YOUNGSTOWN — Behind Closed Doors Ministries, which was started four years ago, works to aid the well-

being of people of the community by providing Biblical information, spiritual encouragement, food, clothing and school supplies.

Minister Michelle Carter-Douglass, founder / pastor of Behind Closed Doors Ministries of Struthers, said she and others focus on helping people who are suffering from traumatic experiences to show them there is no reason to be ashamed.

The ministry offers a food ministry at the holidays and helps those who need groceries throughout the year. Carter-Douglass said there is also a clothing giveaway, shoe giveaway and a school supply giveaway throughout the year.

Carter-Douglass was working at a hotel in 2016 and lost her job and went through a period of depression because of a lack of income.

“I thanked God I had my son and my family who helped out. I had been in a period for two years of isolation and depression. The Holy Spirit let me know there was help but for some people there is no one to go to. Some people feel ashamed to go to people. I took that hard time in my life to help others,” she said.

Starting in 2018, she offered prayers and gift cards to people and then in 2020 when the pandemic hit and churches closed, “I did not want to dwell behind closed doors and found an open door.”

She started the Behind Closed Doors Ministry in 2018 and recently hosted a fundraiser.

“I wanted to let people know what we have been doing and hopefully increase what we have been doing. We want to be a link for the community,” she said

She said the organization devotes its time to the spiritual enhancement of the community and to aid those suffering from the trials and tribulations of the world.

Carter-Douglass said she organized the fundraiser as a way for people to share their testimonies. She said for this year and 2023, she wants to reach and help more people.

“If I find someone facing hard times, I want to be there to help them with paying a bill or getting food or clothing. I want to be part of the community more,” she said, noting at Harding Park in Hubbard there will be a clothing giveaway noon to 5 p.m. Sept. 24.

Carter-Douglass said three new board members were added to the ministry: the Rev. Monica Beasley-Martin of “Be Positive” podcast, and the Revs. Herman and Dawn Harcun of Virginia.

She said she remembers the success of the “Shoes .Off Our Feet, Clothes Off Our Back” event in 2020 in Campbell. Plans are to host the event each year.

Beasely Martin said Carter-Douglass has been helping people for some time using her own money and her family’s help.

For information, visit

bcdministriesllc.com for

donations and programs.