Ministry during COVID-19: The New Freedom Store

by Jim Seemann

The New Freedom Store, based in the basement of Jehovah Lutheran Church, St. Paul, is now officially sponsored by the District. Years ago, when Crossing HOME first opened its drop-in center, it became obvious to me that “returning Christians,” men and women who first arrive from prison, may have some money at the time of release, but whatever they had was nowhere near enough.

The drop-in center provided them with job opportunities, housing, and even connected them to welcoming churches such as Jehovah. At first, we gave them a new change of clothes for that all-important first job interview and a sock kit (a few hygiene items rolled up in a sock). Soon, I discovered they needed so much more: Bibles, calendars, blankets, towels, and some food to sustain them until they received their first paychecks.

Thanks to the support of many other Lutheran churches, LWML groups, and individuals, the store grew relatively fast, filling a small Sunday School classroom with donations. We named it the Freedom Store based on a humorous conversation with returning Christian George Mendoza, who suggested that everything should be free. “After all,” he added, “there is no such thing as rich or poor when everything is free.” I laughed at first, but the idea stuck, and the Freedom Store was born.

John Henderson takes grocery donations to the residents of Crossing HOME.

Like every other church, Jehovah has been closed since the governor issued social distancing orders, but the need for the store remained greater than ever.

So I moved it to my back porch.

We do not currently give away clothing and sundries, but we continue to provide people with gift cards, usually for either Target or Cub foods. We offer nitrile gloves and homemade masks, not just to returning Christians, but to anyone who needs them, regardless of their income.

Incidentally, those masks are made by a former prisoner who wished to express her gratitude. She and her friends write,

“We would like to thank all the angels who have donated food and gift cards to us women at the Crossing Home ladies house. It's very humbling to know there are people out there that don't even know us, care so deeply for our well being. So THANK YOU! we appreciate your kindness in these difficult times.”

Sincerely,  Mai, Angie, Katie, Theresa, and Shufang

The store is no longer limited to the recently released. The New Freedom Store may no longer have a brick-and-mortar address. It is based, instead, on another principle: anywhere that human kindness intersects with human need.

Gift cards ready to distribute to help the recently released and others in need during COVID-19.

Another woman wrote,

“Thank you! I have not yet qualified for any unemployment help whatsoever. And my stimulus check has not come yet. It can really wear on a person's mental state of mind. I am so thankful for the help!! God is good.”

Homemade masks to help protect people during COVID-19.

If you wish, you can donate by purchasing gifts cards at https://www.giftcardgranny.com/buy-gift-cards/cub-foods/ and mail them to

Jim Seemann
1075 Burgess Street
Saint Paul, MN 55103

Gift cards of $10 and $25 are the best. Please also feel welcome to drop me an email at seemann@csp.edu. You can also follow us on Facebook here!

Finally, if you would like to come by for resources from the New Freedom Store, let me know. We’ll leave the light on for you.

Story contributed by Dr. Jim Seemann, District Correctional Ministry Coordinator and DCE.