The Branch Outreach and Resources plans grand opening in Maplewood

The Branch Outreach and Resources, at 2150 Yale Avenue in Maplewood, has a no questions asked policy and offers no-cost meals to the community, according to a press release.

Guests are greeted, seated and served by friendly volunteers, then are provided a menu to make their selections from. There are no lines! The environment is safe, clean and uplifting for guests and volunteers.

Pastor Philip Centers of Maplewood Pentecostal Church of God and businessman, Shane Storz of Air Choice One saw the need in the community, felt a leading to do something and began collaborating in May of 2014 to build The Branch Outreach and Resources Inc. Renovation of the facility was completed in March 2017 and their first meal was served on April 29, 2017. Since that date, 154 meals have been provided to the community.

• 1st free lunch to be served Saturday at Branch Outreach on Yale
• Church to open kitchen to feed those in need

The Branch Outreach and Resources Inc. is about a hand up rather than a hand out. “A meal and resources for those who are in need of help with getting back on their feet, with a job or getting through a tough time in their life” says Storz.

The grand opening, on July 8, will begin with a ribbon cutting at 10:45 a.m., lunch will follow. Festivities will go until 2 p.m. This is a free event, open to the entire community.

Maplewood Mayor Barry Greenberg and Mid County Chamber of Commerce President Christy Byrd plan to be there.

The Branch Outreach and Resources Inc. is a nonprofit 501(C)(3) corporation in Maplewood. The Branch provides a soup kitchen to feed the community, a resource center to connect guests with available resources and workshops geared toward developing and increasing life skills.