Grand Opening at Mission Possible

Donors, volunteers, and board members gathered Friday evening, May 27, to celebrate the culmination of more than a year of work renovating Mission Possible’s new home at 108 E. 1st Street, behind HyVee.  But for some the wait has been far longer.

Almost ten years ago the Mission Possible board recognized the need to find a new location that would be larger, safer, and more accessible to clients and customers alike.   The late Brenda Miller spearheaded the building search and fundraising effort at that time, seeking pledges from those who would commit financial support if a suitable building could be found.   Her passion for this project continued to inspire the board, volunteers, and other long time Mission Possible supporters long after her passing in 2018.

Over the years many existing buildings were considered, some quite seriously.  But all options were either inadequate or too expensive.  The turning point came in mid-2019 when Mission Possible was approved to sell Missouri tax credits as an incentive to donors.   Those tax credits generated enough additional donations to make the difference and when Scott and Judy Houk’s building just north of HyVee came up for sale, the board decided this was the long-sought solution.  This 3200 sq. ft., one-story steel building, with parking lot and full handicapped accessibility met all the search criteria.

Use of the tax credits from the Missouri Department of Economic Development’s Neighborhood Assistance Program enabled the additional funds to be raised, but also came with some requirements.  All the construction, HVAC and electrical work had to be done by professionals in compliance with generally accepted building standards.  And we had to prove to the State that we could complete the project before they would authorize us to start.

Money was saved in every way possible.  Volunteers did all the demolition.  Building materials were reused or sold, as appropriate.  Many new materials and fixtures were either donated or acquired at cost.  And volunteer labor was again used whenever possible while still complying with the State’s buildout requirements.

With the Mission Possible Food Pantry and Thrift Store both now open, visitors will enjoy the added space, the much improved lighting, and parking at the door.   What customers may not realize is that one goal of this project was to take care of the very, very dedicated volunteers who work day after day processing donated merchandise and running the thrift store.  We added wheels everywhere we could to ease the burden on their backs, their strength, and their health.   Wheeled dollies will collect donations, rolling clothing racks will replace heavy plastic tubs for storing out-of-season clothing, and aisles are wide enough to allow merchandise to be rolled rather than carried when restocking.

Marti Myers, board president, was quick to point out that “none of this would have been possible without the amazing generosity of our supporters in Worth County and beyond.   The MO-DED was instrumental in getting us over the fundraising hump and we are most grateful for that.”  But Myers also pointed out that “the board is mindful and thankful for the Divine hand that guided us to this outcome.”