Written by Megan Malugani for Rochester Magazine 

3 Ways You Can Help: 

Salt & Light Partners is a young but growing nonprofit dedicated to supporting Southeastern Minnesota’s first responders and their families.

Founded in Rochester in 2021, the organization began when then-Rochester Police Chief Jim Franklin asked local pastor and U.S. Army veteran George Beech about starting a chaplaincy program for officers.

“I didn’t even know what that meant at first,” recalls Beech, who now serves as the organization’s executive director. “But once I researched it, I realized chaplains could make an incredible difference for officers, their families and the people they serve – often on the worst days of their lives.”

From that conversation, Salt & Light grew into a multi-agency support system. Today, three full-time staff and 20 part-time chaplains walk alongside first responders across several agencies, including the police departments of Rochester, Austin and Winona, the Rochester Fire Department, the Olmsted County Sheriff's office and Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service. Chaplains – most of them pastors – dedicate about five hours a week to ride-alongs, confidential conversations, family support, and simply being present for citizens who witness or are impacted when crisis strikes.

“Unlike many helping professions, we’re able to build relationships long before there’s a crisis,” Beech explains. “That means when something difficult happens – whether a line-of-duty incident or a personal struggle – we already know them and their families. They can trust us.”

Salt & Light chaplains provide support through all of life’s seasons. They celebrate weddings and new babies, and they show up in times of trauma, grief, or marital strain. Families facing hardship receive meals, lawn care, childcare, and emotional support. Special outings – such as Minnesota Wild games – build camaraderie and connection.

The foundation of the model is confidentiality, consistency, and compassion: creating a lifeline for those who regularly face stressors few outside their profession fully understand.

How You Can Help

Pray. Salt & Light values the prayers of community members who want to uplift first responders.

Give. Donations fuel the organization’s growth, allowing chaplains to expand into more agencies. Gifts can be made online at saltandlightpartners.org. Salt & Light also hosts an annual fundraising gala, Hearts for Heroes. The next gala is set for March 13, 2026 at the Rochester International Event Center.

Volunteer. During National Police Week in May, help with family events is welcomed. Volunteers can serve food, run games, or offer unique talents by emailing info@saltandlightpartners.org.

At a Glance

Founded: 2021

Mission: “We care for the mind, body, heart, and spirit of first responders, their families, and the citizens whom they serve.”

Impact in 2024: Provided 2,848 hours of service in 2023. Responded to 164 critical incidents. Engaged in 925 events. Facilitated 1,104 individual contact.

Saltandlightpartners.org, 507-218-2119

4240 18th Ave NW, Rochester, MN 55901