When you look good, you feel good, and that can go a long way toward boosting self confidence. That's why Chico's Jesus Center is now distributing clothing to those among us who are most in need.
The Free Store is located in a former gallery, on East 13th street...across the street from The Jesus Center. Its clients are poor, and most often homeless. Purchases here are paid for with vouchers worth 25 dollars ...distributed at the Jesus Center to those who can't afford even thrift stores. Connie Nicholaus is Director of the Sabbath House Shelter for Women and Children, also run by the Jesus Center, "We had a young man last month needed clothing for job interview. do have professional clothing room and we were able to get him outfitted with dress shirt, tie , slacks and shoes. came back three days later said needed more clothes because he just got the job he interviewed for."
The Free Store is open just three days a week, for four hours each day. It's staffed by volunteers, and women staying at the Sabbath House. The women benefit by gaining work experience," It's really a community project. Stores donated clothing racks and hangars, and some of the fixtures. It's so nice to have support from the community."
More volunteers and donations of clothing...especially for men...are always welcome. Financial donations are also critical. The Jesus Center's primary mission is feeding the hungry. So far this year it has served 100 thousand meals.. already eight thousand more than all of last year. Bill Such is the Executive Director, "We're on a main street, we're an open book, people can come in, see what we do. serve in dining room , work in warehouse, help with programs. so they can see the value of what happens when you give of yourself, and time and energy, to help someone else."When you look good, you feel good, and that can go a long way toward boosting self confidence. That's why Chico's Jesus Center is now distributing clothing to those among us who are most in need.
