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.
Addy's Attic
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.
Transitional Housing
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.
Free Meals
Prior to hosting meals at 188 East 3rd St, 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.
Additional Support
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.