Good Works, Inc.

Hello, my name is Mike Shaub, and I came to Good Works shortly after moving to Athens with my wife, Tracy,  in August of 2022. I grew up in rural Lancaster County Pennsylvania, and pastored churches in Philadelphia, PA, and the small, former coal-mining, town of Mount Carmel, PA, before moving to Hartville Ohio in July of 2004. I worked as a chaplain at the Cleveland Clinic for 1 year and for a hospice in the Akron/Cleveland area for 17 years. 

I began volunteering with Good Works in October of 2022 and helped put some of the finishing touches on the Sign of Hope. The level of coordination and cooperation among the staff members and other volunteers, as well as their knowledge base, skill sets, and attention to detail immediately impressed me. Each one also had a refreshing sense of calling and mission, a sincere desire to care for and serve others, an a genuine faith in Jesus Christ. Inspired by these qualities in general, and the joy and satisfaction they found in their work, and in working with one another in particular, led me to join the Good Works staff.  

In April of 2023, I began working as a caregiver at the Good Works Timothy House. I continue to learn so much each day from the people we meet who are seeking shelter as well as from our current residents and my team members. While it was discouraging to realize how various systems in our society fail to protect vulnerable individuals and perpetuate generational poverty and other forms of exploitation that so often leads to substance abuse, mental illness, domestic violence, and even homelessness, it has been equally as rewarding to be a part of the solution; providing a source of encouragement and hope for people in such a great time of need.  

I have watched as residents and volunteers gain social skills, self-worth, kindness, and confidence together. This inevitably creates genuine community that will be source of guidance and blessing for years to come for all of us. This is a testimony to the fact that while the principles, practices, and patience employed at the Timothy House require determination and hard work, for those willing to stay committed to the process, it Will produce long lasting, positive change.

Many, regardless of how difficult the circumstances that brought them here are the, remember their time at the Timothy House fondly because of it’s unique and unequivocal commitment to honesty, hospitality, compassion and community. It is a true JOY to be a part of a Christian organization that shares God’s love in such practical, sustainable, and transformational ways. I thank God for bringing me here!  

In December 2024, I accepted some preaching and administrative responsibilities at the St. Paul United Methodist Church in Tuppers Plains Ohio. As of April 2025, I am working part time in both places.  I hope that employing the principles, lessons, and practices I have experienced at Good Works will result in spiritual growth and closer community within this congregation and throughout the surrounding neighborhood.  

Tracy and I love living in Athens with our dog Toby. We also enjoy traveling to visit our children, Hannah and Donald  and their son as well as Benjamin and Autumn; and Mary and Preston.

I also enjoy singing, hiking, kayaking, biking, landscaping, as well as playing the trumpet and volleyball.