Tree of Life Ministries on Friday celebrated the nonprofit’s move from to the former Valley Energy/bank building on Main Street with a ribbon cutting.

The event was attended by members of the Loudoun Chamber of Commerce, County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large), Supervisor Caleb A. Kershner (R-Catoctin), Purcellville Mayor Stanley J. Milan, Sheriff Mike Chapman and Purcellville Police Chief Cynthia McAlister.

The organization, which was founded in 2008, has been operating in a building on North 21^st Street since 2011.
CEO Susannah Lee said the move to the former bank building, which has been vacant for the past few years, was due largely to the owner Bill Murphy, “who made it possible … through the generosity of his family.”

“Through prayer, volunteering and your financial donations, we are blessed to continue what Tree of Life began in 2008,” Lee told the group of supporters gathered on the front lawn.

Milan said the move would allow Tree of Life to serve more members of the town that needed it because the new location is easier to access and more public facing, helping to spread the word about the services the nonprofit offers.

“This will be a ribbon cutting to sever the ribbon but it will be the opening of doors to those in need to come to this facility and get the needed help,” he said.

Director of Communications Jennifer Del Grande agreed and said she hopes having a location that is more front and center with the rest of the town will give community members the chance to learn more about what Tree of Life has to offer—both to garner more volunteers and to serve more community members in need.

Randall said the service the nonprofit provides is vital, but it is the way they go about it that is truly important.

“One of the most important things is not just that you’re feeding people, you’re helping people, you’re clothing people, you’re housing people but as you do that, you’re making sure that those people keep their dignity.

Because often when people come for help, they feel like they are coming with their head down and embarrassed and ashamed. And no one should ever be ashamed to ask for help and no one offering help should ever make anyone feel like less when they’re given help. And Tree of Life doesn’t do that. You make people know that they are worthy to be helped,” she said.

Tree of Life holds community dinners on site every Thursday at 5:30 p.m. free of charge. The Purcellville location delivers food to 40 families a week in a week to their open daily food pantry. The organization also has locations in Leesburg and Sterling, provides transitional housing opportunities, operates a coffee shop in Leesburg and a thrift store.

The nonproft has made over 200,000 service impacts across its five branches of services including food, life skills, shelter, healthcare and relief. Learn more at tolministries.org.