The Christian Mission Reaches Out to YOU:  become part of the team offering HOPE, empowering PEOPLE, fighting POVERTY

by | Local Shopping, Non-Profits

Stuffed Artichoke Bottoms

The Christian Mission is not just a food pantry

The Christian Mission located at 266 N Board St in Mooresville is truly a “gem” for the entire Mooresville area. On August 25th, The Christian Mission celebrated 83 years of service in the Mooresville area with an Open House to create a greater awareness of what is offered and the many opportunities available for volunteers

 Its purpose is not to supply a ‘Band-Aid’ for a temporary ‘fix.’ There are four distinct sections:  food, clothing, home essentials and education — all designed to help individuals and families in need. 

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 fed. “No one in Mooresville goes hungry, and we make sure nutritional needs are met,” says Pantry Employee Victoria Clifton. “TEFAP (Temporary Emergency Food Assistant Program) helps them with the initial step 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 age past its shelf life, it is sent to an animal sanctuary.

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 and kitchen tools which allow the individual to have a clean and comfortable home.  

The fourth step is EDUCATION-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/

“Through collaboration with the community, the Mission provides resources, skills, education and services to individuals and families to alleviate suffering and become independent,” Diane Smith, NETworX Program Coordinator. “We meet people right where they are and love them as they are.” The Christian Mission partners with local churches, businesses, leaders, grantors and volunteers to help and serve over four thousand people every year. 

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.

Sorting Donations as they arrive at the loading area.

Grocery Pick Up Volunteers – pick up food at designated grocery stores and deliver the products to the Mission. 

Pantry Volunteers – 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.)

Resource Store Volunteers – must be at least 18-years-old. If you have previously used a self-checkout at the grocery store, you are qualified to do this job!

Senior Companion – 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.

Give Back Boutique – 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. 

If you have any questions about VOLUNTEERING, contact Ann Pardue, Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@ourchristianmission.org

Left to right: Sheri Campbell, Diane Smith, NETworX Program Coordinator, Sarah McMurry, Program Assistant and Amy LaCount, Executive Direction of The Christian Mission

 “Whether you are a client, a volunteer, a donor, or a community member, The Christian Mission welcomes you with open arms,” Diane Smith.

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.  www.ourchristianmission.org 

Article and photos courtesy of Tesa Jones
Tesa Jones

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

https://www.facebook.com/booksbytesajones/

http://www.booksbytesajones.com/book

booksbytesajones@gmail.com

The views, thoughts and opinions expressed by our writers belong solely to them and do not represent LKNConnect.com, its publisher or its staff.

Use the Connect Buttons below to connect to this featured business!