The Total Living Center (TLC) rests in a conservative, yellow brick church right off 9th Street on the southwest side of artsy, downtown Canton. Much larger than it appears, the building twists and turns, with many rooms continuously bustling all week.
Launched in 1991, TLC provides a “ministry of healing,” where people of any age, race, background and challenge are welcomed and respected. There is a kitchen and dining area where 60 to 100 free meals are prepared each day; there are rooms where gently used clothing for all ages is offered, beauty salons to provide haircuts and styling, even a space where Powell Chiropractic of Canton sets up shop monthly to donate their expertise, as well as provide high quality nutritional supplements.
And amongst all this, Eden Koz (with her brands Just Be® and BELONG), Kristie Leahy Comsia and Zach Freidhof wanted to bring even more. So on Sunday, May 5, they partnered with TLC to create and execute a “Beautification Project” to help rejuvenate the outside of the church to match the wonderful connections that happen inside.
With a team of about 30 people, Michael George of Growing for Good (who masterminded the planting) directed the group to the front and sides of the building to place new mulch, trees, plants and flowers, as well as creatively painted rocks. Supervised by TLC’s Kitchen Director, Morris Dubose, several people also worked inside to help straighten the food pantry, assist in the kitchen and to replace damaged ceiling tiles.
As the labor for this project was volunteer (as well as Michael’s talents), the cost of the plants and mulch was funded by donations. Because the project came in under budget, there are already ideas in place for a “Beautification Project Part 2.”
TLC Director, Pastor Don Bartow commented, “The beauty of the flowers and plants will contribute to the healing of the hurts of the many wounded souls to whom we minister. The flowers’ beauty is a silent, but powerful, witness of a more peaceful and purposeful life.”
Additionally to the big list above, TLC also offers Sunday worship service, a laundromat, groceries, twice a month fun afternoons for young and old and help with Medicaid and Medicare, Al Anon weekly meetings, AA meetings, Fathers Against Violence ministry, Christmas presents for over 1,000 children, copy paper for churches and nonprofit organizations, a Community Service site for those with court ordered hours of volunteering, and an SRCCC site where those who are incarcerated can do court-ordered volunteering.
Volunteers are encouraged and welcomed at TLC. There also is a need for people to be part of the community – to just be there. Please contact Sheila Dallas for more info at [email protected] or call (330) 455-3663.
