Help Open a Community Outreach Center
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WHO WE ARE
Truth Ministries is comprised of a small group of volunteers who work directly with less fortunate members of our community. Whether someone is homeless or simply struggling to make ends meet, we believe that everyone matters. No one is disposable. Empathy is the most important aspect of what we do. We believe that, as a community, we should work together in order to make our town a better place for everyone, not just ourselves. With the uptick in our economy and renaissance of our downtown area, we believe there hasn’t been a better time to lend a helping hand. With all of the new businesses and revival of our town square, we are encouraging people to also consider the members of our community who are still struggling to get on their feet.
WHAT WE DO
Roger Ewers, founding pastor of Truth Baptist Church, bestowed his ministry to his daughter, Peggy Lewis, after passing away in 2012. Roger was passionate about helping those in need, offering free food and clothing at his church in Michigan. To carry on her father's tradition, Peggy opened Addy’s Attic in 2014. What first began as a thrift store to raise money for our homeless shelter has since grown into a larger, hands on effort to help the less fortunate and homeless people within our community. We currently operate out of four buildings and several other outposts.
Our first project was a thrift store in Lexington, OH called Addy’s Attic. We began selling donated clothing at Addy’s Attic in 2014. All of the proceeds from Addy’s Attic go towards giving back to the community with free breakfasts. Whatever doesn’t sell in the thrift store is then distributed for free to those in need. In the past, we have collaborated with Crossroads City Center to do large scale free clothing giveaways.
In 2016 we were generously gifted a property at 171 Blymyer St. in Mansfield, OH. This house currently functions as transitional housing. Tenants are offered free rent for periods of 1-3 months while they find work.
Given the demand, this past year we began renting another property at 188 East 3rd Street. Like 171 Blymyer St., this house is being used as transitional housing but it’s also where we host free breakfasts every Wednesday. Prior to having this property, we offered free meals on the square every month. We have found that providing hot food is one of the best ways to help the community. Once a month, we also participate in the First Christian Church community breakfast.
Besides the thrift store, transitional homes, and free breakfasts, we try to be responsive to the immediate needs of our community. We have reunited people with their families by purchasing them airline and bus tickets to get back home. We have bought and fixed a car for someone who didn’t have a means of transportation. We have temporarily employed people struggling or unable to find a job. We are always looking for ways to help.
Although we are not social workers or health professionals, we are actively educating ourselves on ways to be more helpful, understanding, and empathetic towards anyone who has fallen on hard times. Last Fall, some of us took a class addressing the opioid epidemic that impacts our community.
WHAT’S NEXT
Providing transitional housing is an important aspect of what we do, although we want to do more to help people get back on their feet. One of the ways we can do this is by providing a Community Outreach Center. This year we were generously gifted another property from Angie Henke of Reaching Out who had similar dreams for her building. Located at 70 Hedges Ave in Downtown Mansfield, not far from our other properties, we think this building would make a great community outreach center.
The community outreach center would function as a daytime shelter and provide clothing, basic household needs, food, and additional resources. We envision having volunteers at the center who can help people find jobs and inform them about the other resources and services available in our community. Most importantly, the volunteers would show anyone who enters our doors genuine support, love, and acceptance.
WHAT WE NEED
This project is perhaps our most ambitious yet. Until now, our only form of fundraising has been Addy’s Attic and various yard and parking lot sales that we’ve organized. Although these efforts have gotten us this far, we need more support to bring our next big dream to life. Right now we are asking for your help.
We have so many ideas for this building but must first start with it’s infrastructure. Before we can do anything, there is a terrible leak in the roof that needs to be fixed. This alone will cost a lot of money. How can you help? The best way to support our cause is by making a financial donation. Otherwise, we are always looking for volunteers and hands on support! In order to get this project off the ground, we are going to need building materials and people who can help with the construction. Once the center is open, we will begin accepting donations in the form of food and household items. If all of the churches in our community, all of the businesses and organizations, contribute something, pitch in just a little, we can make such a huge difference in the lives of so many people.
Truth Baptist Church is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Truth Ministries is comprised of a small group of volunteers who work directly with less fortunate members of our community. Whether someone is homeless or simply struggling to make ends meet, we believe that everyone matters. No one is disposable. Empathy is the most important aspect of what we do. We believe that, as a community, we should work together in order to make our town a better place for everyone, not just ourselves. With the uptick in our economy and renaissance of our downtown area, we believe there hasn’t been a better time to lend a helping hand. With all of the new businesses and revival of our town square, we are encouraging people to also consider the members of our community who are still struggling to get on their feet.
WHAT WE DO
Roger Ewers, founding pastor of Truth Baptist Church, bestowed his ministry to his daughter, Peggy Lewis, after passing away in 2012. Roger was passionate about helping those in need, offering free food and clothing at his church in Michigan. To carry on her father's tradition, Peggy opened Addy’s Attic in 2014. What first began as a thrift store to raise money for our homeless shelter has since grown into a larger, hands on effort to help the less fortunate and homeless people within our community. We currently operate out of four buildings and several other outposts.
Our first project was a thrift store in Lexington, OH called Addy’s Attic. We began selling donated clothing at Addy’s Attic in 2014. All of the proceeds from Addy’s Attic go towards giving back to the community with free breakfasts. Whatever doesn’t sell in the thrift store is then distributed for free to those in need. In the past, we have collaborated with Crossroads City Center to do large scale free clothing giveaways.
In 2016 we were generously gifted a property at 171 Blymyer St. in Mansfield, OH. This house currently functions as transitional housing. Tenants are offered free rent for periods of 1-3 months while they find work.
Given the demand, this past year we began renting another property at 188 East 3rd Street. Like 171 Blymyer St., this house is being used as transitional housing but it’s also where we host free breakfasts every Wednesday. Prior to having this property, we offered free meals on the square every month. We have found that providing hot food is one of the best ways to help the community. Once a month, we also participate in the First Christian Church community breakfast.
Besides the thrift store, transitional homes, and free breakfasts, we try to be responsive to the immediate needs of our community. We have reunited people with their families by purchasing them airline and bus tickets to get back home. We have bought and fixed a car for someone who didn’t have a means of transportation. We have temporarily employed people struggling or unable to find a job. We are always looking for ways to help.
Although we are not social workers or health professionals, we are actively educating ourselves on ways to be more helpful, understanding, and empathetic towards anyone who has fallen on hard times. Last Fall, some of us took a class addressing the opioid epidemic that impacts our community.
WHAT’S NEXT
Providing transitional housing is an important aspect of what we do, although we want to do more to help people get back on their feet. One of the ways we can do this is by providing a Community Outreach Center. This year we were generously gifted another property from Angie Henke of Reaching Out who had similar dreams for her building. Located at 70 Hedges Ave in Downtown Mansfield, not far from our other properties, we think this building would make a great community outreach center.
The community outreach center would function as a daytime shelter and provide clothing, basic household needs, food, and additional resources. We envision having volunteers at the center who can help people find jobs and inform them about the other resources and services available in our community. Most importantly, the volunteers would show anyone who enters our doors genuine support, love, and acceptance.
WHAT WE NEED
This project is perhaps our most ambitious yet. Until now, our only form of fundraising has been Addy’s Attic and various yard and parking lot sales that we’ve organized. Although these efforts have gotten us this far, we need more support to bring our next big dream to life. Right now we are asking for your help.
We have so many ideas for this building but must first start with it’s infrastructure. Before we can do anything, there is a terrible leak in the roof that needs to be fixed. This alone will cost a lot of money. How can you help? The best way to support our cause is by making a financial donation. Otherwise, we are always looking for volunteers and hands on support! In order to get this project off the ground, we are going to need building materials and people who can help with the construction. Once the center is open, we will begin accepting donations in the form of food and household items. If all of the churches in our community, all of the businesses and organizations, contribute something, pitch in just a little, we can make such a huge difference in the lives of so many people.
Truth Baptist Church is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Organizer
Peggy Lewis
Organizer
Mansfield, OH
