Episcopalians love to support One Man’s Treasure, a ministry that provides gently used clothing to men just released from prison. 

Reintroducing previously incarcerated men back into society is challenging. When they walk out of the prison gates, they get $100, a bus ticket, a pair of pants and a shirt that may or may not fit and face challenges for basic necessities and employment. One Man’s Treasure is there to meet one of those needs - adequate clothing.  They provide these men with four to five shirts, two pairs of pants, shoes, a tie, five pair of underwear and socks, a t-shirt, and if requested, a suit or sport coat - clothing that can give them a sense of dignity and self-worth.

“Most of the men are coming back to families that are not able to help them,” said Annette Jenkins, Executive Director and a member of St James on the Lake, Kemp. “Here’s a man with a shirt on his back and a pair of pants and no support.  We know they can’t get a job wearing those clothes. We also know that If they get a job, it can take away the temptation to go down the path that brought them to prison to begin with.”

One Man’s Treasure has seen record growth in the past few years. They gave clothing to 870 men in 2015; 1,398 men in 2016; and 1,439 men in 2017 and anticipate that will increase to 1,600 this year.  To make this all happen, the ministry has fundraisers, receives financial gifts from individuals, area churches, and foundations and accepts donations of gently used men’s clothing, shoes and outerwear throughout the year.  A volunteer will pick up a clothing donation which can be arranged by emailing  , or calling 972-771-4141.  Donations can also be dropped off at Trinity Episcopal Church in Dallas, Holy Trinity by the Lake in Heath and St James on the Lake in Kemp.  During the spring and summer, Saint Michael’s and All Angels offers a clothing drive as part of its farmers market on Saturday mornings. Mary Ruth McKenney, who works at the Farmers Market said the booth for collecting clothes for One Man’s Treasure has been a great success. “We love it,” she said. “It is so easy to bring clothing out here, and it’s such a well-deserved resource for men getting out of prison and needing something to wear.”

At the heart of the ministry is a team of male volunteers called “shepherds,” of which some members are former recipients of the clothing. These shepherds deliver the clothes and offer words of encouragement, support and prayer.  A Bible verse of encouragement handwritten on a card by a volunteer is slipped into the shoes for the men to discover the first time they get dressed. Big and small acts of agape.

“We are so blessed and thankful for all of the churches and individuals in the Diocese who have embraced this ministry to men who are so often overlooked when they return to our communities. It’s wonderful to be able to help those that Christ called us to serve in Matthew 25:36-40.” Jenkins said. “We see so many success stories about how these efforts gave them the boost they needed to start their lives over again.  We often received a brief phone call or thank you note like this message from Christopher, one of our past clients that shares what it meant to them that total strangers brought them clothes.  ‘Thank you for making me feel human, more thought of after being locked up. I was greatly blessed and excited to be job hunting. Thank you all very much for your generosity and consideration.’"

The ministry has a fundraiser scheduled 5:30 to 9 p.m., April 19 at Texas Discovery Gardens in Fair Park. The event includes the tastes and sounds of Nashville, New Orleans, Chicago and New York, with food and music. 

“It’s a simple, but vital, ministry”, Jenkins said. “Each year more than 9,000 men return to the Dallas area after being incarcerated,” she said. “If they don’t get support and encouragement, the chances of succeeding are much lower.  We want to be a “prayerful hand-up” to as many of these men as we can.”

If you would like to learn more about One Man’s Treasure and how you can play a role in its ministry, contact Annette at 214-532-9819.