Who We Are
Our Story
Over two decades of faith, service, and community — rooted in South St. Petersburg and growing toward something even greater.
Our Core ValuesEnding hunger and giving hope in St. Petersburg, FL, since 2003
The Founders
Jay & Dr. Karalynne Brubaker
For more than two decades, Jay and Dr. Karalynne Brubaker have faithfully served the people of South St. Petersburg through compassion, faith, and action.
In 2003, following an overseas mission trip, Karalynne sensed God speaking clearly to her heart:
"St. Petersburg is your mission field."
Together, she and Jay answered that calling, establishing the ministry that would become the foundation of Positive Impact's work today.
What began as a heart to serve neighbors in need grew into a ministry providing food, prayer, encouragement, and hope to thousands throughout the community. Today, their legacy continues through Positive Impact ST. PETE, serving nearly 1,000 households each week and carrying forward their belief that every person deserves to be seen, valued, loved, and treated with dignity.
Jay and Karalynne remain actively involved in the work they began, helping guide Positive Impact as it enters its next chapter and prepares for The Impact Center.
Honors
Awards & Recognition
Sravasti Global Humanities Award
Dr. Karalynne Brubaker
Keys to the City of St. Petersburg
Jay Brubaker — Presented by Mayor Kenneth Welch
Keys to the City of St. Petersburg
Dr. Karalynne Brubaker — Presented by Mayor Rick Kriseman
MLK Jr. Humanitarian Award
Jay & Dr. Karalynne Brubaker
P-TECH College Community Partnership Award
Presented to Jay & Dr. Karalynne Brubaker in recognition of their lasting commitment to partnership and community impact in St. Petersburg.
Media Coverage
In the News
Bay News 9 Everyday Hero
Karalynne Brubaker
St. Pete nonprofit making an impact. Cars lined up during the holidays to receive free food, including turkeys and hams. "Every Saturday, we give fresh meats, produce, and pastries to our local neighbors. There's no registration, no sign-up, just show up."
View StoryBay News 9 Everyday Hero
Jay Brubaker
A Pinellas County man has been serving and protecting his community for five decades. When Jay Brubaker retired from the St. Petersburg Police Department in 2002, he became a reserve officer, then a firearms instructor, and now organizes a huge feeding ministry.
View StoryExecutive Director & CEO
Karen Rae Selm
Karen Rae Selm serves as Executive Director & CEO of Positive Impact ST. PETE, carrying forward the legacy of service established by her parents while leading the organization into its next chapter.
With more than 20 years of experience in branding, business development, and organizational leadership, Karen brings a strategic and collaborative approach to expanding Positive Impact's reach. She is leading the vision for The Impact Center, a Community Impact Campus designed to bring food, health, trusted resources, opportunity, and hope together in one place.
Karen is passionate about moving beyond meeting immediate needs to creating pathways toward lasting transformation. She is also the creator of Made for Impact, a faith-based personal development program helping individuals discover their God-given purpose and live lives of significance.
Above all, Karen's leadership is rooted in her faith, her commitment to serving others, and her belief that food opens the door, relationships build trust, and hope creates possibility.
Learn about Made for Impact
Get Involved
Be Part of the Impact
The story isn't finished — and you have a role to play. Give, serve, or partner with us to keep hope alive in St. Petersburg.