#Thrifted: Edwards Street Fellowship Center and the Impact of Its Thrift Store

A Legacy of Hope: Edwards Street Fellowship Center

Nestled in the heart of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, the Edwards Street Fellowship Center (ESFC) is a faith-based nonprofit dedicated to serving individuals and families in need. Established to address food insecurity, healthcare access, and financial hardship, ESFC embodies a mission of compassion, dignity, and community engagement. Over the years, it has evolved into a multi-faceted ministry that provides a food pantry, medical clinic, and essential social services for those facing economic challenges.

Ann McCullen, Executive Director (Photo: Eli Baylis/Hattiesburg American)

Ann McCullen: A Champion for the Community

At the helm of ESFC’s transformative work is Ann McCullen, a devoted humanitarian whose leadership has left a lasting imprint on the organization and the greater Hattiesburg area. McCullen began her journey at ESFC in 2015 as the executive director, bringing a passion for service its authentic "family" culture.

Her leadership style is hands-on and deeply personal, emphasizing inclusivity, resourcefulness, and faith-driven action. She has played a key role in strengthening partnerships with local organizations, securing funding, and enhancing volunteer engagement. McCullen's ability to identify community needs and respond with innovative solutions has helped ESFC become a cornerstone of support for thousands of individuals each year.

Edwards Street Thrift Store: More Than a Retail Space

Among ESFC’s many initiatives, the Edwards Street Thrift Store stands out as a vital extension of its mission. More than just a retail outlet, the thrift store functions as a community resource, generating essential funds while providing affordable goods to those in need. In recent years, one-third to nearly one-half of ESFC’s total gross revenue has come from the thrift store, underscoring its importance in sustaining the organization’s outreach programs.

What makes the thrift store truly special is its commitment to benevolence donations. Many donated items are given away at no charge to individuals who receive referrals from social service agencies. The thrift store also partners with Hattiesburg High School’s Paws-it Resource Closet, which provides dress-code-compliant clothing to students in need, ensuring they can attend school with confidence.

Through this partnership, special needs students at Hattiesburg High play a crucial role in washing, folding, and organizing donated clothing for their peers who may not have access to laundry facilities at home. The school has a washer and dryer available, and students can submit laundry requests via QR codes posted around campus. This initiative helps students maintain proper dress code and avoid excessive absences due to a lack of clean clothing.

Additionally, the thrift store and Junior Auxiliary of Hattiesburg provide professional attire such as job interview suits for students seeking employment and formalwear for events like homecoming. Teachers and administrators have shared heartfelt stories about students who otherwise wouldn’t be able to participate in school activities due to financial constraints, reinforcing the thrift store’s impact beyond basic clothing needs.

A Ministry of Impact

The Edwards Street Thrift Store is not just a place to shop—it is a ministry that touches lives. Whether through providing essential clothing, fostering job training, or generating funds for food and medical assistance, the thrift store exemplifies ESFC’s commitment to empowering individuals and restoring hope. Thanks to the dedication of Ann McCullen and the entire ESFC team, countless lives are being uplifted every day in Hattiesburg and beyond.

For those looking to support ESFC, shopping at or donating to the thrift store is a meaningful way to contribute to its mission. Together, through service and generosity, the Edwards Street Fellowship Center continues to make a profound difference in the community.