First United Methodist Church in Jefferson City operated a food pantry for about 20 years, but they changed all that last fall with a new concept.
The church stopped distributing food and, in October, opened its Fresh Start Market, a store that offers household cleaning supplies and hygiene products. It's the first of its kind in the local area, said Kristen Hilty, local missions coordinator and director of the Common Ground Community Building.
When the food pantry was up and running, Hilty said clients would inquire about dish soap, laundry detergent, diapers and everyday cleanliness products that food stamps don't cover. It was unpredictable if local food pantries would have the items available, she said.
"It was something clients couldn't count on," she said.
The requests became frequent enough that the church decided to pause and review its operation. After surveying its clients, the change was made. A one-time grant of $12,000 from the United Way of Central Missouri kickstarted the Fresh Start Market program. With the money, the church purchased products, shelves and storage, and a new computer and database system to track inventory and client information.
Since its opening, the Fresh Start Market has given nearly 9,000 products to about 850 individuals, accounting for more than 325 families. Just last month, 224 clients were assisted.
The Fresh Start Market uses a points-based system. Clients are given points based on their family size. Families of one to two are given 50 points to spend; three to four members get 100 points; and five or more, 150 points. If there is a diaper-wearing child in the family, it is automatically awarded 150 points. Diapers are the most expensive item at the market at 50 points; toilet paper is one of the cheapest at five points.
Product points correlate to how much the market paid for them. Unilever donates body soap, shampoo, conditioner and lotions. The market charges points for shampoo and conditioner in order to subsidize the cost of diapers, which would otherwise have a higher price tag.
Hilty said it was important to the organizers to create a choice-based market for its clients. During its food pantry days, all families received the same foods, she said, but not every family had the same needs and items were being wasted.
"Families couldn't use the items, they would throw them away or we would even find them discarded outside the church doors," Hilty said. "So, we really wanted to change the way we do this and provide the clients choices because they know what they need best for their families. They can spend the points on what they need, rather than us telling what they need and providing a bag of items."
To earn extra points, clients can volunteer at the market, participate in Fresh Start Market's programs or attend the church's social events. Clients had the opportunity to participate in a program on self esteem Tuesday. Another program on keeping a healthy home is being planned for the future.
"There's the concept of wrap-around services in social services, it's that you serve your clients best when you can address a variety of needs in one place," Hilty said. "We wanted to do that and develop the market more while building relationships. We wanted to provide more than products with the educational services."
Connie Guthmiller, of Jefferson City, is a client and volunteer. She was busy at the market Tuesday, helping volunteer church members and clients there to shop. Taking pride in the market, Guthmiller lined the products on the shelves.
After a car accident in 2014, Guthmiller said her injuries qualified her for disability benefits, which she has yet to receive. She said the Fresh Start Market has provided her with floor cleaner, laundry detergent, dish soap and more while she is on a low-income budget for the time being.
"It's definitely a fresh start," she said about the market.
Offering volunteer opportunities, Hilty said, creates a healthy relationship between the providers and the clients.
"We do like the ability to pay them back for volunteering," she said. "It's a mutual relationship, I think. Anytime when you're helping people who are living in poverty, if you can provide opportunities to show your appreciation for them and not create such a dependent relationship, that's a good thing."
Lindsey Rowden, volunteer and membership coordinator at the Fresh Start Market, said the market not only provides its clients with household cleaning supplies and hygiene products but also a greater sense of self.
"What I like about the Fresh Start Market is that it really tries to give people a hand up and make them feel good about themselves, which then leads to success in their work and homes lives," she said. "Being clean and having those products you need are super important to one's self esteem, and I think that trickles down to everything in life."
Clients are referred to the Fresh Start Market through 10 different agencies, including: Common Ground Community Building, Central Missouri Community Action, Jefferson City Day Care, Jefferson City Public Schools, New Horizons, Pathways, Pregnancy Help Center, Salvation Army, Southwest Early Childhood and the Special Learning Center.
The market is open noon-6 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month and noon-3 p.m. all other Tuesdays.