What is the Mustard Seed?
The Mustard Seed, Inc. was created in 1981 to meet the spiritual, physical, emotional and intellectual needs of mentally challenged adults by providing a loving and protected Christian community and meaningful activities that allow the residents to fulfill the potential God created within them.
Where does funding come from?
The Mustard Seed is a registered nonprofit, §501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, funded solely through donors. The Mustard Seed receives no government funding.
What is on the Mustard Seed campus?
Starting with the Bells of Faith Handbell Choir, the Mustard Seed has grown to include two group homes, a swimming pool, a multi-purpose activity center, and a ceramics studio and workshop. All of this is on nearly 8 acres in Brandon, Mississippi.
How many clients do we have? We have 41 clients.
How old are the "Seedsters"? Our "Seedsters" range from age 21-69.
Who founded the Mustard Seed?
The founding members were parents of mentally challenged adults and others who saw the need for a Christ-centered ministry in the community. Prior to the Mustard Seed’s inception in 1981, many parents and guardians of mentally challenged adults had few options for the care of their loved ones. These visionaries knew that their special persons had great potential for growth and the right to their own life experiences.
When was the first group home opened?
The first group home opened in 1986.
What are the group homes like?
Eighteen residents live in the group homes (8 men in the men's group home, and 10 women in the women's group home). Within the households Seedsters share experiences and responsibilities in a family-like atmosphere with their roommates, housemates, and group home parents. The group homes are closed for certain periods throughout the year so that our Seedsters can spend time with their families.
Do all of the "Seedsters" live at the Mustard Seed?
We have about 41 clients, but only 18 of those clients reside in our group homes.
Why do you have a ceramics program?
The ceramic arts program at the Mustard Seed provides clients with an opportunity to contribute to their own support. The Seedsters ceramics are sold and are responsible for bringing in about 13% of our annual income. Painting provides the Seedsters an opportunity to express themselves, and it instills a great sense of pride in each and every one of the 41 Seedsters who currently participate in the day program.
Where did the name "The Mustard Seed" come from?
The name of the Mustard Seed comes directly from the Bible. Matthew 17:20 says that “if ye have faith even as small as a grain of Mustard Seed, you will say to this mountain, move from here to there, and it will move and nothing will be impossible to you.”
How do I volunteer?
It is easy to volunteer. Just click here and follow the directions.
I do not have the time to volunteer, but I would like to give money. How can I give a monetary donation?
Endowment Campaign, Annual Giving, Gifts of Securities, Estate Bequests, Charitable Trusts. You can also donate online by clicking here.
Is there a Gift Shop on campus?
Yes. When you turn into the main entrance, it's the middle house located down the sidewalk to your left. Look for the red rocking chairs on the porch. You can read more about our Gift Shop by clicking here.
What are the Gift Shop hours?
The hours of operation are 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
Is there anywhere else besides the gift shop where I can purchase the ceramics?
Ceramics are available for sale on the Mustard Seed website as well as at the following locations:
Citizens National Bank
102 N Place Drive
Madison, MS 39110
(601) 992-0025
Everyday Gardner
2905 Old Canton Road
Jackson, MS 39216
(601) 981-0273
Persnickety
2078 Main Street
Madison, MS 39110
(601) 853-9595
Cups in Flowood
374 Ridge Way
Flowood, MS 39232
(601) 992-2996
If I buy something in the gift shop, where does that money go?
100% of the money collected from our Gift Shop goes to fund the art program.
Do you have an open house?
Once a year we open our doors to the masses. Our next open house will be in December 2011. The hand bell choir will perform, and the parents will host a bake sale.