By Barbara Lockard
Although many of them may know each other, the residents of Ada and Hardin County are all unique individuals with unique needs.
Deb Curlis is working to meet those needs as well as creating an attractive retail environment and interesting programs. It’s a tall order!
“If there’s a need, we’ll help or find another agency that can,” said Curlis, who recently accepted the position of store manager at Beatitudes (formerly the ReStore Community Center) in Ada. Her job responsibilities include expanding retail sales, fundraising and developing a calendar of events.
Curlis, a former ReStore board member, informally polled visitors as to what type of programs they’d like to see.
“Overwhelmingly, it was Bingo,” she laughed. She’s added a Bingo game on the third Wednesday of the month, which complements Bingo offered on the first Wednesday sponsored by Community Health Partners. Beatitudes also hosts euchre games on Thursdays. “Last time we had three tables,” Curlis added. “We hope to expand.”
In keeping with its tagline, “Where blessings are given and hope is restored,” Beatitudes provides programming at no charge. Lunch is also free, but donations are accepted.
On Curlis’ wish list is children’s programming on Saturdays, possibly working with the Ada Public Library. A monthly Lunch & Learn series, sponsored by Interim Healthcare, has just been added to the event schedule.
“We’re in business to serve area residents…really anyone, in need of assistance,” Curlis stated. “We’ll provide clothing if needed and we also operate a food pantry. We step in when there is a fire or homelessness.”
Curlis brings a background in retail marketing, event planning and fundraising. She is also the part-time director of the Ada Area Chamber of Commerce, a position that syncs well with her role at Beatitudes. The contacts she has made through the Chamber have been a great resource in her efforts to enhance and expand programming at Beatitudes.
Curlis is delighted that retail sales (mostly gently used clothing, toys and household items) have increased by nearly 50 percent in the past few weeks.
Out-of-towners have started stopping by to check out the merchandise. Knick-knacks and home décor items are the most popular. More items are always needed and there is a drop-off box for after-hours donations.
“We take anything that’s in good condition,” Curlis added. “We cannot take ‘stuffed’ items like pillows and comforters as they are too difficult to clean and sanitize.”
In addition to donations, Beatitudes is also looking for volunteers for unpacking, organizing, serving and other duties.
Curlis says a core group of about 15 volunteers has been instrumental in keeping Beatitudes up and running. Lots of help will be needed for the annual Thanksgiving meal in addition to lunches, events and day-to-day operations.
For more information on donations and volunteer opportunities, contact Curlis at [email protected] or visit Beatitudes’ Facebook page (BeatitudesAda).
Beatitudes’ Hours
Monday 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Tuesday 1 p.m.-6 p.m. (Crock Pot Tuesdays from 4-6 p.m.)
Wed.-Fri. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
