Day #133: Give with Jubilee Ministries in Lebanon, PA

Today, we met with the executive director of Jubilee Ministries in Lebanon and toured their massive 3-story 70,000 sqft used clothing store. I felt like we were visiting a JCPenny's instead of a thrift store.

Jubilee re-sells clothing and household items (including large furniture) to support chaplains in prisons in their surrounding county and transitional housing programs for men and women released from prison.

We also visited Jubilee's two houses that provide beds and reentry programs for 44 men and women.

We have toured a number of thrift stores over the past 4 1/2 months. Jubilee's store is the cleanest and most organized we have seen so far.

Jubilee's biggest need is for people to volunteer to be mentors. The executive director said that studies show that if a prisoner is released with a mentor he/she is far less likely to become a repeat offender. Mentors are asked to meet with their matched man or woman once or twice a month.

What is your favorite thrift store?

Our family spent 2011 traveling the USA in an RV, striving to intentionally "give every day" for the glory of God. We interviewed CEOs of nonprofits and served alongside over 40 organizations and churches.

Our Pledge

We hereby pledge:

- To spend intimate, quantity time with our family.
- To actively help the poor, the sick, the lonely, and the helpless.
- To value, protect, and advocate for children.
- To de-emphasize the importance of “stuff” in our lives.
- To bring publicity to good causes and good people.
- To live with intentionality, as if this year was our very last.
- To observe the needs in our country/community – and then do something about them.
- To give – every day.