b'with God, others, and selfrather than merelybut also giving back to their neighborhood.presenting handouts to avert crises, they knewAn added benefit is that an individual who something needed to change.completed the Jobs for Life program at Hope We realized a lot of our approaches wereHouse could take on a position at the Community creating more dependency than opportunitiesStore. Ideally, Bryan said, the role would be a step-for empowerment and development, Bryan said.ping stone to a futurea better job where he or We knew what we wanted to do. We just didntshe could serve his or her city and family. At least know how to get there.two graduates were promoted from the thrift store The team at Hope House decided to maketo more responsible positions at Hope House.some significant changes based on their own research and on discussions with other agenciesFinding the best place and neighbors. M issions interested in setting up retail We want the ability to provide for our family,operations need to establish whether Bryan remembered the neighbors saying. Wethe store should be a profit center for want the ability to go to a store in our neighbor- the organization or more of an extension of the hood and pay for goods. ministry, said Steve of SMCo. The business he and The survey of area residents highlighted thathis father founded in 2012 assists gospel-based asking for handouts felt shameful for many.organizations with thrift stores through confer-People became discouraged and mentally andences, software, and services, including coaching emotionally exhausted. Founded in 2014, todayand full management. the Community Store is a place where communityWhile we certainly want to reveal Christ in members with financial hardships can find notour interactions with everyone involved, we are only reasonably priced, quality goods but alsoproponents of maximizing the value of the dona-dignity and the chance to start making meaning- tions that are entrusted to us in order to provide ful changes in their lives. the maximum funding for the nonprofit, he Were providing a pathway for a communitysaid. The nonprofit is the expert in distributing member to practice their call to be a provider, theirresources. Let the thrift operation be the expert call to be a participant, Bryan said. They like thatin generating funds. they are not just getting a good deal on clothingContinued on page 14\x02While we certainly want to reveal Christ in our interactions with everyone involved, we are proponents of maximizing the value of the donations that are entrusted to us in order to provide the maximum funding for the nonprofit. The nonprofit is the expert in distributing resources. Let the thrift operation be the expert in generating funds. Steve Slack Jr.JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022 WWW.CITYGATENETWORK.ORG 11'