Mar 19

Mar 19 Women's History Month: Ministry provides necessities, listens to other's stories

Marianna Frank shares her vision for The Pocketbook Ministry. {Contributed photo}

Originally published September 15, 2021.

“Everybody has a story.”

The belief everyone has a story to tell along with guidance from God are the driving factors behind Marianna Frank’s mission to give back to a segment of the population that can sometimes be classified as overlooked. Approximately two years ago, Frank and her husband, Thomas, started The Pocketbook Ministry. With a focus on women who are homeless and those who may lack access to some necessities, the couple “hopes to bring encouragement, restore ‘dignity,’ and provide some comfort to their lives.”

“Our ministry takes gently used pocketbooks and backpacks and fills them with the basic necessities [toothpaste, toothbrush, washcloth, soap, deodorant, etc.], including feminine hygiene products and other items as needed. We then take the items and place them in a clear, Ziploc bag and place them in the pocketbooks. I have found most homeless women must decide on many occasions to either purchase feminine hygiene items or buy food for them to eat.”

Since the beginning of their ministry, Frank said they have started meeting an increasing number of couples who are homeless. For them, it didn’t feel right giving pocketbooks to the women without giving something to their partners. They began creating “Blessing Bags” for men that are filled with basic essential items. When it’s time for the Franks to distribute the items, they decided to utilize an unconventional approach.

“We don’t give out our bags in a large group setting or mass distribution. The point of the ministry is as the name says – ‘everybody has a story’ – so we take the time to do it one on one or a few at a time. We hand it to the person, talk with them and get to know them. I ask them their name and tell them mine. I ask if they have a few moments that I can talk with them, and in some cases, we even take pictures. Then I ask if I can pray with them. We learn their stories.”

Frank’s desire to “learn their stories” flourishes from a seed that was planted when she was a younger. Her brother, David, is adopted and has fetal alcohol syndrome as well as mental health issues. As a result, he’s been homeless for years.

“The trials and struggles my family and brother have been through since his adoption 49 years ago have allowed me to see the lack of concern and compassion for our homeless population and those suffering from mental illness. Their struggles have empowered me to do something to show them they’re important and to hear and share their stories.”

Prior to starting the ministry, Frank was the senior director of human resources for a national telecommunications construction company in Kernersville before launching a human resources firm called Frank Consulting Services, Inc. Despite having so-called prestige, Frank admits she never felt fulfilled or happy until The Pocketbook Ministry was birthed.

“This fulfills me and completes me. I believe God has shown me my calling.”

Additionally, Frank has a partner in the Salvation Army, which assists with her mission. It promotes the ministry through word of mouth and via its Facebook page. The nonprofit has also provided donations. The Davidson County native noted a friend to the ministry, Murray Sink, has been instrumental in collecting items and showering others with compassion and kindness.

Anyone who wishes to donate can contact Frank at pocketbookministry@gmail.com or on its Facebook page. They accept gently used pocketbooks and new hygiene products. During the winter months, they may include scarves, gloves, rain ponchos, hand warmers, etc. if available. Monetary donations help the Franks purchase supplies to fill the bags

While the ministry commenced as a way to help others, Frank said she’s learned a lot about people but mostly she’s learned a lot about herself. “In today’s society, everyone is always in such a hurry. We run here and there. We don’t sit down to have a meal together anymore. We don’t take time to get to know each other. We don’t even know our neighbors like we used to. I find it especially so now, in our high-tech world that everyone always wants to talk about themselves. I try to make a conscious effort whenever someone comes up to me and asks how I’m doing to always ask about them and their family instead of talking about myself. I like to ask about them because everyone ‘has a story.’ We just need to take the time to listen, care and focus on someone else. Look directly at them with eye contact. Honestly, be interested in what they have to say. I believe it will make our world a much better place.”