Key Points
- Developing Family Resources in Purvis, founded by Zella Bush, began fully operating in November and has experienced a sharp increase in people seeking assistance.
- Originally, the outreach opened once every other month and served 10 to 20 people, but after reopening in November, it assisted over 300 people in two months.
- The organization provides donated clothing for all ages and sizes via pick-up service, and anyone able to reach the building is eligible for assistance.
- Developing Family Resources is awaiting nonprofit status approval, and until then, funding largely comes from Bush’s own pocket as many businesses cannot donate.
- The organization plans to offer monthly classes, Bible studies, and educational programs as part of its focus on sustainability and growth.
PURVIS — What started as a small, donation–based outreach effort has grown into a regular operation serving hundreds of families in the Purvis area, highlighting both expanding capacity and rising community need. Developing Family Resources, founded by Purvis resident Zella Bush, reopened and began fully operating in November. Since then, the organization has seen a sharp increase in the number of people seeking assistance.
“Originally we were opening once every other month at The Grove Church and helping out 10 to 20 people,” Bush said. “But just opening back in November, we helped over 300 people in a two-month span.”
Bush started the program after spending months in the neonatal intensive care unit with her premature son. She initially focused on helping families host baby showers by providing essential items for new parents.
Over time, the occasional outreach effort grew into a more consistent service as word spread and demand increased.
The organization now serves “anybody and everybody,” offering donated clothing ranging from newborn sizes to 5XL for both men and women. Services are currently pick-up based, but anyone who can reach the building is eligible.
Bush said having a dedicated space has allowed the organization to store more donations and serve more residents than before.
The program is currently awaiting approval for nonprofit status, a process Bush said could take several weeks.
Until that approval is finalized, funding remains a challenge. “It’s all coming out of my pocket,” she said. “Until we get our nonprofit status, a lot of businesses … really can’t donate money because then it’s not tax exempt.”
Despite those challenges, Bush said the organization is focused on sustainability and future growth. Plans include offering monthly classes, Bible studies and educational programs.
