Janada “Mimi” Batchelor
Mimi told Chris he could go to the Serengeti, but that as a condition, he had to volunteer at a center for street boys first. He reluctantly agreed because, well, he really wanted to go on a safari! However, it took no time at all for him to fall in love with the people and culture, and came back to that same center for years. Ultimately, he felt called to do more. It was that trip in 2002 that started what would eventually become JBFC and then Mainsprings.
Mimi’s friendship to everyone, no matter their background or walk of life, and her drive to make this world a better place is why Mainsprings exists today. She was stubborn, ornery, funny, loving, understanding, lovable, and an all around character who brightened everyone’s world around her. She had three children and eight grandchildren, and taught all of them how to live their lives with compassion, conviction, and class.
Today, her name and legacy live on, not only in the official name of the organization, but also in our residential program, affectionately named “Bibi Mimi’s Girls’ Home”, a name chosen by some of our older residential girls who grew to know and love Mimi- as so many people around the world did. Her inspiration is truly changing our world, one child at a time.