Summerside’s Jars of Clay Café is closing after 10 years of operation.
The board of directors of Harvest House Ministries P.E.I., which owns and operates the business, made the announcement Tuesday on its Facebook Page.
“The fact that we are closing out our Summerside presence is very unfortunate at several levels, but clearly after three years of deliberation on our part, we are confident that we must move in this direction for the best interest in the greater picture,” it stated.
According to the board, Jars of Clay, which is located at 314 First Street, has been generating only enough income to cover its expenses. It was originally founded as a fundraising effort for Harvest House Ministries P.E.I. and its addictions recovery program for men. Volunteers make up the bulk of its staff.
With few, if any, profits to put towards their programs, the board has decided to refocus on their Charlottetown-based efforts, like Solomon's Porch, for the time being.
“The vision was never just to provide a great spot to grab a lunch or have a visit with friends. While this was part of the picture and with Pauline and her staff this was accomplished well, the greater picture was to be able to generate funds to reach out into the community and hire staff to help people in the community transition to a healthier lifestyles. This has always been and will always be the mandate of Harvest House. Unfortunately, in the Summerside location we have not been able to make this happen.”
However, the statement also hints at something new in the works for the property.
A second charitable organization has purchased the building and intends to use it for its own purposes, though Harvest House declined to reveal anything further regarding the new owners.
“We are pleased that another charitable organization will take possession of the facilities and will continue the direction in our hearts of reaching out into the community and the people of Summerside.”
Jars of Clay Café’s last day will be March 9.
@JournalPMacLean
