The mission of Christian Community Service Center is to serve the poor, hungry, disabled and otherwise needy while respecting their religious, ethnic or cultural differences. CCSC was created out of faith and founded in the belief that we are called to help all of God’s children, heart to heart and hand in hand. In its 28th year, Christian Community Service Center continued to meet the vital needs of our neighbors in crisis.

Christian Community Service Center (CCSC) achieved significant growth in 2008: a second food pantry was established; the capacity of Martha’s Way was doubled; and Back To School served 2,430 more students than the prior year. Other essential services maintained excellent outcomes, and CCSC’s administration exceeded industry standards. Our network grew to include 42 covenant congregations, and many clients’ lives were touched:

• Emergency Services provided food, clothing, financial assistance and referrals to 15,050 persons in crisis. The Community Garden harvested a record-setting 4,682 pounds of fresh produce, aiding clients’ nutritional well-being.
• The Gethsemane Food Pantry was established to help residents of four additional zip codes. The pantry fed 4,950 persons from 1,220 households. Of those clients, 52% were children, and 60% of these households included one or more employed adults.
• JobNet served 472 job seekers by offering job fairs, computer training, resume development, business attire, and access to office equipment. Over 30% of participants found work.
• Martha’s Way engaged 77 participants in the 42-hour residential housekeeping training program. This reflects a 50% increase due to program expansion in September. A total of 101 job contracts were shared with graduates.
• Back To School touched the lives of nearly 8,000 children. The event provided 6,095 students (Pre-K to 8th grade) with school supplies, new uniforms, and gently used clothing. In addition, CCSC piloted a high school partnership, offering supplies to 1,900 students.
• Jingle Bell Express provided 3,132 children from low-income families with new toys and books for their Christmas celebrations.
• The Louise J. Moran Vision Care Program partnered with local schools to provide vision-screening services to 950 children. A total of 313 students then benefited from professional eye exams; 284 of them receiving new eyeglasses.
• Sunshine Resale Shop provided a valuable income source, netting $107,681 from the sale of donated items. By selling items at a fraction of retail cost, the store provides a great service to community members, particularly those living on a fixed or limited income.
• 1,927 volunteers contributed nearly 40,000 hours of service across CCSC – the estimated monetary value of this contribution is $779,283. Approximately 420 persons were involved in on-going service commitments and 49 groups helped with special projects.
  CCSC extends heartfelt thanks to every individual, church, and community organization that made these achievements possible. Together, we do amazing things!

In 2008, Christ the King Church contributed $4,942 to CCSC with additional gifts of $1,500 designated for CCSC’s Back to School program. Many of our members volunteer with CCSC on a regular basis. Mission Offerings for CCSC will be accepted throughout March in all services of worship.

Information on how you can participate in the agency’s annual Azalea Dinner.

Last updated: 2009-03-03