This is Our Story
Permit us to paint a picture of how one person can change a community. Over 30 years ago, Rita O'Brien was that person, she had a Passion for the poor and an idea for a house where anyone in need could get a free meal. Rita, a Roman Catholic, met with friends from a number of local Protestant Churches who prayed and planned on how to forward her vision. In December of 1991, The Arcadia Center for the Needy was born and incorporated as a 501c3. The Desoto County Ministerial Association, which already had several ongoing services for the poor endorsed and provided aid to the project.
The first house was a rented storefront on W. Oak street in downtown Arcadia. and the first guests numbered 15-20 everyday for the first few years. As time passed new antique business owners were arriving on Oak Street and along with this new growth came higher demand for more shops. by itThis turned into a journey, over several years, which took her on an adventure of kindness and mercy resulting in a distribution center where she could pass out food and clothing on Oak Street in Arcadia. This Center became one of the hubs for help in DeSoto County and a 501C, supported by area churches, RV Parks, and mobile home communities, service organizations, and individuals — along its course — it is now over 30 years in operation. We also know there are many stories hidden in Lois's good works but there is one we will focus upon.
He was homeless for nearly 20 years —his name is James—he lived in the woods and fed himself from grocery store dumpsters. He was caught in the snare of repeating behaviors. But there is so much more to James' story. Let's go back a few years. He had been staying in a New York homeless shelter when someone asked if anyone wanted to go to North Carolina to farm sweet potatoes. At the time, James was in his 20's. He was not prepared for the harsh work of sweet potato farming, so he decided to keep moving south — eventually coming to the sunshine state. In the late 1970s, he was hit by a truck in Pomona Park, a city south of Palatka. He spent the next three months in a Jacksonville hospital getting a plate in his head. His leg and foot were so badly damaged that doctors said he would never walk again. Here we get a glimpse into this unique and faith-filled man — his response back was, "I'm gonna fool y'all!" And — that he did.
After his hard-fought recovery, he kept moving south and ended up in Arcadia in 2000. This will bring us to the time when Lois Miller first encountered James Beckett. And, it just so happens that our God of surprises had these two souls' paths — cross at a dumpster. Lois found James digging through a Food Lion trash receptacle. He told her that he used to find chicken wings and other good food in the grocery's discards. He was always a thankful man. Lois offered him a meal. And, little by little she was able to get him assistance from Social Security benefits as a result of his injury. This enabled James to get a small trailer and live under the comfort of a roof. That disability check today is still what gives James the resources to pay his lot rent on that small trailer. He immediately began volunteering, at first as a dishwasher. He became a committed team volunteer at the Center for the Needy. His disabilities were no match for his commitment.
The woman named Lois knew that the author of surprises —that hidden face — which appeared at the time of need — would reappear now when she would be called to retire from her mission. And, of course, the answer came. It would be James that would be called to carry forward the mission of feeding and clothing the poor for future years. He stepped into the role with The Board of Directors' approval over 20 years ago. That author of surprise and change whom all believers encounter is present every day. And is the spirit behind the Arcadia Center for the Needy.
Every day James Beckett arrives at the Center (now at Orange and Pine) at 4:00 AM, opening at 4:30 and closing at 10AM. Through Covid-19 the Center remains open — adjusting hours and days to protect the volunteers and clients from exposure. James is still on duty every day doubling up on needs to cover the days closed. It is James who trains the volunteers, It is James who manages the everyday donations which he is quick to say, "Everything that comes in the back door — goes out the front door to help people in need!" It is James who has carried the spirit of Christ into the food and clothing and shoes and jackets and hats and gloves and blankets and tents and pots and pans and toiletries and pots and pans given. It is James who lays the foundation through Christ Jesus to build relationships with our community. We are all blessed beyond measure that James Beckett was found by Lois Miller at the Food Lyon Dumpster over 20 years ago. We all know that it was at the hand of our God of surprises.