Compassionate Ministries Of Jackson County

Programs: Hunger: the after school back pack program provided almost 9000 bacpacks full of essential non-perishable food to jackson county elementary age students during the school year. The food pantry and bread of life provided groceries and a hot meal two saturdays each month to 250-300 families. The mobile food pantry, in partnership with other area churches provided groceries to over 300 famiilies each month at neighborhood locations. A prepared thanksgiving meal was served to over 500 community members, including hospice patients and providers and community public safety officers. Meal baskets with ready to prepare thanksgiving meals were provided to families of over 200 school kids.

special needs: david's promise is the key ministry serving primarily adults with down's syndrome and other cognitive, physical and emotional challenges. Approximately 40 individuals participate in the daytime programs of dp experiencing fellowship and talent discovery with an opportunity to make meaningful contributions to the community. Joint programs with senior homes, centerpiece creations for community easter and christmas meals, planting and harvesting a promise garden and a music therapy camp are some of the activities for participants. The executive director has a degree in music therapy and also is hospital chaplain providing support, comfort, information and reassurance to families receiving special needs diagnosis. The compassionate ministries center (aka the table) was recently renovated to upgrade classroom space. A coffee bar and retail adaptable space were also created to provide job skills training resources.

community transformation is lead by a former correctional facility deputy warden with a degree in psychology. The leader is also a certified trainer in compassionate communications and conducts workshops on how to improve interpersonal communications and avoid conflict situations. The promise garden is another opportunity for the community to come together to make a difference. The recently renovated center (the table) provides space for workshops and community group meetings.