After losing everything in a fire in New Orleans, Kevin and Michelle Bowlus and their two sons took refuge by moving back home to West Lafayette, Ind.
Looking through the local newspaper, Michelle came across an article about a furniture drive for families in need.
Needing beds for their children, the couple called a social service agency that placed a request with Jeanne Norberg, a volunteer at the First United Methodist Furniture Bank.
“Jeanne asked us to come down and see if there was anything we could use,” says Kevin, a 45-year-old certified welder. “She helped us out tremendously. This is one of the few programs that are orientated to giving people a leg-up.”
Norberg helped create the furniture bank after local social service agencies told her their greatest single unmet need was used furniture. She and other church volunteers, working with the agencies, formed a cooperative in May 2012 to distribute furniture in the community.
“We pick up furniture a couple of times a week, store it in a warehouse and make it available to their clients,” says Norberg, a member of the church and the director of public information at Purdue University.
Daniel Berger, pastor at the 403-member church, says the ministry is an example of what can happen when Christian laypeople are given the latitude to propose and develop new ministries.
“Jeanne saw a need and had the gumption to bring the idea to our Missions and Social Concerns Committee,” Berger says. “The bank is meeting many needs, from those who have been displaced and need a fresh start, to those who may have lost belongings and furniture in a fire or to a theft.”
Kevin was so impressed that he now volunteers to pick up furniture to store in the bank for others.
“Jeanne goes above and beyond what her faith calls her to do,” Kevin says. “She is a role model for others.”
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