Georgie Stephens has never sought after a job for the paycheck alone. She believes if she did she’d miss the most important thing about managing one of LifePath Christian Ministry’s three thrift stores.
Ultimately, it’s what drove her back to Pennsylvania after spending 23 years in Georgia: She was looking for a Christian-based job — a place where the company’s mission would align with her values. That’s when she found LifePath.
“So much about this job is rewarding,” she says. “What LifePath does for the community and people in need attracted me. Proceeds from our stores help LifePath continue and expand its services. I didn’t realize how many people need shelter, food, and clothing.”
Managing and educating
In addition to providing food, clothing, and shelter, the ministry teaches various life skills, from financial literacy to how to do laundry. It’s an approach intended to move people out of a cycle of failure and into a sustainable life. The ministry also runs three thrift stores to help support its mission.
While managing one of the thrift stores is part of Georgie’s job, educating donors and customers of the ministry’s mission plays a big role, too.
All items in the stores are donated, mostly by individuals, and the people bringing items in are excited to learn how they’re helping someone else in need.
“Some people are surprised this service is here,” she says. “When I tell customers where the money from their purchases goes, it means a lot, reassuring people help is there locally.”
Helping the cause
LifePath does not receive government funding, so the ministry relies on donations, fundraising, and especially sales from its three thrift stores to keep its entire operation running.
“Our stores are a big part of the financing,” Georgie says. “Every day, something comes in that helps the cause.”
Georgie Stephens feels part of that cause, a feeling she feels she couldn’t get anywhere else.