Precious in Pink to celebrate new Hernando home with ribbon cutting Friday
HERNANDO, Miss. – Precious in Pink Jail Ministries, a longtime faith-based organization helping women rebuild their lives after incarceration, will hold a ribbon cutting Friday morning to celebrate the opening of its new home on West Commerce Street in Hernando.
Founded by Ann Lunceford in the late 2000s, Precious in Pink provides a Christ-centered transitional home for women leaving jail or prison. Lunceford began the ministry after volunteering to lead Bible studies inside the DeSoto County Jail and realizing many women had nowhere stable to go once released.
“After about a year or so, I realized the girls would get out and then they’d be right back in,” Lunceford said. “My husband and I decided to let one woman stay with us so she could complete drug court — and once you let one stay, then you’ve got a thousand.”
Since then, Lunceford estimates more than 1,000 women have lived in her care homes through Precious in Pink. The new Hernando house will accommodate up to six women at a time and serve as a cornerstone for the ministry’s recovery and faith-based reentry program.
The celebration marks a major milestone following tragedy. In 2024, Lunceford’s previous home was destroyed by fire, displacing her and 13 residents. Through community support, local leaders, and God’s providence, she said, the program survived while they awaited insurance and construction of a new house.
“We lost nearly everything, but God has been so good,” Lunceford said. “People in Hernando helped us move, provided places to stay, and stood by us through it all. Now we have a brand-new home, and it’s all paid for. I’m just so thankful.”
The new Precious in Pink home will continue to offer more than shelter. Residents participate in Bible studies, Celebrate Recovery meetings, equine therapy, volunteer work, and counseling. For the first six months, women focus on healing and spiritual growth before reentering the workforce.
The ministry is supported through donations from churches, individuals, and community partners. Lunceford said contributions and volunteers are always welcome, whether to help with transportation, Bible studies, or sharing life skills.
Precious in Pink Jail Ministries is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Donations can be sent to P.O. Box 672, Hernando, MS 38632, or through Venmo, PayPal, and Cash App.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony is open to the public and will take place Friday morning, starting at 11 a.m. at the new home on West Commerce Street in Hernando.
