Impacting Tomorrow outlines free market, clothing boutique and volunteer needs to Milford board

Beth Rogers, operations and volunteer manager at Impacting Tomorrow, told the Milford Exempted Village Board of Education on Feb. 19 that the nonprofit operates a free food market, a clothing boutique and a "carry her" program that distributes essentials.

"If our guests take advantage of all the items we have to offer, they typically walk out with at least $200 worth of groceries every week, free of charge," Rogers said, describing the market’s mix of meat, dairy, fresh produce and pantry staples. She said the boutique supplies clothing, shoes and accessories (with underwear and socks required to be new) and that the nonprofit distributes baby supplies monthly through a carry-her baby program.

Rogers described partnerships with Grow Together Therapy (pediatric occupational therapy) and Health Source of Ohio (medical and dental services on site) and said both accept major insurance and offer sliding-scale or scholarship support. She said Impacting Tomorrow has no ZIP-code or income restrictions; anyone who walks in may shop.

Volunteers are essential, Rogers said: it takes roughly 40–50 volunteers to staff a market and boutique day. She directed would-be volunteers to sign up through a platform called CivicChamps, and she noted the nonprofit maintains an Amazon wish list for boutique and program items.

Board members praised the operation and encouraged tours and donations; one trustee said they were inspired to donate personal items after hearing the presentation. The board did not take any formal action on this presentation.