Join us in building relationships and restoring hope.
Hello
Welcome to Purposed Plates
Purposed Plates is a 501(c)(3) faith-based, trauma-informed, and survivor-led organization committed to nourishing the mind, body, soul and spirit. We believe in the power of gathering, where meals become ministry and conversations become tools for transformation.
About Purposed Plates
Our Vision
Purposed Plates envisions generations transformed - one plate, one story and one conversation at a time - until every household experiences hope, belonging and the opportunity to thrive.
Our Mission
We prepare purposed meals, engage in purposed conversations, and build purposed relationships - for the purpose of restoring families affected by trauma.
Our Approach
* Rooted in compassion and guided by purpose, we meet people where they are-- spiritually, emotionally and relationally.
* Guided by active listening and genuine encouragement, we help participants set achievable goals that foster healing and growth.
* Focused on restoration and resilience, we walk alongside families as they rebuild stronger connections and cultivate healthier futures.
Our Impact
* Parents leave with renewed confidence to lead their households.
* Children experience a sense of belonging and stability through shared meals.
* Families gain access to mentorship, coaching, and life-skills training that create lasting change.
* Communities grow stronger as family relationships are restored, and cycles of trauma are broken.
The Outcome
The work of Purposed Plates goes beyond providing meals. Our ultimate outcome is family restoration through consistent nourishment, conversation, and relationship-building. Individuals feel seen, heard and valued during guided conversations.
Strong Families are the Root of Strong Communities
Collaboration is Key
Purposed Plates collaborates with churches, shelters, schools, and community organizations to reach families who need more than just assistance - they need restoration. Your investment, whether financial, sharing your time or resources, multiplies through these partnerships, creating lasting change in families.
Meet the Founder/Director
Marilyn L. Lacy
Born and raised in Baltimore City in one of Maryland's most notorious housing projects, she has overcome many traumas. She is a survivor of sexual abuse as a child, rape in her teenage years, and domestic violence in her marriage.
She too endured broken relationships with her parents, which, coupled with her own childhood trauma led her down the wrong path in life. She surrendered her life to Christ in 2003, and in 2016, after becoming a widow, she began her journey of healing and deliverance from strongholds. Recognizing that God gave her pain purpose, she answered the call God has assigned to her.
Turning her trauma into ministry, she published her first book in 2017 and became an author and member of MCASA (Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault) where she has received many certificates and continues her trauma informed trainings. She serves in the following roles:
* Impact Advocate / Change Agent
* Facilitator for the Tamar Women Ministry (Ministering to Survivors of Sexual abuse.) FBCGI-First Baptist Church of Glenarden International.
* Facilitator and graduate of the Redeemed and Restored Re-entry Program (Mentoring for Returning Citizens.)
* S.A.R.T. (Sexual Assault Response Team) PG County
* DV/SAC (Domestic Violence Sexual Assault) UMMC PG County.
* PGCHTTF (Prince Georges County Human Trafficking Task Force.)
* Graduate from Denver Seminary's Urban Initiative Lay Ministry Program.
* Graduate from Think GREAT Academy.
Spread the Word
Help us raise awareness of our mission and programs by sharing our website, social media pages, and events with your friends, family, and colleagues.
Support Purposed Plates Today
Your generous donations help us prepare meals, foster meaningful conversations, and build strong relationships within families. Join us in making a difference in our community. Together we can restore hope - one plate, one conversation, and one relationship at a time.
Ways to support Purposed Plates in Making a Difference
1.) Become a Monthly Donor ('Purposed Partner')
Consistent Monthly giving allows Purposed Plates to:
* Provide steady meals to families in crisis
* Fund emergency grocery and pantry boxes.
* Support cooking classes, mentoring, and faith-based restorative work
Even $25/monthly will help sponsor an entire week of prepared meals for a family.
2.) Sponsor a Family or Program
Individuals, churches, and businesses can sponsor:
* A family in transition
* A Women's Chat & Chew
* A Survivor's Brunch
* A holiday meal distribution
* Culinary skills sessions
This provides direct impact and creates a personal connection
3.) Donate Groceries, Supplies, and Kitchen Essentials
People can give:
* Bulk pantry items
* Fresh Produce
* Disposable trays, bowls, cutlery napkins
* Cleaning and sanitation supplies
* Gift cards (Walmart. Sam's Club, Aldi, Amazon...
4.) Volunteer Time and Skills
Supporters can serve by:
* Helping prepare, package and distribute meals
* Serving at events (Chat & Chew, community dinners, workshops)
* Using professional skills (marketing, photography, social media, graphic design, admin help)
^ Mentoring women and families in transition
5.) Purchase Meals or Catering from Lucy's Fine Cuisine LLC
A Portion of all proceeds from your catering services can support Purposed Plates initiatives-making every event a contribution to community restoration.
6.) Share the Mission Publicly
People can support simply by:
* Posting on social media
* Sharing flyers. events, and fundraisers
* Inviting others to volunteer or give
* Connecting Purposed Plates with potential donors or partners
Awareness fuels reach
7.) Host a "Purpose Drive"
Supporters can organize:
* Food drives
* Care-package drives
* Meal-prep sponsorships
* Christmas baskets
* Mother's Day support bags
These can be done at churches, workplaces, or community groups.
8.) Donate Financially to Specific Needs
Clear needs include:
* Commercial kitchen time
* Food supplies
* Transportation (gas, deliveries, equipment
* Packaging
* Event costs
* Outreach materials and printing
* Emergency support for families
9.) Become a Program Ambassador
Program Ambassadors can:
* Represent Purposed Plates at events
* Recruit volunteers
* Connect Purposed Plates to new neighborhoods
* Help share the stories and testimonies