GIVING BACK
Answering the Call By Paige Youmans
I
llness. Accident. Job loss. Eviction. For some Lexington County residents, these issues could result in a sense of helplessness and hopelessness. Enter Mission Lexington, a coordinated response for those who find themselves amid a crisis. Founded in 1978, Mission Lexington serves as the hub of care, assisting families and individuals in crisis with major essentials: food, clothing, shelter, resources, and guidance. With its mission based on Matthew 25:40 to “glorify God by serving our
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neighbors in crisis,” the Mission operates a thrift store, social service information center, food bank, and donation center. With a limited full-time staff coordinating efforts, the Mission counts among their network partners many local businesses, government agencies, corporations, organizations, individuals, and more than 50 member churches who sustain and support their vision. Executive Director Robin Bowers has continued to ensure the success of the Mission’s programs and its ongoing financial stability. This includes maintaining independence as well as overseeing the expansion and restructuring of facilities to accommodate the needs of the ever-expanding Lexington population. Under Bowers’ leadership, the Mission has seen the percentage of families and individuals served increase exponentially. Amy Reeves, Director of Community Relations, notes that "Lexington County is growing at a rate of 13% annually, and the number of our neighbors in need is growing." This has resulted in a staggering increase in the numbers served by the Mission. Each month the food pantry assists 1200 families and an additional 170 seniors through the mobile food pantry outreach. During the holidays roughly 2000 families are accommodated with holiday food baskets and 700 families receive gifts to place under the tree. In addition to food and basic hygiene provisions, the Mission also provides clothing. Reeves adds that the Mission has distributed $95,000 in clothing vouchers this year, which comes to about $8,000 a month in clothing provided for eligible clients. As a fiscally savvy visionary, Bowers proudly notes that the thrift shop funds the operational budget, ensuring the Mission remains financially sound, which is often a difficult status for nonprofit organizations to secure. The Mission continues to seek community support through financial contributions, donations of basic necessities, and volunteers to deliver quality services to Lexington County residents in crisis. There are many opportunities to get involved, such as signature events that
