Welcome

BARHAMSVILLE – If anyone knows anything about turning tragedy into something good, it’s Melanie King.

Fueled by her late daughter’s lost potential and inspirational character, Melanie started Proclaiming Grace Outreach Ministries, a non-profit organization to help the surrounding community.

Melanie’s daughter, Jenna Grace King, was killed in 2008 when she was hit by oncoming traffic while traveling in North Carolina.

To her mother, Jenna was a “blessing,” whose absence haunts her every day.

According to Melanie, Jenna spent her life trying to better the lives of those around her, including her fellow man and furry friends.

Even at the tender age of 17, Jenna was driven to change the world. Her teachers and colleagues knew Jenna on campus as “the girl who was going to be senator.”

She was studying political science and had already researched law schools when her life was tragically cut short.

For the third year in a row, the Proclaiming Grace Outreach Ministries will present the third Annual Jenna Grace Birthday Bash.

The bash will be held at the Tabernacle United Methodist Church (20051 Tabernacle Road in Barhamsville), Jenna’s home church, on September 25, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Although this year the bash is a month after Jenna’s birthday, Melanie is excited about its potential.
“We have some great things planned for this Birthday Bash. I am super excited about the butterfly release.”

During the bash, guests will have the opportunity to sponsor a butterfly in memory of a loved one for $5. The butterflies will then be released into the sky at 1 p.m.

“I don’t know why butterflies have become the Outreach symbol,” said Melanie. “I think it’s because they symbolize transformation into a new life.”

Other events at the Birthday Bash will be: a large silent auction, raffles (every 15 minutes), a new and improved children’s area (with games), a petting zoo, New Kent Humane Society adoptions, hayrides to the church, a 5K and 1K Fun Run, live music, and a car show. The bash will also offer concessions and Jenna Grace t-shirts for sale.

Guests will be admitted free with the donation of a non-perishable food item (for the Outreach food pantry) or a pet supply (for the New Kent Humane Society).

Proceeds will benefit New Kent Humane Society (25 percent) and the Proclaiming Grace Outreach Ministries (75 percent).

To volunteer or make a donation for the bash, please call (757) 810-4337.

Another vital part of the Outreach Ministries has been the Thrift Spot, opened in January.

“The prices are incredibly cheap because we want people to have what they need and want,” said Melanie.

“Where else can you find a couch for $10 to $15 and a chair for $7 to $8?”

“We just want to be able to help people,” she said.

The Thrift Spot, located at the corner of Route 30 and Stage Road in Barhamsville, houses rack after rack of clothing, jewelry, toys, electronics, furniture, and much more. The shelves and racks are neatly organized by size, and are easy to navigate.

A member of the Tabernacle United Methodist Church donated the garage space and tractor-trailer, used for storage.

“The Outreach Ministries wouldn’t exist if it wasn’t for the church,” said Melanie.

The Thrift Spot is open on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (except Sept. 25, when the Outreach will be working the 3rd Annual Jenna Grace Birthday Bash).

On the days of operation, goods are placed outside and displayed in the courtyard and along the sides of the building. This makes it easier for visitors to find what they’re looking for, said Melanie.

“I love Thrift Spot Saturdays because we’ve got the music playing, it’s usually nice and sunny, and we get to meet all kinds of people.”

“We try to make it as comfortable as possible.”

The Thrift Spot also has a fitting room for guests who would like to try on clothing items before purchasing them.

All items inside the Thrift Spot have been donated, and all proceeds go to the Outreach.

The Thrift Spot is always looking for donations, especially furniture.

The Proclaiming Grace Outreach Ministries food pantry (located next to Tabernacle United Methodist Church) is also open on the third Friday of each month from 4-7 p.m., and serves upper James City County and lower New Kent County.

Melanie’s long-term goals include creating an Outreach center that could house the Thrift Spot and food pantry. It would also provide after school programming, community rooms for meetings, and seminars on food preparation and cooking.

“There aren’t a lot of educational cooking community service programs,” said Melanie.

Although the development of the center is years away, Melanie is proud of the work that the ministry has done. She has admittedly dedicated 100 percent of herself to the projects, never once forgetting the inspiration.

“It feels amazing to help the community, and it’s a huge privilege to keep Jenna’s memory going,” said Melanie.

“She’d be tickled that we’re doing this for her, and for God.”