The table in the lobby of Safe Haven and Community Life Ministries was full of purses.
A group of women from the Women’s Missionary Unit from First Baptist Church in Oloh had come to deliver the purses, filled with supplies for women in Columbia who are transitioning from prison to life on the outside.
The women brought 10 purses packed with a variety of supplies, and even a Bible. “The supplies included soap, toothbrushes, deodorant and everything you would need,” Ruth Johnson, the executive director of Safe Haven and Community Life Ministries said. “They even had snacks in them.”
Johnson explained that Safe Haven offered housing and assistance to women released from prison and that the items would be a big help for those coming to stay.
“We appreciate their contributions,” she said. “It means a lot. Usually when I go pick a lady up from prison, we have to go out and buy supplies. This will help us with our finances.”
Johnson said that Safe Haven and Community Life Ministries is coordinating a meeting on integrating prisoners into the community. The meeting will take place on at 10 a.m. on Jan. 26 at the Columbia-Marion County Public Library.
“Pastor Robert Johnson with St. Mark United Methodist Church in Wichita, Kan., and five others are coming,” Johnson said. “He’s a Columbia High School and USM graduate and his church sponsors a transitional home. They minister, teach, and help them get jobs. They help the women get whatever they need to get started on the outside again.”
Pictured Above: Members of the Women’s Missionary Unit from First Baptist Church, Oloh delivered a variety of purses to Safe Haven Outreach Ministries in Columbia this week. Pictured, from left, are Arlene Aultman, Nancy Chain, Jane Aultz, Wayne Mims, Sue Pace and Jane Lott, who are pictured with Safe Haven Executive Director Ruth Johnson. | Photo by Mark Rogers
