25th Anniversary Celebration

Legacy Benefit January 19, 6-9pm at the Brooklyn Arts Center
First Fruit Ministries celebrates 25 years of creating transformational change

Wilmington, NC, Jan. 10,2023 -- First Fruit Ministries, Wilmington’s largest and oldest organization serving homeless and trafficked individuals, is holding a Celebration Benefit on January 19 in honor of the non-profit’s 25th anniversary.

This night of storytelling will showcase real stories of hope, growth, tragedy, and encounters that transform the lives of people living on the streets.

Event details:
Brooklyn Arts Center
516 N 4th St, Wilmington, NC 28401
Jan. 19, 6-9pm
Tickets: $125, givebutter.com/c/waymakerlegacy

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First Fruit Ministries founders, Rick and Lee Anna Stoker, who met while ministering to homeless individuals in downtown Wilmington, will share stories of their early days pioneering an organization to rebuild lives.

A local FBI agent specializing in human trafficking cases will share an overview of current state of homelessness and human trafficking in the region,and Alan Perry of Perry’s Emporium will share the vision of building a legacy for the next 25 years.

With the mission of sharing unconditional love through practical resources like food, housing, and support, First Fruit Ministries is dedicated to meeting the region’s most vulnerable people where they are. The organization’s support teams seek out people in homeless camps, drug houses, and on the streets, providing hot meals and building a relationship at the street-level.

First Fruit’s Vance St. campus includes a day shelter, kitchen,food pantry, and supportive housing for trafficking victims. In addition to accessing showers, clothing, laundry facilities, and meals, clients can also receive medical care, social services, and housing support.

Using this model, FirstFruit has served thousands of homeless individuals in the Cape Fear Region, nearly 50% of whom are victims of abuse, human trafficking, or trauma. FirstFruit has helped nearly 1,000 people transition from being homeless or being trafficked to permanent, secure housing.