NextStep Ministries founder opens thrift store to aid homeless

Volunteer Janet Henke staffs the front desk at NextStep Ministries’ Thrift Store, 3720 E. Sunset Road. She greets each customer with a smile and explains that the store’s purpose is to support the homeless in the valley.

“I have a heart for the homeless, and once I found out about the ministry, I felt even more compelled to help,” Henke said. “The homeless are forgotten about a lot, so when you show you care, it gives them hope.”

Founder and preacher Walt Kwasniewski opened the store April 6 to help fund NextStep Ministries, a nonprofit that provides fellowship services and meals to homeless and addicted individuals.

“We used to have a store in downtown Henderson, but it was too small and not very customer space-friendly,” Kwasniewski said. “A lot of people donated items to the ministry that the homeless can’t use, like vacuums, dinner plates and electronics, so I’ve been collecting these items in my storage unit.”

Kwasniewski’s passion to help the homeless sparked in 2005 while driving around town. He visited individuals on the street and gave them sandwiches and coffee from his van.

In 2006, he started coordinating large park gatherings, offering individuals food in exchange for 20 minutes of their time to listen to him preach.

Kwasniewski now offers fellowship services at 4 p.m. Tuesday and Saturday at the Russell Road Recreation Complex, 5901 E. Russell Road; 9:30 a.m. Thursday at Sunset Park, 2601 E. Sunset Road; 9:30 a.m. Sunday at Desert Breeze Park, 8275 Spring Mountain Road; and 6 p.m. Monday at the ministry’s clean and sober living house in Henderson.

“Thursday morning is our largest service now,” Kwasniewski said. “I make about 96 eggs, 60 potato cakes, 40 sausage links and about 92 cups of coffee. It costs me about $110 every Thursday just to purchase the food, plasticware and cups.”

In addition to meals and gospel, Kwasniewski used to orchestrate yearly camping trips to Mount Charleston with the ministry. He also took about 30 individuals to a three-day Christian music festival in Monterey, Calif.

“These were awesome trips, and the people who went on them still talk about it to this day,” Kwasniewski said. “I have no problem reinstating and doing them again, but it’s just a matter of getting the financing.”

Kwasniewski’s efforts have not gone unappreciated by the homeless. In attempts to return the favor, they help cook and serve food at services. Two men also spun signs on the street corner during the thrift store’s grand opening.

Also previously homeless, Henke said her experience is what motivates her to volunteer. She started helping Kwasniewski during the holidays and jumped at the opportunity to work the thrift store.

“(Kwasniewski) feeds the homeless food, but he also feeds them the gospel of Christ, and it changes their hearts,” Henke said. “When someone cares about you even the slightest bit, it can change you.”

The nonprofit is seeking volunteers and donations of dishes, household items, furniture and clothing. The thrift store is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Various discounts are offered daily.

For more information, visit nextstepministrieslv.com or call 702-570-5844.

To reach Henderson View reporter Caitlyn Belcher, email cbelcher@viewnews.com or call 702-383-0403. Find her on twitter: @caitlynbelcher.