MOUNT VERNON — Dave Maggert didn’t think hope was possible for many years. Today, he’s helping others find it — one meal, one conversation and one prayer at a time.

What started as a small emotional support group has grown into a lifeline for many in Mount Vernon —a place where strangers become family and healing begins over shared meals.

The Afterglow Christian Mission House, at 114 E Gambier St., offers hope and community to anyone who walks through its doors.

Building family and community

The Maggerts emphasize that Afterglow Christian Mission House welcomes everyone, regardless of beliefs, politics or background.

“This place is for everybody,” Stephenie Maggert said. “We never want to be boxed into who can be here.”

One regular attendee, recently divorced, now refers to the mission house as his family.

“He’s not here because he can’t afford food; he’s here because he needs friendship and family,” Stephanie added.

The welcoming environment is rooted in Dave’s journey — one marked by years of struggle before he found the sense of hope he now shares with others.

A turning point in the dark

Dave grew up battling addiction, depression and abuse. He tried medications, rehab centers and mental-health facilities — but noted only one thing gave him true healing.

“Christ is my healing,” he said.

One night, during one of his darkest moments, Dave sat alone in his car. He said that’s when something shifted.

“I know this may sound weird to some people, but this was my experience,” Dave said. “Looking back, I felt like I knew God was going to do something.

“That is the first moment in my entire life I ever felt hope.”

He went home right after and told Stephenie he would do whatever it took to get better.

After a quick Google search, Stephenie said she found Honey Lake Clinic in Florida.

Dave credits the clinic — and Dr. Karl Benzio, who now serves on their board — with helping guide his path to healing.

When he returned home, Dave spent the next year going to his basement office every day, listening to psalms and talking with God.

From personal struggle to community support

Almost a year later, the couple started the Afterglow Group in February 2020 in a church room. When COVID-19 hit, they moved to Zoom meetings. After things began to open back up, their small mission quickly took off.

Dave shared his journey with addiction, depression and testimony to the group members — helping others open up during one of their meetings.

“Then all of a sudden, every group I would hear somebody say, ‘I would never say this to anybody, but…’ All those times they say that, they are finding healing,” he said.

Before launching the mission, Dave worked detailing cars and even spent time as a bull rider after moving to Mount Vernon.

Stephenie said it wrecked his back, eventually leading to surgery. The couple prayed for answers when they realized he would not be able to continue his business.

Ultimately, knowing the answer was to continue to grow the mission house, the couple purchased the location in December 2024.

“When somebody walks in we say, ‘I just want to be your friend. How can I help? How can I serve you?’” Dave said.

“It’s a place where you can find a good meal and somebody to eat it with,” Stephenie said.

Meals, mentorship and more

They offer breakfast seven days a week from 9 to 10:30 a.m., dinners Tuesday and Wednesday from 5 to 6:30 p.m. and a Saturday pizza party from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Sundays feature breakfast and lunch from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Stephenie noted the mission house provides hygiene products in the bathrooms, as well as a shower for anyone who needs it. There’s also a washer and dryer available for use.

In addition, there is a Bible study every Tuesday evening from 7 to 8 p.m.

Afterglow Christian Mission House features a quiet room for reading or reflection, along with a computer and donated books for visitors.

The basement of the house, referred to as “a man’s cave,” has disc golf set up for the men’s hobby time.

Afterglow Christian Mission House has a monthly worship and emotional support group, men’s hobby time on Saturdays, and Biblical counseling and addiction mentorship from Dave, upon request. Everything offered is free.

“It’s just fun,” Stephenie said.”We’re having a good time hanging out and building relationships with people.”

(Photos from the Afterglow Christian Mission House. Credit: Hannah Martin)