Submitted
It was a match made in heaven for Marilyn’s Place Non-Food Pantry (MPNFP) and the Bethel Lutheran Church congregation.
The Care Center at Bethel opened recently in a former farmhouse neighboring the church that has been at 206th Street and Cumberland Road for 25 years. Generations had gathered in that house to solve problems, give blessings and gifts, and weather life’s storms. Its first new occupant is Marilyn’s Place, a nonprofit organization that continues the tradition by providing families-in-need with home goods, hygiene products and other essentials.
“Marilyn’s Place was unable to continue its lease and faced having to end its mission last year,” explained the Rev. Dave Hill, Bethel pastor. “We heard of their plight, recognized the need and invited them to use classroom space in the church until our congregation was able to remodel the house for them.”
Marilyn’s Place is now open Tuesday through Saturday in the Care Center at Bethel, 9810 E. 206th St. Arrangements are being made to occasionally offer social services intake and employment counseling at the center, as well.
“Food pantries bridge the gap between staying alive and eating for health. Non-food pantries eliminate having to choose between warm, clean clothes and a safe place to sleep,” explained Glenn Conn, MPNFP board president and the volunteer clients are most likely to meet at the site when they are in need of clean, used clothing, cleaning supplies or personal hygiene products.
“Food and water are survival necessities,” says Hilary Ricks, MPNFP co-founder and board officer. “Work, weather, and school-appropriate clothing, personal hygiene products, and cleaning supplies are quality-of-life necessities. So are dignity, self-esteem, and self-confidence. Financial insecurity makes it difficult, if not impossible, to have all, some, or any of them.”
Bethel Lutheran Church is a 167-year-old congregation built by local people wanting to share community and God’s word. In addition to adding Marilyn’s Place to the campus, Legacy Christian School opened its satellite preschool program this month in the main building.
“The Care Center at Bethel builds on our history of being an engaged and engaging congregation that works faithfully to meet the needs of our Hamilton County neighbors,” Hill continued. “God has blessed us immeasurably with our church and property. We are humbled to join with Marilyn’s Place and Legacy to use it to help others.”
For more information on Marilyn’s place, visit MarilynsPlaceInc.org or call (317) 219-5449. For more information on Bethel Lutheran Church, visit BethelLutheranChurch.com or call (317) 773-4315.
This place is a Godsend to so many people. Third phase has a store for non food items but these citizens cannot afford what they charge for clothes and cleaning items. Marylynns place helps with resources and no charge for items they could otherwise not afford. Glenn Carries out this mission for his mother, spread the love Glenn. Thank you for your time and love serving our community.