(CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – Five years ago, Larry and Deborah Ward were coordinating a church food bank when they realized residents had dire need for clothing, appliances, furniture and temporary assistance with utilities and rent.

The Wards founded Inside-Out Ministries Inc., which will host an anniversary open house on Sunday from 2 to 3 p.m. Dessert will be served. Inside-Out’s address is 103 Gin Oaks Court, just west of Sullivan Street, in downtown Madison.

“Sundays are such special days, and we invite you to join us on March 3 to make it extra special as Inside-Out Ministries celebrates five years,” Deborah Ward said. “So much has changed and so many lives have been changed as the love of God touched them.”

Ministry volunteers, partners from local churches and Mayor Troy Trulock will attend the event. Inside-Out is a 501(c) 3 charity.

The Wards’ strategy for Inside-Out was to create partnerships with churches and individuals to provide more impact from pooled resources. “We were drawn to share resources God has put at our disposal and to seek out others who had a heart for helping,” she said.

Inside-Out volunteers interview applicants to become acquainted and “find out why they’re struggling. It’s important to know how to help before we simply offer financial help,” Larry said.

Natives of Hartselle, the Wards moved to Madison in 1988 when Larry was commuting to Teledyne Brown Engineering and classes at the University of Alabama in Huntsville.

At UAH, he earned an engineering degree and then worked for The Boeing Company. He also received a bachelor’s degree from Athens State University and a master’s degree from Liberty Theological Seminary. Deborah holds a bachelor’s degree from ASU in business administration. She worked for the City of Madison 12 years and in ministry administration six years.

“Inside-Out is a conduit for service,” she said. “We love building teams of volunteers to meet needs.”

For more information, call 256-325-5193 or visit inside-outministries.org.