How Much Do You Know about The Christian Mission? Most everyone who lives in the Mooresville area has heard of The Christian Mission; however, how many people actually know about the organization?
On Thursday, August 25, my curiosity was peeked and I attended their Open House (celebrating 83 years of service to the community.) Although I had been there before, I had actually never gone inside the building.
My husband and I were greeted at the door and assigned a personal guide (Dana Skidmore) to show us around the facility. We quickly discovered that The Christian Mission is not just a food pantry. There are three distinct sections — food, clothing and home accessories — all designed to help individuals and families in need.
Ostensibly, there is so much more to this benevolent organization. The Christian Mission is not supplying a “Band-Aid” for a temporary “fix.” Volunteer Coordinator Ann Pardue explains, “Our objective is to lift those in need out of poverty — to teach them how to become financially, emotionally and spiritually independent.” It is the Mission’s hope that by educating the individual and the families the cycle of generational poverty will be broken.
Four Steps to Help People Out of Poverty
The First Step is FOOD
The fundamental need of all human beings is to be feed. Pantry Employee Victoria Clifton explains the TEFAP (Temporary Emergency Food Assistant Program)
“No one in Mooresville goes hungry, and we make sure nutritional needs are met.” Clifton says. The TEFAP helps them with the initial part of the journey out of poverty. Like the old adage . . . “We do not just give them a fish,” says Clifton. “We teach them how to fish.”
In the food warehouse, the emphasis is on “Nothing goes to waste at The Christian Mission. Should donated food reach an expiration date, organizations like the Wildlife Rescue, Darby Acres and pet carrier come within an hour to collect anything we cannot use.”
Currently, there is a shortage of PASTA and TOMATO SAUCE. These are two of the necessary staples. Donations are always appreciated.
The Second Step is CLOTHING
These gently-used clothes help the individual get back into the workplace with professional looking attire that gives them confidence and the desire to succeed.
This section of The Christian Mission is inviting, pleasing to the eye and has a good variety to offer both men and women in a wide range of sizes. In addition, there are clothes for infants, toddlers and teens.
The Third Step is HOME FURNISHINGS AND ACCESSORIES
The building is not large enough to accommodate a lot of furniture, but there is a lovely assortment available. In addition, there are blankets, bedding, towels, dishes, kitchen tools, etc. which allows the individual to have a clean and comfortable home.
Offering HOPE, Empowering PEOPLE, Fighting POVERTY
The Fourth Step is Education
“We meet people right where they are and love them as they are.” Their Mission is to “provide resources, skills, education, and services to individuals and families to alleviate suffering and lower the rate of poverty in our area.” The Christian Mission partners with local churches, businesses, leaders, grantors and volunteers to help and serve over four thousand people every year. www.ourchristianmission.org
NETworX
After Food, Clothing and Home Essentials are met, EDUCATION becomes the goal to break the poverty cycle. The Christian Mission partners with NETworX https://www.networxusa.org/ and teaches the individuals life skills to succeed. For more information, contact Diane Smith, dsmith@ourchristianmission.org or 704-870-2537
How Can I Help?
In order to run The Christian Mission successfully, it takes an “army” of volunteers. In addition to the employees, it is necessary to have eight to fifteen volunteers per day working as a team toward the ultimate goal. Would you like to be part of this life changing organization? If so, there are numerous ways to volunteer.
Donations are taken at the loading area from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (266 N Board St. in Mooresville.) These much needed “treasures” are sorted and organized in three categories – food, clothing, and home accessories – before they are displayed.
Grocery Pick Up Volunteers pick up food at designated grocery stores and deliver the products to the Mission. (Job Requirements: SUV or van, punctuality, friendly disposition, and a driver’s license)
Pantry Volunteers are needed Tuesday through Friday during three shifts: 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. 11:30 to 2:30 p.m. and 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.
(Job Requirements: age 11+ can volunteer WITH a parent if the child is capable of helping for the length of the shift. (This is a fabulous way for teenagers to get service hours and learn valuable life lessons.) Closed-toed shoes are required. Stock shelves, help clients and clean the area.
Resource Store Volunteers must be at least 18-years-old. (Job Requirements: must be friendly and outgoing. Help clients with items, check them into the system, hang and sort items and keep the area tidy and clean. If you have previously used a self-checkout at the grocery store, you are qualified to do this job! Resource Store Shifts are Tuesday: 11:30-2:30 and 2:30 to 5:30 Wednesday through Friday 9 a.m. to Noon.
Give Back Boutique is a wonderful way to donate your time. This consignment shop supports The Christian Mission. Their motto is “Fashion on a Mission.” Not only is it a lovely place to buy gorgeous clothes at bargain prices – the profits go directly to The Christian Mission. To volunteer call: 704-663-3677
Senior Companion is a fantastic way to help seniors in need by developing a relationship with the individual, shop in our food pantry for them and deliver the groceries to their home. For more information contact Roger at info@ourchristianmission.org
If you have any questions about VOLUNTEERING, contact Ann Pardue, Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@ourchristianmission.org
Left to right: Diane Smith, NETworX Program Coordinator, Sarah McMurry, Program Assistant and Amy LaCount, Executive Direction of The Christian Mission
IN CLOSING . . .
“Whether you are a client, a volunteer, a donor, or a community members, The Christian Mission welcomes you with open arms!” Often people who have been helped out of poverty through the Mission have returned to volunteer in the place that helped them lead successful lives. What an outstanding way to “pay it back” and “pay it forward” at the same time.
Article and Photos by Tesa Jones
Tesa Jones
Author, Blogger, Photographer
Tesa Jones is a graduate of Elon College, now Elon University, a mother of two, a grandmother of five, and she currently resides in Mooresville with her husband. She is a published author, an avid blogger, and a passionate photographer. Learn more about Tesa Jones at www.booksbytesajones.com/book.
https://www.facebook.com/booksbytesajones/
