By Del Harrington
The Mustard Seed is a Christian community for adults with developmental disabilities, which works daily to enrich the lives of over 40 adults with special needs. In 1981, The Mustard Seed opened the doors to its ministry and to its campus located at 1085 Luckney Road in Flowood and has since grown to include two residential homes, 10,000 square feet of workshop and activity space, a gift shop, and an administrative office space.
The Mustard Seed currently houses 18 adults with special needs in two residential homes and has another 23 enrolled in the Day Program. The Mustard Seed is a safe and special place for these adults to find meaning and purpose in life. The “Seedsters,” clients at The Mustard Seed, enjoy painting ceramics, being a part of enrichment classes, hand building clay to create art, exercising, spending time with volunteers, and experiencing great things in the community.
“Unique” is a word that describes not only the “Seedsters,” but also describes their beautiful, handcrafted ceramics. Each piece is made with love and sold to directly benefit the ministry of The Mustard Seed. Ceramic pieces are created, fired, and sold on the 11-acre campus located about a mile off Lakeland Drive on Luckney Road. The Mustard Seed Gift Shop is open Monday–Friday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and the second Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. All proceeds from ceramic sales account for about 20% of the annual budget and go directly to fund the program at The Mustard Seed.
In addition to financial support from the ceramics, remaining funding comes from generous contributions from individuals, corporations, foundations, churches, and schools, as well as tuitions paid by each Seedsters’ family. The Mustard Seed does not receive State or Federal funding; therefore, support from the community is vital.
Many families in the Southeast are in need of services offered at The Mustard Seed, but with its current size, the program is at capacity. Future growth will allow The Mustard Seed to touch and enrich the lives of additional adults with developmental disabilities.
Transforming lives, teaching skills, creating art, and loving life are all a part of the place we call The Mustard Seed!
How can YOU help The Mustard Seed to continue its special ministry? Come be a part of “Racin’ for the Seed,” a fundraising event that will directly support the ongoing ministry at The Mustard Seed. All proceeds from the race on April 11 will impact the lives of over 40 special adults who appreciate your love, prayers, and support.
For more information about “Racin’ for the Seed,” visit our race website at racinfortheseed.com. We invite you to come Race for the Seed as a participant, a sponsor, a spectator or a volunteer!
For more information about The Mustard Seed, supporting its ministry, or volunteering your time, visit mustardseedinc.org or call 601.992.3556.
Del Harrington is the Direcor of Community Relations at The Mustard Seed.
