“Today is our first day back open and we are about 70 percent ready to go. We are still working on some projects in the building, but we felt like we really needed to get the store back open,” Executive Director Chaney Nezbeth said. “Not so much the retail part of it. I mean obviously we have to pay the bills and keep the lights on, but the people who use our services kind of struggled tracking us down over the last two months.”

Ironically, it was a wave of generosity from the public that led to the need for repairs. In the wake of the February train derailment in East Palestine, the nonprofit was flooded with donations and the Columbiana facility couldn’t handle it.

“We had discovered some soft spots on the floor and during the first parts of that crisis with East Palestine, we took in so many donations and had outside donors bring in their electric pallet jacks and the weight of it caused us to crash through the floor at one point,” Nezbeth explained. “Thankfully, Diebel Steel was here in a minute and was able to put a steel plate over it but then we noticed some other soft spots. We were just putting more weight on that floor than expected.”

The tough decision was made to close the charity’s main location until the repair work and extensive renovations that included a mold remediation phase with HEPA air scrubbing could be completed.

Colleen Ritterspach (left) and Debbie Gray go through the donations at the newly reopened Way Station Thrift Store in Columbiana on Monday. (Photo by Stephanie Elverd)

“We ripped out the entire 9,000 square feet of flooring, which meant every wall had to come down as well but now we have a beautiful new concrete floor,” Nezbeth said. “We built some walls that weren’t here before and moved some things around so it’s been really inspiring and exciting for our staff to see the changes and be a part of the changes. Their input was taken into consideration in deciding how we should develop the new layout.”

During the renovations, the Way Station’s East Palestine and East Liverpool locations remained up and running. The Columbiana operations also continued but in a temporary space. Nezbeth said that while they continued to serve families through the repair process, it made it difficult for those who desperately needed it to take advantage of those services, especially the food pantry. As the only food pantry remaining in Columbiana and serving over 1,000 people per month with food, hygiene and discount clothing, Nezbeth said it was critical to reopen as quickly as possible.

“We had a nice pop-up location but it wasn’t easy to find out where we were and when we were there,” she said. “We still did food distribution once a month, but being open five days a week, means you can get food here five days a week. You can get diapers here five days a week. You can get assistance for your utilities and rent here five days a week. We needed to get our doors back open for those folks.”

The list of services provided by the Way Station is as long as the impacts of those services are profound to those with nowhere else to turn. The services include the food pantry, rent and utility assistance, a bread ministry, a discount clothing program for anybody who is low income that allows purchases of clothing for 50 cents and the distribution of diapers (through a partnership with Youngstown-based MKC) as well as distribution of hygiene products, adult diapers and period products for women. The Way Station also works with veterans and has a program to help previously-incarcerated individuals transition back into the community.

“We just want to show them the love of Jesus when they walk in the door, treat them well and meet them where they are in their lives,” Nezbeth said. “Everyone is in different places. Some people are really struggling and need these basic types of necessities along the path. Other people are a little further along and need help setting up a budget. Some people need job training and job skills.”

Ricci Lee rings up R.J. Gurnee at the newly reopened Way Station Thrift Store in Columbiana on Monday. (Photo by Stephanie Elverd)

Nezbeth said all three locations are job-training centers and the nonprofit has earned the distinction of being the No. 1 job trainer in the county. Ultimately, the goal is not only get people back on their feet, but keep them there.

“We have programs for families with children who are working to get themselves out of poverty. We have a program to assist people with not just updating resumes and cover letters, but where we teach them digital literacy skills and hold mock interviews,” Nezbeth said. “We really try hard to help overcome any employment barriers they have. We provide them with interview clothes and we provide work clothing. We will make sure they have what they need. No excuses.”

Nezbeth pointed to the Pathways to Independence program — which is designed to lift local families out of financial hardship. Pathways is available to those residing in Columbiana County who have a child under the age of 19 in the home and who fall within the income guidelines listed. The program includes regular classes, weekly mentoring for encouragement and feedback and monthly team building opportunities. Gas gift cards and other financial incentives are offered along the way as participants regularly attend meetings, set and accomplish goals. The idea is to break the cycle of poverty and make families less dependent on the services The Way Station provides.

“The Pathway to Independence years ago and it is now funded by Columbiana County Job and Family Services. We want to help you but we don’t want to be a part of your budget,” Nezbeth said. “Let’s work together to see why you keep coming back to us for help with utilities assistance or rent assistance. Let’s solve the problems that bring you here instead of just saying ‘here is $50.’ We want to have a greater impact.”

The Way Station, which was founded by Jim and Pat Couchenour, celebrates its 35th year in 2024.

Ricci Lee boxes up purchases at the newly reopened Way Station Thrift Store in Columbiana on Monday. (Photo by Stephanie Elverd)

“This all began as a small ministry that felt as if the mission field was here in our backyard,” Nezbeth said. “It evolved into a children’s ministry and then it was a matter of saying ‘okay, what next?’ Now we serve the needs of the entire family.”

After undergoing renovations and repairs, The Way Station Thrift Store in Columbiana reopened Monday. (Photo by Stephanie Elverd)

After undergoing renovations and repairs, The Way Station Thrift Store in Columbiana reopened Monday. (Photo by Stephanie Elverd)

After undergoing renovations and repairs, The Way Station Thrift Store in Columbiana reopened Monday. (Photo by Stephanie Elverd)