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ALL ABOUT THE FELLOWSHIP CENTER

who we are

The Fellowship Center operates as a non-profit thrift store, channeling all proceeds towards supporting our community assistance program. Within our storefront, visitors discover a spacious shopping area brimming with high-quality, new and second-hand items. This includes a diverse array of clothing for adults, children, and infants, along with footwear and accessories. Our selection extends to jewelry, housewares, collectibles, antiques, and domestic essentials like linens and blankets. Art enthusiasts can explore our collection of paintings and framed artwork. Furthermore, our warehouse stocks furniture pieces and outdoor tools. Notably, The Fellowship Center hosts a food pantry and distribution center in collaboration with Fellowship Church, ensuring comprehensive support for those in need.

our story

Delve into the heart of The Fellowship Center’s mission, and you’ll discover the profound influence of its founder, Marie Anderson. Guided by her unwavering faith in God, Marie embarked on a mission to help the less fortunate after lightning struck St. John the Evangelist Church in 1968, burning it down. This tragedy opened a need for outreach, prompting Marie and a small group from the church to donate clothes out of their car. Soon after, they began renting an abandoned gas station, and eventually, the organization acquired the property that the Fellowship Center continues to occupy to this today. Their efforts provided extra clothes to the less fortunate, laying the groundwork for TFC’s purpose. TFC continues to honor the legacy of faith, compassion, and community that were an essential part of its beginning. The Fellowship Center stands as a testament to Marie Anderson's enduring impact, echoing the values she helped instill from its very foundation.

AWARDS

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Hear the story of The Fellowship Center from its founder, Marie Anderson

meet our board of directors

Our Board of Directors consists of like-minded individuals from diverse backgrounds, united by a shared belief: The Fellowship Center can magnify its impact through collaboration.

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President

Mindy Winburn

Mindy Winburn is a native of South Louisiana. She has a Bachelor of Science degree from Southeastern Louisiana University. She previously had a career as a Clinical Research Coordinator working with a local Gastroenterology group. She is married and has 2 children. She has a heart for serving Christ and serving others. She enjoys reading, attending sporting events, traveling, cooking and volunteering at her children's school, Fellowship Food pantry and Fellowship Church kid’s ministry. Mindy's favorite scripture is 1 John 3:18 which says, "Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth." Which is why she is excited to serve on the board of the Fellowship Center.

About Mindy

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Vice President

Amy H. Lambert

Amy is a seasoned professional having worked in higher education administration throughout the southeast and now in banking at Neighbors Federal Credit Union. Committed to continuous service in her community, she is actively involved with the Ascension Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Ascension, and the Ascension Fund. As a member of Fellowship Church since 2012, Amy has served in the children's ministry, the New Here Team, Night to Shine, and now has the privilege of working with local missions to bring hope and help to Ascension by serving as a board officer for The Fellowship Center. Amy is married to Derrick, a proud graduate of EA, and they have one son, Nicholas. They love LSU sporting events, traveling, serving at Fellowship Church, and spending time with their Westie, Ryder.

About Amy

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Secretary

Melanie Hunt

Melanie Cashat Hunt, a Gonzales native, graduated from East Ascension High School in 1994 and earned a BA in Fashion Merchandising from Louisiana Tech University in 1998. With a passion for retail from a young age, she pursued a diverse career in Houston, TX, excelling in management, merchandising, buying, operations, and analytics. Returning home in 2015 with her son Ethan, Melanie now works as a Worker’s Comp. Adjuster. Volunteering at TFC since 2022, Melanie leverages her expertise to enhance sales and the organization's overall appearance. She finds fulfillment in serving others and is an active member of Fellowship Church.

About Melanie

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Treasurer

Sheila Harvey

Sheila, a native of Ascension Parish, graduated from business school and took classes at LSU after high school. With years of experience in bookkeeping and accounting, she co-founded a company specializing in components for the natural gas and chemical industry. After 30 years as CEO, she sold the company in 2018. Sheila, married for 45 years with two children and four grandchildren, began volunteering at The Fellowship Center in 2022 as Board President. With a family history of involvement, she's dedicated to serving and has been active at Fellowship Church since 2009. Sheila enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, crocheting, reading, and traveling.

About Sheila

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Board Member

Christie Dillon

A native of Valdosta, Georgia, Christie has called Louisiana her home since 2012. She and her husband Matt have three children and currently live in St. Amant. As a member of Fellowship Church, Christie serves in the children’s ministry and is apart of the Ladies Bible Study groups. She has been a Board member of The Fellowship Center since 2023. She graduated with her Master’s degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Valdosta State University. Her background in Human Resources included roles within Recruiting and Talent Assessment & Development.

About Christie

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Board Member

Julie Piper

Julie Piper, a University of Southern Mississippi graduate in Merchandising and Marketing, boasts over 30 years of diverse experience in sales, customer service, training, process development, logistics, and management. Co-owner of Belle-Technologies with her husband Shawn, Julie recently founded Jacques-A-Meaux Adventures, LLC to support those in need of service animals. Married since 2006, Julie and Shawn are devoted parents to their daughter, Taylor. Members of Fellowship Church since 2019, Julie actively serves in the children’s ministry

About Julie

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Board Member

Brian Robert

About Brian

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Board Member

Paula Brooks

About Paula

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Board Member

Missy Lee

About Missy

lIKE WHAT YOU SEE?
Come visit us in store!

How can we help you?

813 South Burnside

Gonzales, LA 70737

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Store Hours

Mon - Sat 9:00 AM - 2:30 PM

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Warehouse Hours

Mon - Fri 7:00 AM - 2:00 PM (Shop)

Mon - Fri 7:00 AM - 2:30 PM (Donate)

1st Saturday of the month 8am- 2:30pm

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Assistance Office

Mon/Wed/Fri 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

By Appointment

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FC Food Pantry

Tues/Thurs &

1st Saturday of the month

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

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(225) 644-4342

office@tfchelps.org

Contact us
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