Mission not impossible
Overcrowding issues force organization to seek larger space
By LISA CARNLEY Staff Writer

The law of supply and demand means what it implies: the more there is, the more people want it, and the more people want it, generally the higher the cost.

While that may work in theory, it doesn't necessarily apply to Lampasas Mission, which finds itself with more demand and less supply.

To fulfill its promise to assist needy Lampasans with food and counseling services, the group has a growing list of recipients, a steady supply of volunteers and increasing food donations, but what it doesn't have is space.

Crammed floor to ceiling with groceries and little space in which to counsel those in need of spiritual assistance, Ray and Bonnie Lawrence, who head the organization, continue to look for a place to serve more of the community's needy

"We've been looking at various options," said Lawrence of the need for a larger facility. "So far, we haven't come up with anything we can afford to buy."

Though Lampasas Mission is open to renting, the Lawrences hope to find a resident who will let the group use a building at no charge and take that donation as a tax write-off.

"We are desperate for space. We don't have much room to visit with our clients. We like to not only help them with food and necessities, but we like to visit with them to find out if they are having any other problems or have special needs. For that, we need a private space," Lawrence said.

"Right now, we have one room, and it can only fit two people." It's not conducive to counseling, he added.

Mrs. Lawrence said if Lampasas Mission had a larger facility, the number of people who must sit and wait to be served could be reduced.

"When it's so hot in the summer or very cold in the winter, our clients must wait on the porch because there is not enough room inside," she said. "It's also important that we take the time to visit with them, and we can't do that now."

The front reception area can hold comfortably about a dozen people, while at any one time during business hours, several dozen are on hand to be assisted.

"We've had as many as 30 people waiting on the front porch, some with little kids, and that's not good in extreme weather," said Mrs. Lawrence.

One room in the building serves as a combination office, storage, bread room and all-purpose meeting room. With a table, chairs and a few cold-storage appliances, there isn't much room for anything else.

Most recently, Capital Area Food Bank of Austin donated money to purchase a new refrigerator/freezer for Lampasas Mission. "The problem is," said Lawrence, "we need all three of our cold-storage items, but we need a new location to put them."

He noted that the organization fills all of its freezers, and it could also use a donation of a new freezer and/or refrigerator. "We have them full, and they are pretty old. If one of them goes out, we will lose everything. They need to be updated."

Presently, Lampasas Mission is directing its fund-raising efforts toward a new building or space to construct a facility. It has held several events to raise money, including a garage sale in April that garnered more than $1,000.

On Nov. 17 at noon, Lampasas Mission will hold a chili supper at Grace Fellowship on U.S. Highway 281 South to aid its fund-raising efforts.

Lawrence said several local contractors have pledged labor and some materials for a new building or to renovate an existing building. "We have one who will help with electrical and one with labor. That's just two of the 20 or so types of services we need for a new building.

"We are going to continue to try to recruit donations of that type to help in our efforts. It will take a community effort for us to accomplish what we need," he said.

Lampasas Mission opened its doors in August 2004 and served 14 people.

In 2005, that number climbed to 147, which equals 515 meals served. In 2006, the organization assisted 157 clients, providing 507 meals.

This year, Lampasas Mission is averaging 200 clients with 711 meals served.

Though the group has some funding from local churches to provide for food items, Lawrence said Lampasas Mission's primary goal is to share the gospel.

"Everything we do here is a means of sharing the gospel. Every counselor here is trained in that regard." That's why, Lawrence said, it is so important to have a larger space.

But he asked that people not think of Lampasas Mission as a place people can rely on for food. "We are here to supplement them. We don't want them to totally rely on us. We want them to be self-reliant."

"Our local businesses and residents are very generous with food, cash and volunteer efforts," said Mrs. Lawrence. "Lampasas is one of the most giving cities and counties there is."

The couple see in a future building the ability to handle all needs from one facility, including assistance with furniture, clothes and appliances.

"In the event someone's house burns down and they lose everything, we want them to be able to turn to us. They can come and get the basics to get re-started," Lawrence said.

"We're more than just a food bank," said Mrs. Lawrence. "Whatever help is needed, we try to do what we can."

Lampasas Mission also offers after school tutoring, and help with dental work and prescription medications, depending on available funds.

The Lampasas County Extension agent also offers nutritional programs that teach food recipients how to cook and serve nutritious meals, and a nurse makes a stop at the center once each month for a mini-health check.

During Thanksgiving and Christmas, Lampasas Mission provides turkey dinners with all the trimmings, and at Christmas donations of toys are presented.

"If we had a larger facility, we would love to be able to offer more meals to those in need, especially at the holidays," said Mrs. Lawrence.

Donations are always accepted. And those who wish to make contributions specifically for the building fund may do so by mail to P.O. Box 51, Lampasas, TX 76550.

Mrs. Lawrence noted that in the past two months, 20 clients have been added to their list. That's a testament, she said, to how much Lampasas Mission is needed in the community.

"Just imagine what we could do if we had more space."