Our Ministry History
Priscilla’s Lost and Found (Priscilla’s) is a non-denominational faith-based program, for adult women. It received its non-profit status in May 2000, and planned and implemented a pilot program starting in July of that year. Women were sent from several social and community service organizations and local churches. The pilot program, funded by a small budget, served 10 women from Summit County, including referrals from homeless shelters, Haven of Rest, Step II, and Akron Pregnancy Service.
Our Founder
Reverend Arnetta Bailey, the founder of Priscilla's, served as organizer and executive director of REACH (Raising Expectations and Cultivating Hope), while continuing as Priscilla’s chairman and spiritual advisor. This dual perspective, coupled with her obedience to God’s plan, has given her a unique talent for meshing diverse resources and lives. Her deeds have been heralded by so many of the women she has touched that others have begun asking her to help start similar ministries.
Program Growth
In just over 18 months, the program grew to include 20 mentees, 30 mentors, 15 active volunteers and boosters, and over 10 associated agencies. Priscilla's experienced impressive increases in financial, religious and community support. For example, Priscilla’s was featured as a recipient of charitable proceeds from a nationally renowned gospel fest. Its two annual women’s retreats brought guests, devotional workshops, and leaders from more than four states and countless professions and backgrounds. Among the many strides made in this ministry is its partnership with the Arlington Church of God. Through the alliance, Priscilla’s functions as the mentoring guide for the church’s REACH program.
First Expansion
The first expansion chapter of Priscilla's began in Baltimore, Md., in April 2002. The Springfield, Ill., chapter started soon after in the winter of 2003. The chapter in East Saint Louis, Ill., celebrated its retreat in the fall 2004. We have plans to open new chapters in Colorado and Pennsylvania very soon.
In June 2002, Reverend Bailey joined the staff of the National Women of the Church of God, in Anderson, Ind., in the position of ministry coordinator. She will leave the Ohio programs in capable hands of those she has mentored to and been enriched by now as she goes forward to promote and embody the vision of Priscilla's and the women of hope and purpose.
Milestones
- May 2000 – Priscilla’s is founded by Rev. Arnetta Bailey in Akron, Ohio, in fulfillment of her mother Priscilla’s dream as well as in harmony with the ministry of Priscilla and Aquila. (Acts 18)
- May 2001 – Rev. Bailey forms an alliance with Arlington Church of God’s REACH (Raising Expectations and Cultivating Hope) program with Priscilla’s serving as the mentoring component.
- April 2002 – Priscilla’s begins its first expansion chapter in Baltimore, Md.
- June 2002 – Rev. Bailey joins National Women of the Church of God in Anderson, Ind., and becomes advisor to Akron and Baltimore chapters and overseer of national expansion.
- July 2003 – Priscilla’s begins its second expansion chapter in Springfield , Ill.
- April 2004 – Priscilla’s begins it third and fourth expansion chapter in East St. Louis, Ill., and Anderson, Ind.
- July 2005 – Priscilla’s begins its fifth chapter expansion in Houston, Texas.
- January 2006 – Priscilla’s launches its sixth chapter in Milwaukee, Wis.
- April 2008 – Aquila: In the Company of God Men launches in Milwaukee, Wis.
- September 2008 – Priscilla’s begins its seventh chapter in Atlanta, Ga.