Life Solutions began in 1982 as a ministry of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church. Originally known as Hamlin Bread and Thread, it was launched as a ministry to address the local community’s needs for food and clothing.
It evolved from a small ministry led by one church into a collaborative ministry supported by other area churches when it came under the direction of the Hamlin Association of Ministers, led by Pastor John Ebel of the New Testament Church of Hamlin. This outreach grew over the years to include delivering food baskets to those in need of holiday meals. In 1996, the pantry served 152 local households.
In 1998, a milestone in the history of this ministry occurred when it partnered with Roberts Wesleyan College, introducing counseling services and a new name: Life Solutions of Hamlin.
The ministry became a 501(c)(3) and established its first official board in 2002. They rented space at the United Methodist Church on Route 19 in Hamlin, where they continued to provide the community with food as well as social work support. Over the next eight years, Life Solutions outgrew its home, as the number of residents it served increased, providing 35,000 meals annually.
In 2010, they purchased a space at 1696 Lake Road that had previously been a small engine repair shop. Through the efforts of their dedicated volunteers, they transformed this space into their new operations center, hosting the food pantry, a thrift store, the community holiday meal program, and the annual Christmas Angel Tree and toy distribution. As need grew, so did Life Solutions.
A year ago, Life Solutions purchased a former church building at 2435 Lake Road in Clarkson. They transformed it into a much larger retail space called the Treasure Store, and there is room for additional programs that will come in the future.
The food pantry remains at the Lake Road location and is now utilizing the space previously occupied by the Treasure Store. This extra space allows Life Solutions to set up its food pantry as a shopping-style venue. Residents can come in by appointment and shop through the expansive pantry shelves and refrigerator units to select their food and hygiene items.
In 2024, nearly 54,000 meals were provided to the community, serving almost 1,000 individuals, including 500 children and 200 seniors who are struggling with food insecurity.
The expanded food pantry does more than provide food and hygiene products. They also offer seasonal programs to assist families during holidays, including holiday food baskets and clothing.
There is also a furniture store in the Hamlin location, which is open every other Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (see the website for upcoming dates). “We offer furniture very inexpensively to help the community,” said Mark Ballerstein, Vice President of Life Solutions.
The all-new Treasure Store, now located at 2435 Lake Road, Clarkson, is open for shopping and donation drop-offs on Thursdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The expanded store features a vast selection of gently used items, including men’s and women’s clothing, shoes, purses, collectibles, household goods, books, linens, toys, games, puzzles, seasonal items, homeschool books, supplies, and more. “Think of us when you are getting rid of household items or clothing,” Ballerstein said.
The proceeds from the store support 80% of the ministry’s expenses by helping to provide food for community members in need. According to Mark Ballerstein, the Treasure Store not only supports the ministry but also supports the community by offering these items at low and affordable prices. The store serves over 1,500 people annually. “We price these items low to help the community,” he said.
The Life Solutions ministry, the heartbeat of Hamlin and Clarkson, is entirely powered by its 120 compassionate volunteers. Local churches continue supporting the ministry, as well as donations from area businesses and residents. “We could always use more volunteers,” said Ballerstein. “The volunteers love the social aspect of helping and interacting with one another and the community.”
Individuals or families in need of support from Life Solutions can call the Food Pantry at 585-964-7420 to schedule an appointment. No personal information is required other than proof of residence in the service area, which goes from Ridge Road north to Lake Ontario, west of Sweden Walker Road (Rt. 260), and east of Redman Road.
To reach the Treasure Store or furniture store, call 585-204-2130.
For more information on the services offered, to make a donation, or to inquire about volunteering opportunities, visit https://www.lifesolutionshamlin.org/.
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