Tree of Life Provides a Hand Up— Not a Hand Out

Tree of Life Provides a Hand Up— Not a Hand Out

Photos by Linda Roberts

By Linda Roberts

In 2008, Purcellville Baptist Church in western Loudoun County committed to set aside the first 10 percent of all its annual giving to meet the needs of the under-served. From that decision, Tree of Life Ministries (TLM) was born and subsequently registered in 2012 as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Today, what once was a fledging organization has continued to grow exponentially to serve not only the Purcellville area, but Leesburg and Sterling. Its five ministries—food, life skills, shelter, healthcare and relief—touched the lives of some 20,000 people last year. Churches, individuals and businesses in these geographic areas, including Trinity Episcopal in Upperville, collaborate with TLM to strength its outreach to those in need.

“We are here to provide ‘a hand up, not a hand out,’ said Kristen Hickman, TLM’s communications officer. Once a stay-at-home mom who re-entered the workforce in the field of education, Hickman had a deep interest in doing more to help the under-served.

“This was an opportunity that God put in my path,” she said, adding that while TLM is best known for providing food to the under-served—delivering groceries once a month to 3,490 people last year and providing once-a-week dinner meals at its three locations—this outreach often opens the door to its other ministries. When volunteer teams deliver groceries to TLM’s partners (rather than “clients”) doorways are often opened to other areas where the organization can be helpful.

Entryway to one of Tree of Life’s apartments.

Tree of Life’s communications officer Kristen Hickman (left) with Purcellville director Susannah Lee and Sterling director Salah Sabat.

According to its literature, the mission is “… to serve people of all faith, or no faith. Programs are offered without religious strings of any kind, our heart is to serve you.”

And serve its does. Last year the community donated 267,102 pounds of food for its pantries, 383 partners were impacted by its English classes and 54 through its tutoring ministry, 55 persons attended dental clinics in Purcellville and Sterling, 680 partners received financial relief, and135 families received free clothing from its Clothing Closet shop in downtown Purcellville.

Volunteers, TLM’s backbone, put in 13,800 hours supporting its ministries in 2021. “We couldn’t do what we do without our volunteers,” said Hickman. “We have about 700 active volunteers supporting 47 different programs at our three geographic centers.

This holiday season, TLM is preparing its “Thanksgiving Together” meal at St. Peters Episcopal Church in Purcellville and its “Christmas for Others” annual event. This program centers on a meal and different types of entertainment, much of which is geared toward families. Volunteers are always welcome.

Along with its food ministry, TLM’s housing ministry is fulfilling a vital role in the lives of some of its partners, who are women and children needing shelter.

This program was launched in 2011 in response to Loudoun’s severe shortage of affordable housing. TLM sponsors an 18-month transitional housing program that makes available five apartments at $500 a month rent.

Upon entering the program, residents establish personal goals covering personal finance, employment, health, community service and securing long-term housing. They have access to the TLM community dinners, English classes and other ministry components.

“This gives our partners the opportunity to get on their feet and make a fresh start,” Hickman said. “At the end of the 18 months, this has hopefully given them time to save some money and go out on their own.”

The program has a 70 percent success rate and so far has assisted 75 women. Still, the need for housing far outweighs what TLM has to offer and “we are constantly looking for additional housing,” she said.

The apartments are all one-bedroom with the exception of one that offers two bedrooms. “We would love to accommodate families, but with the space situation we are helping primarily single women or women and children,” she said.

To reinforce the importance of the shelter ministry in the lives of TLM partners, one woman beneficiary said, “I went from being in a dehumanizing circumstance to being offered real, life-changing help. I consider this program a miracle.”

Tree of Life welcomes volunteers and community organizations wishing to partner with its ministries. For additional information visit www.tolministries.org or contact Hickman at khickman@tolministries.org.