Jason and Jenna Shinholster have a storied past. The two met 15 years ago, early in recovery. But as the couple re-discovered their faith together, they dreamed of a future where they could make a difference in the lives of others who struggle with addiction and the challenges of life.
Jenna, a hair stylist with a heart for ministry, uses her salon, JS Salon & Heart in Miramar Beach, as a safe place for women to come, get pampered, and share whatever is on their minds.
“My salon is a ministry; it’s become something bigger than me,” Jenna said. “It’s a very different atmosphere to be in than other salons - I play worship music, I get to pray for and with my clients - my chair is just a space for them to feel safe.”
In addition to her salon, Jenna often visits the Blue Door homeless shelter in Destin to offer homeless men and women free haircuts.
Together, the Shinholsters run a life recovery ministry at Watershed Community church called LifeLine. Men and women can share their struggles and get support from others who have walked the same road and found freedom.
“We were both given a gift of new life. We were both so broken before we became followers of Jesus, and now restored, we want to help others experience this type of life,” Jason said. “We have a passion for ministry because we hate to see people struggle with the same things we did. I know that God brought us together for a reason. People often ask, how did you find God? God wasn’t lost; we were. That’s the heartbeat of our ministry.”
Jason has also taken his ministry into his career, as he often hires former inmates to work with him in his business, White Ox Construction. What started as offering a few men career training and a job in his construction business has become a full-blown ministry of training men to transition from inmates to trade-skilled citizens.
“They just come! God sends them to me,” Jason said, explaining how he finds the men he employs. “A lot of people in business have to go out and search for the right employees, and we don’t have to do that. Sure, there can be drawbacks to that because it takes time to train and teach a trade and life skills. But I believe if more businesses build their employees up, loyalty to their employers would increase.”
The Shinholsters have launched a non-profit ministry and plan to build and open a transitional home for men recently released from prison and looking for a fresh life. With the support of the community, they have already begun the journey to raise $250,000 by the end of 2024.
“The idea for the transitional home sprang from the fact that years ago, I could not find a place for my employees to live affordably,” Jason said. “I’m counting on people in the community to step up and give them opportunities.”