22 Jan Social Enterprise Part 1: Wheeler Mission Store
This piece (Part 1 in a series on Wheeler’s social enterprise) is guest authored by Charlene Moutray, former guest and current Wheeler Mission staff member.
Colossians 3:23-24
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.
My name is Charlene, and I work for Wheeler Mission’s Store + Donation Center. As a graduate of Higher Ground, Wheeler’s addiction recovery program for women, I am proud to work and serve a ministry that supports our community. After completing the Higher Ground program, I started serving at the Donation Center. I have since stepped into a leadership role, building a strong team to best support Wheeler and our efforts in the Store + Donation Center. Wheeler Mission has been a continued encouragement in my life, providing consistent accountability and encouragement for my walk with Jesus.
About the Wheeler Mission Store
Our thrift store is a social enterprise of Wheeler Mission. We sell gently-used clothing, shoes, and household goods, with all proceeds benefiting Wheeler’s programs and guests. Guests can shop at the store for free, and when there is a need throughout Wheeler’s shelters, our team at the Donation Center works hard to provide quality items to fill that need. And as another layer of ministry, the Store staff knows our community and has built lasting relationships with our customers. Each of these entities could not work without the other.
An added blessing to my role at Wheeler is the opportunity to work with volunteers. Volunteers are a huge part of what makes the Store + Donation Center continue to thrive. Working with men and women who have a heartfelt desire to serve–and take the time to do so–reminds me of the goodness of Christ. I love sharing my story of success with people who are not familiar with Wheeler Mission and showing the community that change and transformation is possible with Jesus Christ.
Further, individuals currently in a Wheeler program come into the Donation Center to serve on a weekly basis. This provides them a regular opportunity to gain or maintain work experience and develop necessary job skills. Working with these souls that are in transition is a constant reminder that God is working and transforming lives, and that Wheeler is His vessel.
The Lord continues to mold and shape my life. Every day, I strive to serve the Lord and what He would have me to do, creating a peaceful, loving environment for the employees, volunteers, and customers. Thank you, Wheeler Mission, for the ways you support the community and those who help you serve.
Romans 12:2: Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is —his good, pleasing and perfect will.
P.S. You won’t want to miss Charlene’s incredible story of transformation and hope–watch it below!