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Who We Are
Our Story
Ending hunger and giving hope in St. Petersburg, FL, since 2003.
Awards & Recognition
2019 — Keys to the City
Presented to Dr. Karalynne Brubaker by Mayor Rick Kriseman. Honors distinguished persons and outstanding civic contributors to St. Petersburg, FL.
2017 — Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award
Awarded to Jay & Dr. Karalynne Brubaker. Presented annually to a humanitarian who embodies "a vision of peace, persistence in purpose, and inspirational action."
PTC Community Partnership Appreciation Award
Presented to Jay & Dr. Karalynne Brubaker in appreciation of longstanding exemplary support of Pinellas Technical College's culinary program.
The Founders
Pastors Jay and Dr. Karalynne Brubaker
Pastors Jay and Dr. Karalynne Brubaker founded Positive Impact Ministries out of a lifelong calling to serve others with compassion, faith, and action.
For more than five decades, Jay served the St. Petersburg community as a police officer, dedicating his life to protecting and caring for others. Dr. Karalynne spent over 20 years teaching the Bible, serving on overseas mission fields, and faithfully volunteering as a prayer partner with Dr. Lester Sumrall's ministry. Together, their lives reflected a shared passion for people and a deep commitment to faith in action.
In 2003, while on an overseas mission trip, God spoke clearly to Dr. Karalynne's heart:
"St. Petersburg, Florida, is your mission field."
That moment became the turning point. In April 2003, Positive Impact Ministries was born—right in the heart of the community they loved.
Since then, Jay and Karalynne, alongside dedicated volunteers, have served faithfully by leading church services, teaching Bible studies, hosting community outreach events, organizing fundraising banquets, and—most importantly—providing free groceries to thousands of children and families in need.
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
Karen Rae Selm
Karen Rae Selm is the Executive Director of Positive Impact ST. PETE and the daughter of its founders. Raised by strong parents of faith, she learned early that no dream is too big for God and that serving others is both a calling and a joy.
With a background in advertising and small business consulting, Karen brings strategic leadership and vision to Positive Impact. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she stepped into a deeper role as community needs surged, helping expand the organization's reach to meet both immediate hunger needs and long-term transformation.
Karen is passionate about restoring dignity, sharing hope, and empowering individuals—especially women—to recognize their God-given worth, discover their gifts, and thrive. She is the creator of the Made for Impact personal development curriculum — a program designed to help individuals discover their God-given purpose, build confidence, and move from survival to significance.
Karen is honored to carry forward her family's legacy of service and lead Positive Impact in creating lasting change across St. Petersburg.
Learn about Made for Impact