On Aug. 19, Freedom Thrift in New Holland, a store that supports the work of Revelations of Freedom Ministries (ROFM), held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the enterprise.

Thomas Carr, director of ROFM, spoke at the event, which was attended by about 40 interested parties. Carr thanked the community, volunteers, and staff members, and saying, "Our anniversary was a wonderful occasion to connect with the community, raise awareness of Freedom Thrift and ROFM, and celebrate the contributions of everyone involved, from program students to our dedicated long-term supporters."

Carr mentioned that not only does the thrift store raise funds for ROFM, it also benefits those enrolled in the program. ROFM serves men struggling with addictions, called students, in a 10-month residential program. "The students work in the thrift store as part of our Life Skills Program (LSP)," explained Abbey Ginder, development coordinator with ROFM. "The goal is to teach them to be productive in the workplace and to use their earnings to bless others." According to Ginder, job skills students gain during LSP are added to the students' job applications and resumes when they complete the program. Pay that students earn while working at the store is invested in a checking or savings account with the goal of increasing self-sufficiency. "According to our staff, working (at the store) gives (students) a sense of value in a time when they come to us after hitting rock bottom," stated Ginder. "They learn they can achieve something and provide for themselves, (so) it allows them to actively take part in their recovery process." Ginder added that the work teaches responsibility, punctuality, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. "But most importantly, it gives them self-respect," she said.

Freedom Thrift has locations at 114 Ranck Church Road, New Holland, and 2853 Lincoln Highway East, Ronks. Both stores provide funds to the ministry's overall budget, but it does not stop there. "(Funds raised by the stores) allow us to provide the program and counseling for the students," stated Carr. "(Students) receive additional services because of Freedom Thrift," he added, noting that life coaches for the students and an expanded ROFM staff have been made possible by store funds.

According to Ginder, the ministry currently serves nine students. "Our small size allows us to give individual attention to our students," explained Ginder, who noted that in 2023, 40 students participated, with nine graduating from the program. Another two students graduated in 2024, and a third was due to complete the program in September.

Freedom Thrift stores are open Mondays through Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Donations are welcome during those hours, and volunteers are needed. Information about both the stores and the ministry may be found at http://www.rofm.org.

Readers who would like to know more about student enrollment may call 717-722-4673.