The people behind the ministry
A husband-and-wife team who have lived alongside first responders — and a few four-legged colleagues who help carry the weight.
Pastors Jan & Lourdes Cary
A husband-and-wife team who have lived alongside first responders for decades — and answered the call to stand with them in their hardest hours.
Pastor Jan Cary
Founder · Ordained Minister · ChaplainJan spent more than 35 years in law enforcement — beginning as a fire investigator and patrol deputy, and rising through detective sergeant to elected Sheriff, Chief of Police, and state officer. He's a graduate of the FBI National Academy (Session 208).
That career gave him a front-row seat to how deeply first responders need spiritual support. He's now a Licensed Clinical Pastoral Counselor and Professional Clinical Member of the National Christian Counselors Association, holding a Doctorate in Biblical Exposition and a Master of Ministry in Christian Counseling from Andersonville Theological Seminary, with a Bachelor's in Theology from International Bible College.
Pastor Lourdes Cary
Co-Founder · Marriage Mentor · CounselorMarried to Jan for more than 28 years, Lourdes has watched firsthand how stress on the job reaches into a responder's home and family. As a survivor of severe domestic violence in a previous relationship, she brings a rare, personal understanding of the pressures that can lead to conflict.
Her compassion and steadiness make her a quick source of comfort for spouses and families navigating hard seasons — and a trusted voice in the marriage mentoring and SYMBIS relationship work she leads alongside Jan.
Together, Jan and Lourdes are Ordained Ministers, certified Marriage Mentors, SYMBIS Relationship Facilitators, and certified Cancer Care Ministers, and both serve as Florida State Elders with the National Association of Christian Ministers.
Our Comfort Assistants
Every ministry needs a wagging tail on a hard day. Meet the three dogs who greet families and responders alongside Jan and Lourdes.
Walt
Protector on dutyLoyal and watchful, Walt keeps a close eye on his sisters and on every visitor who comes through the door.
Lilly
10-year-old ChihuahuaA spirited tug-of-war champion who's happy to take your mind off a hard day, one game at a time.
Patch
2½-year-old Mini HeelerPlayful and protective in equal measure — always up for a game of fetch and always watching over his family.
Together, they want nothing more than to sit beside you in a stressful moment — simply by being there.