Rather than just celebrating fathers during Father’s Day weekend, the Brookdale Warming Center, with help from the nonprofit From Ashes to Beauty, celebrated every man staying there.

Kimberly Mitchell, founder of From Ashes to Beauty, has spent many days volunteering and working at the Center as the Nutrition Coordinator. She has seen firsthand the impact it has made on so many people, especially men. That’s why on Friday, June 18, she wanted to do something special to celebrate every man in the building.

“God laid something on my heart to share with those men. They were not at the Center by mistake. God is drawing those people to the Center to be restored,” said Mitchell. “I don’t see a lot of men groups come through the Center to motivate them, so I wanted to do that for them.”

With help and donations, about 40 men were able to have a hot breakfast including chicken biscuits, breakfast burritos, and other items. While they ate, they received motivational speeches from people in the community.

“They were so appreciative,” said Mitchell. “They’re already asking when we’ll do another motivational segment. They said those were the exact words they needed to hear to inspire them during their transitions.”

Mitchell also took the time to recognize two guests at the Center, Mark Twigs and Eddie Lowe, for always going above and beyond to help her in the cafeteria by cleaning and getting ready to serve to meals.

If you’d like to volunteer at the Brookdale Warming Center, click here. The Center is also in need of donations such as women and men’s underwear, Visa gift cards, snacks, and other items.