As much as we may value charitable organizations in the city of Lexington, and indeed across the state of South Carolina, we might not know much about what they do or how they work.

Mission Lexington, located at 216 Harmon St., is one of those places that helps people in need. Since 1978, this group, that started out as a collective of four churches, has served individuals and families faced with limited resources and urgent needs.

And this Friday morning, May 17, from 8 a.m. to 9a.m., residents of Lexington County will have a chance to truly see how Mission Lexington does their work. The Mission is hosting a guided “behind the scenes” tour of their headquarters, a chance for people to see what Executive Director Robin Bowers and her dedicated staff do every day to give people the help they need.

The guided tour includes breakfast options like bagels, coffee and a hot grits bar to fill you up while you learn about Mission Lexington.

Primarily, the mission tries to meet the most immediate needs of those who turn to them. They assist families and individuals with life essentials (food, clothing, shelter), resources, and guidance.

In 2022, the Mission met over 31,800 needs in Lexington County, ranging from rehousing a blended family of six to providing interview clothes to a dad trying to provide for his family. Their partner network includes local businesses, government agencies, corporations, organizations, individuals and 54-member churches that help sustain their vision daily.

Mission Lexington has served the county from multiple locations over the years, moving as their needs have expanded. Today, they offer a thrift store, food pantry, mobile food pantry, donation center, social services and administration offices, all at the Harmon Street location in downtown Lexington.

Mission Lexington has a spiritual base in their approach, as well. The Mission’s mission, if you will, goes as follows: “Glorifying God by serving our neighbors in crisis. – In the Spirit of Matthew 25:40. We glorify God by providing the basic human needs of food, clothing, shelter, and resources to Lexington County residents in times of crisis.”