Join us in building relationships and restoring hope.
About Purposed Plates
Our Mission
We prepare purposed meals, engage in purposed conversations, and build purposed relationships-- for the purpose of restoring families affected by trauma.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 put on her life.
Turning her trauma into ministry, she published her first book in 2017 and became a 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:
* Facilitator for the Tamar Women Ministry (Ministering to Survivors of Sexual abuse.) FBCGI
* Facilitator for the Redeemed and Restored Re-entry Program (Mentoring for Returning Citizens) from which she also graduated.
* 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.)
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.