HARLETON, Texas (KLTV) - Since 2000, the founder of J-Star Ministries has been helping people in East Texas and all over the country. After unsuccessfully attempting to set up his nonprofit in several locations in Longview, he finally decided to set up shop at his grandfather’s farm near Harleton.
Patrick Johnson is always busy. If he hears about people in trouble, he loads up his trailer with immediate need supplies from his disaster warehouse and goes. His endeavors in Longview, including partnering with another nonprofit, just didn’t work out.
“COVID threw everything off. After a little while, they contacted me and said, ‘Hey, this is over. So, this is my grandfather’s property, which is now our property,” Johnson said.
He took J-Star Ministries home to Harleton.
“I want the land to be used in the right way that people will, you know, just feel loved, appreciated, those that come here and are struggling financially or with food,” Johnson said.
From his property, he gives away food three Fridays a month and doesn’t turn down anyone who just shows up needing help. Johnson’s “Success Through Attitude and Respect,” or J-Star, is also about helping struggling kids.
“We do the coats for youth, we do Christmas for kids, and everything. So, every child in our program will automatically be on that list and be taken care of,” Johnson said.
He and his wife take groups of up to 15 students on day trips.
“It’s educational, you know. We want to whet their appetite for college and let them see something different, and get them out of their particular comfort zone, if you will,” Johnson said.
Patrick may take them to a university or a business and will even teach them how to change a tire.
“Practical things that they can use not only now but later on in life,” Johnson said.
And as far as his food pantry, well, that’s not new. Patrick said his grandfather would give away some of the produce he grew to those in need, so he’s just carrying on a family tradition.
Johnson also delivers. He recently took a load of supplies to California fire victims, and next Tuesday he’s taking immediate need items to Ada, Oklahoma, tornado victims. If you’d like to donate, you can drop off water, nonperishable food and toiletries at Infinity Nutrition at 1809 West Loop 281, suite 134, in Longview.
Copyright 2025 KLTV. All rights reserved.