It is not unusual for families and individuals to find themselves facing hard times and in need of assistance. Broken Wings Ministries is a non-denominational ministry that exists to help those in need, and to provide assistance in a number of different ways.
Broken Wings Ministries has been in existence for a number of years with its office, a thrift store and food pantry located at 168 Jailhouse Rd.
Office Manager Tricia Gillon stated that help is available for those in need of assistance with utilities, i.e. electricity, water, propane, etc. Gillon added that those seeking utility assistance are required to fill out an application and may receive help once every twelve months; the recipients must be Choctaw County residents.
Help is also available to those who might be traveling through and need assistance purchasing fuel, or a motel room and meals. These recipients are also required to fill out the necessary paperwork and to provide a photo ID.
In addition, the Ministries provides GED classes which are administered through Holmes Community College; the classes are available to those over 17 years of age, with no cost to the participants. The ACT Work Keys test is also available at Broken Wings, by appointment.
Individuals may also participate in Christian Women’s Job Corp and Christian Men’s Job Corp classes, which consist of a Bible lesson and learning practical skills to help succeed in the workplace. According to Christian Men’s Job Corp director, Dennis Moen, some classes teach such basic skills as preparing resumes and goal-setting.
Next door to the Ministries office is the Broken Wings Thrift Shop, managed by Kim Stephenson. All goods in the shop are donated and range from clothing and shoes, to dishes and kitchenware, to medical equipment, toys, books and DVDs, and even a few 8-track tapes.
Stephenson stated that donations of items in good condition are always welcome; all proceeds from sales goes to pay salaries and to fund Broken Wings Ministries.
Choctaw Baptist Food Ministry is located in the same building; after meeting the necessary requirements those in need can receive a box of food, once a month, at no charge. The food ministry maintains its supplies through periodic food drives and through donations.
Broken Wings Ministries exists to address a wide range of needs in the Choctaw County community, and in some circumstances needs in surrounding counties.
Anyone needing more information, or to make a donation can call 662-285-9133. Broken Wings Ministries is governed by a Board of Directors.
