GHCCM defines mission for 2023
Greater Hickory Cooperative Christian Ministry’s mission is to provide Hope, Help and Healing for all in most need. GHCCM Executive Director, Lily Moody, states, “As we approach 2023, it is important to reconfigure and redefine the ministry’s offerings to better serve the growing needs of our neighbors (clients).” It is the goal of GHCCM Board of Directors and Staff to be strategic and relevant for the ministry to impact our neighbors to assist in improving life’s circumstances, without duplicating services currently available in the area.
GHCCM President of the Board, Jennifer McCracken, announces, “GHCCM is committed to fulfilling this mission. To that end, GHCCM is moving away from retail and is closing 31 Thrift and More! so that the ministry places 100% focus on health care, pharmacy, dental services, crisis intervention and offering pathways out of poverty. This is a distinct niche that GHCCM fills and the need to move in a more focused direction has become apparent since the pandemic. We are re-aligning to best serve our neighbors while ensuring financial and educational support to help them through unexpected crises. As we move forward, GHCCM announces its partnership with Kintegra, who will solidify our position in the community and serving our neighbors.”
Kintegra Health, a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), will operate a Family Medicine Practice at the former 31 Thrift and MORE! location, with plans to open after completion of renovations. The practice will offer medical, behavioral health and other supportive services. Kintegra and GHCCM have worked closely for many years, ensuring continuity of care for many residents in the community. Kintegra’s CEO Robert Spencer states, “We are pleased to continue our close and collaborative work with GHCCM through our co-location at this site.”
Lily Moody, GHCCM Executive Director, reflects, “31 Thrift and More! has played an integral role for over 20 years in raising funds for GHCCM. John and Ruth Featherstone, Director and Coordinator of the store, have devoted years to making 31 Thrift and More! a destination thrift store in NC and the store has received awards on several occasions. We have been blessed with their expert guidance and devotion to the mission of GHCCM. They will be sincerely missed.”
John and Ruth Featherstone state, “Although we are sad to end this chapter with GHCCM, we are happy to have been associated with this ministry that cares deeply for those who are in need. We appreciate our community who has supported the store through donations and purchases. We could not have been successful without our team, patrons, donors, volunteers, business partners, civic groups, schools, and churches. Our heart is warm when we think of all the friends we have made through the thrift store and all of the Hope, Help, and Healing we supported through the years.”
The “Going Out of Business Sale” will begin on Wednesday, December 14, 10:00 am. Funds raised through the closing sale will go directly to support the continued mission of GHCCM.
31 Thrift and More! is known for a wide range of inventory that is professionally displayed with thrift store pricing. Customers will find clothing, household item, antiques, furniture, glassware, books, records, CDs, art, and much more.
Kintegra Health is a community sponsored, familycentered provider of health care, health education and preventive care services without regard for the ability to pay. The organization employs over 700 people, providing medical, dental, pharmacy, behavioral health and supportive programs and services in Alexander, Catawba, Cleveland, Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Gaston, Iredell and Lincoln, and Mecklenburg Counties. For more information, visit www.kintegra.org
GHCCM is open to serve neighbors in most need. The ministry is dependent on financial contributions to continue offering the wide range of support to our neighbors. It is the goal of GHCCM to work together to offer stability to those in crisis. For the current schedule, ministry offerings and to donate, visit our website at www.ccmhickory.org. For additional information email info@ ccmhickory.org. To volunteer send your request to outreach@ccmhickory.org.