage others with kindness, compassion, and dedication. She enjoys photography, spending time with her dog, and walking beside those in need with loving kindness and human dignity. Her servant’s heart is a beautiful reminder that even small acts of kindness can make a lasting impact.

Joyce Dew is the Treasurer of “The Advocacy” and Grant Team Steward. Before entering the nonprofit sector, Joyce built a strong foundation in commercial banking and mortgage lending. However, she spent the last 20 years in the credit union movement, drawn to its core mission of serving the underserved. Joyce saw a perfect parallel between the credit union philosophy of people helping people and Milford Advocacy’s mission to support vulnerable neighbors. Today, she channels that exact passion into managing MAH resources and securing critical grants to build a stronger, more equitable community.

Loyda Santiago is a community leader, ordained minister, and community advocate with a lifelong commitment to serving vulnerable individuals and families. A Delaware resident for more than 25 years, she serves as Associate Pastor of IDD Casa de Restauración alongside her husband, John Velázquez.

Throughout her career, Loyda has dedicated herself to strengthening communities through service, advocacy, and leadership. She began her work supporting Latino children and their families at the Boys & Girls Club of Delaware, where she served as Program Director and ESL Family Services. She later served as a Case Manager in a domestic violence program and worked as a Parent Consultant at the Parents Information Center (PIC), assisting families of children with disabilities. Since 2018, she has focused on serving individuals experiencing homelessness, partnering with shelters and community organizations to connect people with resources, support, and hope.

Loyda holds an Associate Degree in Accounting and recently earned a Bachelor’s Degree in ministry at Pentecostal Theological Seminary, where she was honored with the Academic Excellence and Pentecostal Leadership Award. She is honored to serve on the Board of Milford Advocacy for the Homeless and remains committed to fostering stronger communities through compassionate leadership, collaboration, and service.

Rick Upchurch is a Board Member at “The Advocacy”. and Steward of the Cooling & Warming Centers. He has lived in Milford since 2022 and serves as Pastor of First Presbyterian Church. His background in ministry, social services, and the health insurance industry brings a unique perspective to the board.

Rick understands the imperative from Matthew 25 that loving your neighbor requires practical compassion for the vulnerable. To care for your neighbor, you must first get to know them. For Rick, it starts with relationship. Rick knows the importance of ensuring that everyone has access to the full spectrum of resources required to thrive. That means having a safe, caring place to live.

He believes that being poor is not a crime; however, systems of oppression that perpetuate homelessness are egregious. Rick is committed to creating pathways for stability, increasing access to resources, restoring dignity, and building agency and self-sufficiency for those who need it most. 

Jessica Reed is a Board Member at “The Advocacy” and Steward of the In-Kind & Donations and Fulfillment Program. She is a proud mom to 3 beautiful daughters and a Gigi to one granddaughter. For many years, she has been deeply committed to serving survivors of domestic and sexual violence with compassion, dignity, and unwavering support. This work has shaped her servant heart and strengthened her belief that every person deserves to feel safe, heard, and valued. Through advocacy, crisis intervention, and simply being present during some of the hardest moments in people’s lives, she has learned the importance of empathy, patience, and respect. Her passion for helping others extends to the homeless community, where she strives to show kindness without judgment and recognize the humanity and resilience in every individual. She believes true service comes from meeting people where they are, treating them with dignity, and offering hope, encouragement, and support whenever possible.

(This space is under construction.)

(This space is under construction. )

Rachel Kent is a Board Member and Steward for the ID Assist Program at “The Advocacy”. She was born and raised in Milford, and she has a compassion for people less fortunate in the community. She became aware of MAH while helping a senior she met, who had lost his apartment of 35 years and was living on the street in his car.

She’s passionate about serving and advocating for the homeless with the heart of Christ—building relationships, meeting practical needs, and striving to make disciples who grow deeply in faith, truth, and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. Pointing neighbors to Jesus, believing that’s where true transformation starts, but always respecting where every person is on their spiritual journey, and just becoming the hands and feet of Jesus to those God allows partnering with.

She joined the dedicated team of MAH back in August of 2025 as a Board Member, Journey Partner, & Steward over the ID Assist Program. Her passions are serving her community, spending time with her family and friends, making disciples of Jesus, and loving people to life!

John Balthaser has dedicated his life to serving both his community and the construction industry. For 38 years, he has proudly served as a volunteer firefighter, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to helping others in times of need.

John began his career in the construction industry at the age of 18 and has built decades of experience in the field. He currently works in sales within the custom building industry, where he continues to apply his extensive knowledge and passion for quality craftsmanship. He was a Pennsylvania resident for 53 years; John relocated to Delaware in 2021, where he has continued his tradition of community involvement and service.

Throughout the years, John has served as a trustee for his church and as a member of the Building and Grounds Committee, helping maintain and improve church facilities. Within his fire company, he has also served as a trustee. He has volunteered countless hours organizing community carnivals, parades, and fundraising events that bring neighbors together while supporting the fire company’s mission.

Whether through emergency services, his professional career, his church, or local community organizations, John has consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic, integrity, and a genuine desire to give back. His lifelong commitment to serving others has made a lasting and meaningful impact on the communities he has called home, reflecting his belief that the strongest communities are built through service, leadership, and dedication.

Esther Miller Our Daily Bread Team Lead

(This space is under construction)