Inside-Out Ministries expands at new location

By July 1, Inside-Out Ministries will have a new home.

The new location, 103 Gin Oaks Court, is west of Sullivan Street near downtown.

Founders Larry and Deborah Ward are excited about the move from Hughes Plaza. “We know it will give us more opportunity and space to serve the community so much better,” Deborah Ward said.

“Inside-Out provides financial assistance for those who struggle to pay rent and utilities, plus we have the food pantry and resources for clothing and household needs … like washers, dryers and refrigerators,” she said.

Volunteers help with lawn care for the elderly, provide school snacks for the elementary schools via the local churches, along with numerous other tasks. “We were drawn to share resources God has put at our disposal and to seek out others who had a heart for helping,” she said.

Inside-Out Ministries’ current facility is approximately 1,500 square feet, and the food pantry occupies half the space. Taking the remainder of space are three small offices and a general purpose room for budget or job counseling.

At Gin Oaks Court, the ministry will occupy the western third of the facility for about 5,000 square feet. “That’s three times the space we have now,” she said. With some adjustments, the Wards and volunteers will have five offices, a much larger food pantry and space for clients to use computers.

Each day in June, volunteers are needed:

* Painting, along with brushes, rollers and paint pans.

* Housecleaning for restrooms and the lobby.

* Laying carpet or acid washing or staining floors, plus related materials.

* Wiring for telephone and Internet installation.

* Packing the food pantry at the old location.

* For moving, trucks, trailers and “strength,” she said.

“There’s so much to be done,” Ward said. “We welcome anyone’s skills and help during this time of change.”

To volunteer for the move, call 256-325-5193 or send email to inside-outministries.org and state availability times and tasks. For more volunteer options, visit inside-outministries.org.