"What makes us unique is that we pay students to work at the (Freedom Thrift) store," said Thomas Carr, director of Revelations of Freedom Ministries (ROFM). ROFM, located at 114 Ranck Church Road, New Holland, is a faith-based, Christ-centered discipleship program for men who struggle with addictions.

Carr described changes in the student curriculum that were instituted in October 2022, noting that students now begin working at the 30th day after joining the program. "During the first 30 days, students are really monitored," said Katlyn Leid, clinical coordinator with ROFM. "From day 30 to six months, they have classes in the morning and work in the afternoon in the thrift store or (doing supervised work in the community)." Leid said that when students have been with the program for 10 months, they may work at an outside job and take part in the ROFM program in the evening. "Once (students) graduate, they can live on the second floor of the ROFM building, work in the community, attend a ROFM class, and go to church in the community for up to two years," she explained.

In August of 2022, Michael Vergara joined the ROFM team as the new general manager of the New Holland thirft store. "I have worked in management my whole life, but I felt God leading me to this place," said Vergara. "I have a heart for addicts and what this ministry is all about. I love walking with the guys and discipling them."

Drawing on his retail experience, Vergara quickly went to work updating the apparel store, creating a children's section where all items are one low price, moving women's clothing to the middle, and putting men's at one end. "It made it more shoppable," said Vergara, who has also updated the antique and toy sections in the main store. The New Holland store is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day Mondays through Saturdays.

A second location, named Freedom Thrift on 30, opened at 2853 E. Lincoln Highway in East Ronks in March of 2022. The Ronks store is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays.

ROFM's next fundraiser will be its annual Victory Banquet, billed as "An Evening of Freedom Stories." The event is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 26. This year's speaker will be author Steve Arterburn, a recovering alcoholic celebrating 20 years of sobriety. The certified counselor and pastor is the host of a syndicated counseling talk show called New Life Live!

More information about the ministry may be found at http://www.ROFM.org.