Greater Hickory
Cooperative Christian Ministry

Our Mission

The mission of Cooperative Christian Ministry is to bring together the resources of the community to serve people in need of crisis assistance, support, and education, in response to God's call.

CCM was created in 1969 by local churches to serve those in need in the Hickory community without duplication. Although we have grown and changed over time, our basic purpose remains the same: to meet the needs of "the least of these" in our community in a loving and compassionate way.

CCM is supported by 66 member churches in the Hickory community. Support is also received from charitable organizations, businesses, individuals, grants, fundraising events, and our Thrift Store. Many volunteers serve on a regular basis in all areas of our ministry, while many others assist on special occasions and through our fundraising events. Much of the food and medicine distributed through our Food Pantry and through the CCM HealthCare Center is donated, as is all of the clothing sold through our Thrift Store.

Our Services

• Financial Assistance: Help with rent, utilities, heat, medical and other miscellaneous needs.

• Food Pantry: Food assistance provided to individuals and families on both an emergency and ongoing basis. Distribute USDA commodity food.

• CCM HealthCare Center: Formed in April, 2000 by the merger of the Hickory Good Samaritan Clinic with CCM and our Pharmacy Program, the CCM HealthCare Center provides medical, dental and pharmaceutical care to Catawba County residents who do not have access to these services.

• Thrift Store: Clothing and household items available at normal cost. Free clothing and household items can be provided to those in crisis.

• Work and Ride Program: Joint project of CCM, Catawba County Department of Social Services and the Faith Community Task Force on Poverty which provides donated cars to low-income persons in need of assistance with transportation.

How We Help

L.C., a 52 year old white male was referred to the clinic in November 1999. He was suffering from high blood pressure, obesity, a bad back and asthma. Counseling on diet and blood pressure medication enabled him to lose 18 lbs. and lower his blood pressure in two months. L.C. now has his weight down to 268 pounds, his blood pressure is 134/78, he exercises regularly and is working a part time job. "Thanks to CCM HealthCare Center and Gwen Fisher, I am at least 90% better with a life. I am excited about working and anxious to get back into the mainstream so I can in some way support this ministry."

A young tired family came in looking for reprieve from the August heat. They looked worn out, sick, scared and hungry. The father explained their car had broken down, his wife was pregnant, one child needed medicine and the children were hungry. He didn't have the money for the food or medicine. They were trying to get back home and needed monetary help. We were able to help the child out with his medication and give the family some food for the trip and help them with gas money and repairs. The young family went on their way very grateful.

How You Can Help

CCM is truly a "cooperative" ministry: we would not be able to provide the services that we do without donations of money, food, clothing, medicine, and volunteer time that we receive from churches and others in the community. Your support enables us to show the love of God by serving those in need in our community.

DONATIONS NEEDED:

• Monetary

• Food (food list available through CCM)

• Clothing, household and furniture items

• New blankets

• Housewares

VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED FOR:

• Client interviewing

• CCM HealthCare Center (doctors, nurses, pharmacists, intake and reception)

• Thrift Store (both individuals and groups are welcome)

• Food Pantry

• Special Events (especially needed from Thanksgiving through Christmas, and to help with fund-raising events)

Greater Hickory
Cooperative Christian Ministry
31 1st Avenue SE
Hickory, NC 28602
(828) 327-0979
(828) 327-9102