Making a Difference, Not a Profit: How Grace's House is Transforming Lives One Outfit at a Time
The Thrift Store That's More Than Just a Store
Have you ever walked into a thrift store and felt an overwhelming sense of community, spirituality, and purpose? If not, you haven't visited Grace's House. This isn't just a place to find affordable clothing; it's a sanctuary where lives are transformed, both physically and spiritually. But what makes Grace's House so unique, and how can you be a part of something extraordinary?
What's the Deal with Grace's House?
Grace's House is a thrift store ministry under the umbrella of Callahan First, with a tagline that says it all: "Making a Difference...Not a Profit." The idea was birthed four years ago, "In 2019, we were asking the Lord for a vision for the new year 2020," says Lynn Hyatt, Senior Pastor of Callahan First. "One of those visions was the establishment of a clothing ministry that would minister to people's physical needs but ultimately open the door for opportunities to minister to their spiritual needs." Housed in a building on the brink of being bulldozed, the Grace's House breathed new life and purpose into the space, turning it into a beacon of hope and community engagement.
The mission of Grace's House perfectly aligns with where God is leading Callahan First. The church's thread is "For the Community," and Grace's House is an extension of that mission. It's not just about selling clothes; it's about fulfilling a higher purpose.
What's So Special About Shopping Here?
Have you ever heard of "shopping with dignity"? This principle is woven into the fabric of their daily operations at Grace's House. The store offers affordable quality clothing, ensuring everyone can shop without financial strain. Peggy Hyatt, Associate Director at Grace's House, elaborates on "shopping with dignity": "We simply accept everybody that comes into the door and make them all feel special. If we discern they don't have the finances through conversation and leading of the Holy Spirit, we 'bless them,' that's what we call it, and give it to them." This act of kindness often opens doors for deeper conversations about faith and spirituality.
"Another part of the dignity is the quality of the clothes," Lynn Hyatt adds. "If our team of style specialists wouldn't wear it quality-wise, then it doesn't go on the racks."
How has Grace's House impacted your life or someone you know? Share your stories in the comments below.
A Community of Faith and Service
The volunteers at Grace's House are not just staff but gifted disciples who minister. Through a prayerful selection and training process, they are equipped to serve the community while embodying the values of the ministry. Sharon Manning, Director at Grace's House, talks about volunteer staffing this way, "Much prayer, discernment, and sensitivity go into it. We try to make it very clear what our purpose is and keep that ongoing. The key is always fitting the right people into the correct role for them. Whether they're a styling specialist who helps customers pair cute outfits, a behind-the-scenes specialist sorting clothes, or a prayer specialist greeting people with a warm smile and welcoming word as they come in the door, they each have a specific role in this impactful opportunity."
The Prayer Wall inside the store is a testament to Grace's House's spiritual impact. "We have this prayer wall," says Peggy, Grace's House Associate Director. "People come in and look right to see it. When we first started, an older lady with her great-niece came in. The little girl was having so much fun. When they were about to leave, I started talking to her about Jesus, and she accepted Him right here."
The Prayer Wall is where prayers are posted, and powerful answers are witnessed, ranging from healing to finding a place to live. Manning and (Peggy) Hyatt also expressed their pleasant surprise at how quickly volunteers adapt and overcome their initial hesitations, especially in areas like sharing and praying with others. They stressed that comfort and a sense of being spiritually led are crucial for volunteers. They shared an anecdote about a volunteer who exceeded expectations by spontaneously praying with someone, embodying the essence of their everyday mission.
The Ripple Effect: Beyond the Store
Grace's House doesn't stop at providing clothing; it extends its impact into the broader community. Unlike traditional thrift stores that operate for profit, the earnings from Grace's House are reinvested into the community. When asked about the pricing structure, Hyatt and Manning joked, "One American Dollar." Hyatt later clarified, "It's very, very affordable. But that's what brings people in and keeps them coming. While we have some limitations on how much someone can buy at once, to protect the integrity of what we desire, we simply want to provide quality clothing at an affordable price."
Pastor Lynn added, "This financial model ensures that the store is a sustainable source of community betterment. The ministry also collaborates with other churches and organizations, emphasizing that making a difference is a collective effort."
"After the first two months, July and August receipts, we backed out card fees and sales tax that we had to pay, and we put the name of all four local public schools in a basket, and the ladies drew a name, and it turned out to be West Nassau High School. And so last Thursday, they met with Principal Pierce and presented him with that check for $3665.63 for the school to use as they desired. We want our community to know that all the church is in this to bless people when they shop but also to bless the community with the proceeds that do come in."
What are some ways you can make a difference in your community? Let's brainstorm together!
The Future is Bright
As for what lies ahead, the sky's the limit. With plans for expansion and the addition of new services, the ministry is open to anything that aligns with its mission of making a difference. Grace's House is more than a thrift store; it's a transformative community experience. It's a place where you can shop with dignity, find spiritual nourishment, and be part of a community that genuinely cares. The ministry is a living testament to the power of faith in action, proving that miracles happen when a community comes together for a greater good.
Your Next Steps
In a word to other leaders, Pastor Hyatt hopes to inspire others to make a difference in their own communities. He offers this encouragement, "Start by identifying the needs of your region and brainstorm ways to address them. And if you're moved by the work Grace's House is doing, reach out to us on Facebook to learn how you can support, strengthen, or even learn from our missteps and do something even greater in your context of ministry opportunity. The bottom line is to find a need in your community, find a closet in your church, and then fall to your knees and find out how God is leading you to meet that need. Let that closet become a birthing room of blessing in the lives of others."
What's one action you can take today to start making a difference? Share your thoughts, and let's make our communities better together.
