Staff and volunteers come through the I-58 Mission doors each day with anticipation – expecting God to work miracles…and He does! Executive Director, Karhma Novak, recalls when a client desperately needed steel-toed boots for a new job. Sure enough, the next day a donation of steel-toed boots in the woman’s correct size came into the mission! Another time, a client needed a microwave and the donation came in shortly after the request. God has always provided for the needs of the mission to do its work.
Recently the pantry shelves were almost bare of food items. A request to replenish supplies on their Facebook page led to the immediate donation of thousands of pounds of food. As Karhma says, “Jesus does specific and random cool things.”
Located on Hwy 85 just a mile from downtown Senoia, the I-58 Mission is committed to serving residents of Coweta, Fayette, Spalding and Meriwether Counties by assisting with their physical needs while sharing and showing the love of Christ. The non-profit agency takes its name and mission from the call of Isaiah 58 in the Old Testament – to set the oppressed free, share food, provide shelter, and clothe those in need. According to Karhma, “We want to help meet the short-term physical needs of those living in painful circumstances and show them the enduring love of Christ through an on-going relationship in a loving community.”
The I-58 Mission began in 2011 as the Sow Good Center, through an alliance with local churches and believers in the Senoia area. Strategic partnerships with Publix and Midwest Food Bank enabled the center to assist up to 40 families each week with food and household items. In 2014, Sow Good Center’s leadership met with Karhma Novak, who with her husband, Anthony, and their children, had also been led to start an organization called Project 586, based on the principles outlined in Isaiah 58. Together they decided to combine their efforts, and in 2015, Karhma Novak came onboard as the Executive Director of the renamed I-58 Mission.
The building where I-58 Mission is housed was originally owned by the Vineyard Church, which gave them space to operate. The church eventually closed and sold its property to First Baptist Church of Senoia. The Baptist church generously allowed the mission to continue at the site, giving them two years to relocate. During those two years, Karhma held on to the belief that God meant for the property to be the permanent home of the mission, and she watched as God changed hearts of the church leadership as well. The pastor told her, “Sometimes, it’s not about us. This property was meant for I-58 Mission!” The church sold the property to the mission for the same amount they purchased it for – a 10,000 square foot building on 15 acres, one mile from downtown Senoia!
Clients who come to the mission for assistance find a bright, open space, and warm and compassionate staff and volunteers to help them. Long-time volunteer Barbara Smith shares what it means to her to be a part of the mission. “I-58 Mission gives me the opportunity to love on people and meet their needs. Whether it is food, clothing, household goods or furniture, it’s amazing to see how God provides. Many times, it’s very clear God is answering prayers. The clients are wonderful people. Loving on them is an honor. I don’t consider myself retired…I consider myself “repurposed” to do the work at the I-58 Mission.”
The mission is open for clients to visit the food pantry every Thursday beginning at 9:30 a.m. and ending at 2:30 p.m. Clients check in and gather with staff and volunteers for fellowship and a devotional in the sanctuary, and then pantry service begins on a “first come, first served” basis. Clients can select from a wide-range of food items, including canned goods, fresh produce, bread, frozen foods, meat, dairy products and other refrigerated items.
Clients and their family members in need of clothing can make an appointment to come to the Clothing Closet by contacting the mission. Appointments can be made one time per season. Adults may select up to five outfits each season, and children may shop for up to ten outfits, based on availability. Coweta Charter Academy school uniforms are also available.
On the last Saturday in July, the mission hosts a Back to School Bash for 114 families. They supply high quality, sturdy book bags, filled with all the necessary school supplies for students, new tennis shoes, and new school outfits, based on each student’s size, color and style preferences. The students’ back packs are replenished with supplies again next January.
To help brighten and bless a child’s birthday, parents can check out the Birthday Area, filled with packets of birthday party decorations and age-appropriate small gifts for children – another way the mission thoughtfully brings joy to families during a challenging time in their lives.
The Baby Room is fully stocked and open to client families by appointment. There is a selection of clothing and diapers in all sizes, as well as baby equipment. One of the mission’s volunteers is safety seat certified and can help clients select a new car seat and secure it properly in their car.
Since the devastating tornado that ripped through Newnan in March of 2021, the mission has seen more families in need of household goods, furniture and appliances to replace all that was lost. Clients in need of home goods can make an appointment to shop at the mission for what they need.
How You Can Help
Individuals, churches and organizations are invited to “help be the hands and feet of Jesus” by making a financial donation, or donating food items, household goods, furniture and appliances. You can check the website or Facebook page for current food items needed to keep the pantry fully stocked. If you shop on Amazon, you can sign up for AmazonSmile, which donates a portion of the price of whatever you purchase to the non-profit of your choice. Just select I-58 Mission, Inc. as your designated non-profit.
Volunteers are the life-blood of I-58 Mission in showing love and compassion to the clients who come through the door. Volunteers are needed to assist in all areas. For further information about I-58 Mission or how you can become involved, go to: thei58mission.org, “Like” them on Facebook, or call the center at 770-301-0870 and ask to speak to Administrative Assistant Susie Mathews. The mission is located at 2450 Hwy 85, Senoia.