Operation Refuge serving the residents in Inkster and beyond

The Telegram News has continued on our DOING THE WORK SERIES. The series will spotlight non-profits in Metropolitan Detroit that are serving the community. This week we set down with Pastor Velma Jean Overman who is the Executive Director for Operation Refuge in Inkster.

1. Provide a brief overview of your organization. Operation Refuge was established in 2008 in the city of Inkster through our church, Christ Temple City of Refuge. This was a time when the housing market turned upside down and there were many layoffs. We decided that we must do something so we started Mother's Pantry out of the basement of our church. Since then we now have a stand-alone building for 'Mother's Pantry and a Stem Center across the street from the church.

2. What geographical area do you serve? We serve people in the City of Inkster and surrounding area.

3. How do you engage with the community? We have a food pantry, where people can shop at our store-like facility at no cost. Families and individuals take only what they want and can use. We host a summer program – Camp Inspire for girls with a focus on STEM programs. We also provide skill-based work programs for youth to help them build employment skills and an afterschool program for elementary school students.

4. How does Operaton Refuge manage to provide all of these services to the community.

Our faith that we are doing God's work keeps us going. Our funding comes from the support we receive from the community, our Church and several donations from organizations that believe in our mission. We recently received a $25,000 grant that has helped up continue to provide year-round programming for the youth in the community.

More information can be found at http://www.operationrefuge.org or by emailing [email protected] or by calling 734-709-7806.