TORRINGTON – For more than 30 years, Land of Goshen Ministries has been a pillar of support in the Torrington community, offering food assistance and affordable shopping through its thrift store and food pantry. 

Founded in 1992 by the late Lester and Florence Snow, the ministry has grown tremendously, now welcoming 50 to 100 shoppers daily and helping nearly 100 individuals and families through its food pantry each month. 

The organization also has a team of over 25 volunteers who do everything from cleaning donated items to preparing boxes for the food pantry and even running the register in the thrift store.

As a faith-based organization, Land of Goshen Ministries isn’t tied to any specific church or denomination but is committed to its mission of being the hands and feet of Jesus to the Goshen County community. A dedicated board including Louis Kuhnel, Molly Aagard, David Kendall, Marleen Kendall and Gary Flom works hard to ensure the ministry stays true to its values.

The food pantry, open on the third Thursday and Friday of each month, is a lifeline for many Goshen County residents. The ministry prioritizes buying locally sourcing food, primarily from Main Street Market and Fresh Foods. This not only helps them secure the best prices but also supports local businesses and saves on transportation costs. 

Last month alone, Land of Goshen provided food to 111 individuals and families. Providing for this many people requires a lot of food and manpower. While food donations are always welcome, financial contributions allow the ministry to purchase the most essential items each month. A major source of funding for the food pantry comes from the thrift store’s profits, making every purchase in the shop an act of giving.

In recent years, the quality of donations to the thrift store has improved significantly, benefiting both shoppers and the ministry. Special items often go into a silent auction, allowing customers to bid while maximizing their impact on the ministry. 

“The silent auction lets us honor the generosity of donors and make the most of these special contributions,” store manager, Molly Aagard said. 

Meanwhile, items which are too worn or unsellable are wholesaled to recycling groups, ensuring nothing goes to waste.

“We really appreciate our shoppers, they are what keeps this ministry going,” board member, Gary Flom said. 

More than half of the thrift store’s customers are seniors, and through a partnership with AARP, the ministry provides job opportunities for two older Goshen County residents. Land of Goshen also collaborates with the Task Force on Family Violence, helping those in need in meaningful ways. While the store keeps prices affordable, the clothes, housewares, and other items still have plenty of life left in them. There’s even a dedicated section for work and interview attire, making it easier for individuals entering or re-entering the workforce. 

“There’s truly something for everyone,” the board shared.

Land of Goshen Ministries has operated in several locations over the years, but nearly 15 years ago, they found a permanent home when Chuck Brown sold them their current building on East Valley Road for just $1. As the ministry continues to grow, they are actively saving to move into an even larger facility which will allow them to serve even more people.

Through it all, Land of Goshen Ministries remains a beacon of hope in Goshen County. They are a reminder of the incredible things which can happen when a community comes together. As they look to the future, their mission stays the same: to serve, uplift, and make a difference one box of food, one thrift store purchase, and one act of kindness at a time.