Called Out of Their Comfort Zone: Meet Bill & Mary Lou
At Greenhouse Project, volunteers are more than just helpers—they’re the heartbeat of our ministry. Without them, our mission to love and serve the people of Chester wouldn’t be possible.
For Mary Lou and Bill Barratta, volunteering at our weekly Food Outreach is one of the most meaningful parts of their week.
Meet the Barrattas
Mary Lou and Bill are Delco natives—Mary Lou from Darby, Bill from Upper Darby. After marrying, they settled close to home and joined a missions-focused church, where they served in children’s and youth ministry for nearly two decades.
Then in 2020, the world changed. Like many, they found themselves navigating new rhythms.
“We began attending outdoor church at Calvary Chapel,” Mary Lou recalls. “That’s where we first heard Pastor John Clifford share his story—and our hearts were moved.”
His testimony of addiction, redemption, and a Christ-centered mission in Chester stirred something in them. They were drawn to the vision of Greenhouse Project—especially our Food Outreach ministry.
From Retirement to Revival
Before Bill retired in December 2020, the couple often talked and prayed about finding a ministry they could do together. Still, they admit that retirement came with the pull toward comfort.
But comfort wasn’t the call.
“When we learned about Greenhouse Project’s food outreach, we thought it might be a good fit,” they said.
“On our first day driving to Chester, we had second thoughts. But we prayed, asking God to protect us—and by the time we arrived, we were completely at peace. We knew we were exactly where we were supposed to be.”
Nearly two years later, Mary Lou and Bill are now fixtures at our weekly outreach, serving hot meals and grocery bags alongside the recovery men, staff pastors, and fellow volunteers.
“We love seeing familiar faces, learning names, hearing stories, praying with people, and giving out food. The people of Chester are so friendly—they’ve welcomed us into their neighborhood, even if it’s just once a week.”
The Power of Presence
Beyond food distribution, the Barrattas also join our Community Clean-Up Days, walking the blocks, picking up trash, and meeting residents.
“It gives us a chance to invite people to Sunday service and pray with them on the spot.”
But what’s impacted them most? The unwavering commitment of the Greenhouse Project team.
“The dedication we’ve seen from Pastors John, Donny, Ryan, their families, and the men in recovery—it's inspiring. We’ve watched the recovery meetings on YouTube. These men are courageous. With God’s help, their lives are being radically transformed. That’s our prayer.”
The Barrattas say they feel honored to serve—“even in a small way.”
Join the Movement: Feed the Faith
Today, we’re asking our community to rally together to raise $35,000 by April 25 as part of our Feed the Faith campaign. These funds will ensure that faithful volunteers like the Barrattas’ can continue ministering to our neighbors through food, presence, and prayer.
When you give, you're not just filling plates. You're feeding hope.
👉 Join us by donating below!
👉 Share this story to inspire others!
Let’s feed the faith—together.
Thank you for believing in this outreach that serves those who are impoverished, facing food scarcity and also homebound (we personally deliver weekly food to the sick, disabled, and immobile!)… Together, we are making an eternal kingdom impact—one meal, one prayer, one love-like-Jesus action at a time.