MEET MAMA TU-TU

CLICK HERE: ‘Mama Tutu’ of Jackson named as 2026 Remarkable Women winner

Wanda Beavers, affectionately known as “MaMa Tu-Tu”, has made it her mission to care for those in need. Born in Saginaw, Michigan, she earned the nickname “Tu-Tu” from her mother as a result of sucking on two fingers as a baby, The addition of “MaMa” came later, as she became known as a person who cares. Mama Tu-Tu and her three children arrived in Jackson in the early 1990's. They found themselves in a shelter for a short time, and then on the street. At times, they found refuge at the library and hospital. At other times they slept in 24- hour laundromats. She would help strangers with their laundry to prevent her family from getting kicked out and give her children a safe place to sleep. Eventually, they purchased a home, with the help of church donations towards the down payment. Mama’s house is the center of the neighborhood. Over the years, Mama’s house became known as a place of hospitality and care.

PROVIDING HELP AND HOSPITALITY
Jackson has so many organizations that provide help to those in need. And yet, folks fall through the cracks, for a variety of reasons. Mama Tu-Tu helps people navigate local resources. When she can’t find any, she often opens her own home - offering emergency shelter, showers, laundry, and basic sustenance. She s on the front lines of our local struggle with homelessness She provides all of this help with no pay and no budget. She relies on the generosity and donations of others.

HELP HER HELP OTHERS
St. Paul’s has established The Mama Tu-Tu Fund, to make it easier for others to contribute to Mama’s ministry. Contributions are fully tax deductible and will be held in a separate checking account restricted for this use. The fund is administered by our priest and regularly audited with all other St. Paul’s accounts. No funds will be spent without Mama Tu-Tu’s involvement and approval and will support the following:

• Support for individuals who are homeless or hungry
• Guidance and hospitality at Mama Tu-Tu's home
• Thanksgiving and Christmas food boxes
• Neighborhood/Community Events at Fourth of July and Easter
• Back to School Event and Giveaway

SUPPORT THIS WORK
Donate at www.stpaulsjxn.org/give and indicate “Mama Tutu Fund”

Checks with “Mama Tutu Fund” in the memo line may be sent to:
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
309 S. Jackson, MI. 49201-2214

Or go to our web page: https://stpauljxmi.breezechms.com/give/online and select "Mama Tutu Fund" in the dropdown menu