Relocation brings growth and blessings to local ministry organization

In 1995 a nonprofit Christian-based ministry called My Father’s Closet was created with the aim of providing community support to those in need. My Father’s Closet quickly became one of the most reliable and compassionate organizations in the Graceville community. Raymond and Barbie O’Quinn took over what is now called My Father’s Community Ministries in 2005, continuing its mission to offer services that help those that have fallen on hard times make ends meet through what is forever referenced as My Father’s Closet in the community.

My Father’s Community Ministries’ involvement in community assistance has continued through various programs offered by the organization including family emergency assistance such as assistance with electricity, water, and medical bills. The nonprofit organization also provides aid for those suffering from homelessness and victims of natural disasters. Barbie O’Quinn noted that the organization also helps victims of domestic violence and recently released prisoners, rebuild their lives when they have little to no resources available. My Father’s Community Ministries also has available free necessities for those that are simply struggling to make ends meet in the current economic situation. Shoppers are also welcome to purchase thrift store items at budget friendly prices that will remind one of what shopping at vintage thrift stores used to be like. The organization also hosts a Food Pantry dedicated to making sure food is available to the local community so that nobody goes to bed hungry. While also aiding those in need of necessary home furnishings, clothing, and various other items that have been donated. The organization is easily a cornerstone of the community as it continues to provide material and spiritual support to those in need.

Through the years, My Father’s Closet has become a staple in the community through its selfless services. Such community reliance has brought about much growth to the organization over the years, leading to various locations around town. The My Father’s Closet located across from the Jackson County Tax Collector office on Cliff Street has apparel and smaller household items for purchase. The main My Father’s Closet previously located beside the post office on Cliff Street has hosted the food pantry for many years. The organization also had a My Father’s Closet furniture store located on Highway 2 that provides second-hand furniture, medical supplies, and appliances at discount prices. The last two locations mentioned have been consolidated in the old Henderson’s Furniture building, located just past the Jackson County Tax Collector’s office on Cliff Street. The new location has relieved the organization of rental fees, while increasing the space available for inventory by more than double!

During an interview with The Graceville News, Raymond O’Quinn mentioned an increase in donations that My Father’s Community Ministries has received since the relocation, characterizing such support from the community as one of the many “blessings” this organization has brought him over the years. As for the relocation, the plan was to put the furniture store inventory to one side of the new building and the inventory from the main location to the other side of the building. Then, Raymond and Barbie O’Quinn estimated that it would take about a year to fill the gap between both sets of inventories with the increased space of the new building. However, to their surprise, that gap “closed up in about 3 months” said Raymond O’Quinn, indicating the move was certainly the right one for My Father’s Community Ministries to make.

My Father’s Community Ministries credit the success of this organization to the local churches in the community that have donated funds, volunteer work, and supplies to keep this community ministry alive and thriving. Raymond O’Quinn noted Damascus Baptist Church as being a huge help in the relocation process as well as other supportive efforts.

Barbie and Raymond O’Quinn also mentioned looking forward to hosting a Grand Opening once the relocation process has been completed.