ROCKWALL, TX (Feb. 10, 2015) One Man’s Treasure Clothes Closet recently celebrated ten years of positively impacting the lives of formerly incarcerated men, during its annual Mardi Gras Volunteer Appreciation Get-together.
The event honored the hardworking volunteers of the faith-based 501(c)3 organization who dedicate their time each year helping to provide clothing for formerly incarcerated men in hopes of allowing them to adopt a positive self-image as they face a new world and try to find jobs. Host Nancy Laspe treated guests to fine refreshments and Mardi Gras favorites, including a Mardi Gras King Cake, at her home in Rockwall where the event took place.
Longtime volunteers of the clothes closet were recognized during the event. Jessie Martin and Ed Bishop were honored for their 5th year of volunteer service to One Man’s Treasure, while Evelyn Harrill and Sandi Herrington were awarded Volunteer of the Year honors. Volunteers who have been with One Man’s Treasure throughout its 10-year existence were also recognized and include Bonnie Keeling, Ken and Sue Turner, Lynne Wall, Roy and Joetta Douglas and Dick and Mary Carter.
One Man’s Treasure was created in 2005 in order to make a difference in the lives of formerly incarcerated men who, once they leave a Texas prison, are forced to make a life for themselves with little money, the clothes on their backs and a bus ticket.
The organization has seen tremendous growth starting in 2012 and serves around 800-875 men annually. The clothes closet has a total of 187 volunteers, including 114 shepherds who deliver clothing directly to its clients. Volunteers donated over 31,000 hours, a real testament to their devotion and willingness to carry out the clothes closet’s mission of successfully helping to transition formerly incarcerated men into a positive role as productive members of society.
Executive Director of One Man’s Treasure Annette Jenkins said although the clothes closet has seen an increase in its outreach, making known the difficulties that its clients face when leaving prison remains a steadfast goal for the organization.
“One of the challenges of the ministry is to raise public awareness of the critical needs of the formerly incarcerated and the impact of having thousands of indigent men return home to our communities with limited, or no support, to meet their basic needs of housing, transportation, food, clothing, and employment,” Jenkins said. “One of the goals this year is to promote awareness through group presentations and expand the support base of the ministry within the faith and business community as well as with individuals who have a concern for the underserved.”
One Man’s Treasure still has many needs, and those looking to make a difference can do so in a number of ways, including volunteering to deliver clothing, helping with the annual coat drive in November, and donating good, washable men’s clothing and shoes.
“One Man’s Treasure has been blessed over the past ten years with support within the Rockwall/Heath community, as well as Dallas and surrounding counties, that has allowed the organization to meet the needs created by the tremendous growth it has experienced,” Jenkins said. “We are truly thankful for the individuals, churches, and business who have generously given of their time and talents.”
A 10th Anniversary Service of Thanksgiving & Praise will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22 at Lovers Lane United Methodist Church, Shipp Chapel in Dallas. Join them in an interdenominational praise and worship service celebrating One Man’s Treasure ten years of ministry. RSVP to 972-771-4141 or 214-532-9819.
For more information on One Man’s Treasure visit its website at onemanstr.org or call 1 (888) 433-9826.
By Austin Wells, Blue Ribbon News staff writer and reporter.
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