Even though Hope Ministries has operated in Senatobia for over 40 years, the last several months have seemed like a grand opening of sorts for the local organization dedicated to giving back.
A new store manager, an expanded food pantry and additional office/outreach space right next door are just a few things that have been added to support Hope Ministries’ quest to meet the needs of people in emergency situations.
Hope Ministries, located at 110 Robinson Street for the last 30 years, originally began as part of The Baddour Center in 1982 and coordinated with local churches to respond to the urgent necessities of people in Tate County by providing food, clothing and utility assistance when required aid isn’t available from other programs and agencies.
Since its inception, Hope Ministries has served thousands in need to help fill the gap for those who have no other place to turn. The non-denominational organization works in accompaniment with other agencies, not to duplicate their efforts but to assist in the community.
Hope Ministries provides vital help to the unemployed, victims of fire loss, the disabled and others experiencing crises in their lives.
“There are plenty of ministry opportunities in Tate County,” said Frank Beck, board chairman for Hope Ministries the last 12 years. “We are not federally funded so donations and contributions make up about 90 percent of what we do.”
On a typical day inside the resale shop and food pantry at Hope Ministries you will see a dedicated group of volunteers hustling to stock shelves in the pantry by unloading bags of food and other staples.
Some are stocking up several freezers with meat. Other dedicated volunteers sort hangers, hang and straighten clothing and shelve items to ensure they are in the proper place. A common sight is a group of bargain-hunting customers perusing racks of clothing and shelves of toys, books, housewares and other items.
“We put in a lot of effort to coordinate everything to provide a better shopping experience,” said Erika Pittman, store manager at Hope Ministries since January. Pittman replaced Dorothy Williams who retired at the end of last year after working at Hope Ministries for 40 years.
Gracious local donors like Walmart in Senatobia donate to the food pantry three days a week which allows Hope Ministries to feed Tate County families.
The walk-in food pantry is open every Tuesday from 9 a.m. until noon, and Wednesdays are set aside for utilities assistance beginning at 9 p.m. with an appointment. Hope Ministries is open Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Donations can also be dropped off during those hours. If you would like to volunteer in the resale shop or food pantry, call 662-562-4673.
