Community needs spawn new organization

Members of the board of directors of the newly organized Jenkins County Council of Churches are, from left, first row: Mandy Underwood, treasurer; the Rev. P.M. Broomfield, vice-chair-ministries; and Tonya Gearheart, secretary; and second row: the Rev. Bobby "Butch" Taylor Jr., chairman; Wanda Dwight, vice-chair-governance; and Alvin Burke, vice-chair-fiscal. Not pictured is Mike Heard, vice-chair-facilities. (Photo contributed)

The Jenkins County Council of Churches (JCCOC) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to address the growing needs of families in Jenkins County. As the community continues to rebound from staggering job losses, the Jenkins County Family Enrichment Center (JCFEC) has experienced a dramatic increase in requests for services. Unfortunately, the demand for services far exceeds the center's ability to respond with optimal effectiveness. Additionally, the range of needs is often outside the scope of the center's services.

In October, 2007, the JCFEC made an appeal to all churches in the community to unite around the common goal of ministering to the social and spiritual needs of the families of Jenkins County. By sharing ideas, resources and opportunities, this newly founded organization will be able to capitalize on the collective power of its member churches to promote self-sufficiency for families of the county. The services currently available through the JCFEC will continue to be available. The mission of the JCCOC differs from JCFEC in one significant way. The JCCOC will have a Christ-centered focus, ministering to the spiritual as well as social, economic and physical needs.

Since its initial meeting in October, the organization has laid the groundwork for establishing non-profit status, making potential contributions to the organization tax-deductible. Additionally, the JCCOC has been diligent in trying to ensure that the organization is inclusive of every Christian entity that shares the common values on which the group is founded. Similarly, the members were careful to ensure that the organizational leadership reflects the diversity of member churches and of the community.

The board of directors are as follows: Chairman, the Rev. Bobby "Butch" Taylor Jr., Deep Creek Free Will Baptist Church; Vice-chair-ministries, the Rev. P.M. Broomfield, Zion Baptist Church; vice-chair-governance, Wanda Dwight, Bethel AME Church; vice-chair-facilities, Mike Head, Deep Creek Free Will Baptist Church; vicechair fiscal, Alvin Burke, West Millen Baptist Church; secretary, Tonya Gearheart, Oak Hill Baptist Church; and treasurer, Mandy Underwood, Millen Baptist Church.

The JCCOC has begun training volunteers to provide intake services to families Friday, Aug. 1. Initially, services for the organization will be provided at the JCFEC. Membership is open to individuals and churches of Jenkins County. Those interested in being part of this community ministry are invited to attend the next membership meeting 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5, at the Jenkins County Agriculture Center.

Volunteers, prayer support and financial support are critical to the growth of this community ministry. For more information on services or to volunteer, contact the following members: Rev. Butch Taylor, 982-1206 or Tonya Gearheart, 982-3982.