FirstWorks, Inc.is the primary Recipient of funds from Madonna Circle's Memphis Antiques,Garden & Gourmet Show, 2008. FirstWorks strives to meet the needs of the hungry, homeless, and displaced in downtown Memphis serving over 3,800 clients through the Food Pantry, Clothes Closet and the Children's Program.

The Food Pantry and Clothes Closet, located at 82 N. Second Street, serve men, women and children who are referred by MIFA, and numerous other agencies for emergency assistance. FirstWorks welcomes "walk-ins," homeless individuals living on the streets, who come in for a "Daily Bread Bag."

One of the major areas of service at FirstWorks is the Children's Program . It is an education-based tutoring and life skills program for homeless children. Once a week during the school year, the children are picked up by the FirstWorks bus, served a hot nutritious meal, and for two hours work with professional school teachers and volunteers on academic skills. Supervised computer time allows the children to complete assignments and projects. Money donated to FirstWorks from Madonna Circle's 2008 Antiques, Garden and Gourmet Show, will be used to increase the educational sessions to twice weekly.

The children are also treated to a fun Saturday outing twice a month. Outings are hosted by local churches and organizations. They have enjoyed visits to the theatre, movies, Putt-Putt golf, sporting events and roller skating.

FirstWorks is committed to the belief that while the needs are great, if they focus on a small group of children and successfully guide them to achieve certain social, academic and economic goals, the ripple effect will be felt across the community.

Rev. Brigitte T. French is the Executive Director of FirstWorks.