More Than Carpentry Christian Ministries is a 501(c)3 charitable organization that serves underprivileged residents of St. Louis City and County by integrating Christian discipleship into neighborhood outreach, personal relationships and life skills mentoring through its Cabinetmaking Apprenticeship Program.

Jim and Tammy McGarry created the ministry from an idea after being invited to serve as full-time missionaries to Bolivia. Since then, they have identified appropriate curricula, developed program methods, received nonprofit 501(c)3 status and received program certification with the Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship. They held a pilot class, and then secured funding to hire additional staff instructors to build program capacity.

More Than Carpentry provides two 18-week Cabinetmaking Pre-Apprenticeship classes where students receive training in personal financial management and workplace etiquette. Each student is matched with a mentor who offers accountability and encouragement. Students give back to the community by using their skills to provide light home repairs and maintenance for neighbors who cannot afford home improvements. Spiritual needs are addressed during Bible studies, although Christianity is not a prerequisite to be enrolled in the program.

When the student graduates the 18-week class, they enter a four-year paid apprenticeship where they continue being mentored, hone their cabinetry skills and workplace etiquette and continue serving the community by providing home improvements to their neighbors. When all requirements are met the Department of Labor issues to the apprentice a Journeyman Certificate, which is recognized nation-wide. Job placement assistance is provided to students and apprentices.

Our program is unique in that it enrolls those students who are “least likely to succeed” and offers long-term support to increase the likelihood that they will become employed and economically independent, improving their lives, their families and ultimately, the St. Louis community.