Our Father's Hands, A/K/A {OFH} Clothing for a Cause is the premiere used clothing store in West Cobb! We are a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
The Beginning
This ministry started over 3 years ago. I was led by God to provide clothing to those in need. I was also to quit my job. Quickly, I became aware of needs that went beyond just clothing. I also became aware of just how much time, energy and the means to provide ministry would take. I started in an out building I begged for on a church property. I shared space with a tractor and other maintenance items. A bible study came to my aid with funds to buy some plastic tubs and shelving and I was donated several clothing racks. So with no bathroom or air conditioning and naming the mice as one would do with pets, I set out to get donated clothing. I contacted everyone I knew and hooked up with the lead social worker for Cobb County schools. I was able to provide clothing to needy children and their families through the social workers. The ministry grew.
The Store
Suddenly, in the summer of 2008, God gave me a whole new vision. I was to open a store. He provided a very unlikely location. The building He would use had been slated for demolition. All tenants were gone as well as all of the air-conditioning units and no running water. The building was (is) in rough shape, but I saw it through God’s eyes. He knew with some elbow grease and hard work we could open a thrift store. We would still be able to provide clothing free to those in need but now there would be a means to provide funding also. Within a period of about two weeks I was in the store. Clothing racks, front counter and unbelievable clothing was coming in from resources I could never have imagined. God provided ‘appointments’ with people that would be the source of items in need.
We carried 5 gallon buckets of water to work each day to manually flush the toilet. The back space area was piled head high with debris and rat droppings. Undaunted, I set to work. I was given free rent for 2 months and in less than one year that rough half of a store had become a unique boutique and a place of ministry. It is no longer a ‘thrift store’. It has become {OFH} Clothing for a Cause (Our Father’s Hands).
Tomorrow's Opportunities
Now, nearly one year from the day we opened the store, He is expanding the ministry. We had occupied only one half of the store front. We will now occupy the entire building. Once more I will face bathroom issues, flooring, lighting and increased operating expenses. I am excited to watch and see whom He will bring to help with the expansion.
{OFH} Clothing for a Cause has been funding Street Reach since our first month. Street Reach is a ministry through West Cobb Church that feeds the homeless every Thursday night. Learn more about Street Reach.
