History of CUOCLC

In February 2003, members of Jonesboro United Methodist Church clearly saw the need in the community for a food pantry and other services that would meet persons in crisis at their points of need; further, that this outreach could become a faith-based, cooperative effort among all churches of Lee County.

CUOCLC (Christians United Outreach Center of Lee County) received 501(c)(3) recognition by the IRS as a non-profit, tax-exempt charitable organization effective October 19, 2004. December 3, 2007, CUOCLC moved from its offices on Trade Street (in Jonesboro) to its present location, 2885 Lee Avenue, a 12,000 sq. ft. facility.

CUOCLC grew from a client base of 150 households in 2004 to 3,525 households at the end of calendar 2008...and the client base continually grows (3,778 households as of March 31, 2009). Well over sixty member churches and more than seventy businesses, organizations and groups currently support CUOCLC by providing volunteers, food, funds, and prayers.

During calendar 2008, CUOCLC distributed 390,510 pounds of food to 3,525 different households. Financial-pledge assistance was provided to 420 client-households totaling $39,466.81— pledged primarily toward electric utilities and natural-gas bills. Over 600 households received free clothing and/or household items. Approximately 100 prom dresses were distributed to young women who otherwise could not have secured a prom dress.

Services Offered by CUOCLC:

· Food Pantry: Distribution of perishable and non-perishable items to supplement the nutritional needs of families in crisis.

· Thrift Shop: Where people in emergency situations can receive free clothing and other household items (items are also for sale and sale of such items help finance the other services offered by CUOCLC).

· Financial Assistance: Emergency assistance pledged toward electric bills, etc., as funds allow.

· Medical Equipment: Available equipment loaned for as long as client-need exists.

· Second-Chance Gowns: Prom gowns provided at no cost to girls who otherwise would not be able to afford one.

· Pastoral Care: During client hours, pastors from various ministries are present to lend a listening ear.

How Your Donations Can Help Those in Need:

1. Food Pantry program (in addition to donated foods, we purchase food from the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina @ very low rates).

2. Financial Assistance program (e.g., we frequently assist persons with electric bills that have received cut-off notices).

Our Purpose:

Our purpose is to develop, implement, and maintain programs which provide emergency assistance to persons in Lee County, meeting them at their points of need. We interview clients Mondays between 4:30 PM—6:00 PM and on Wednesdays and Fridays between 12:30 PM—2:00 PM. During these interviews, client needs are ascertained and CUOCLC strives to meet these needs with supplemental food, supplemental financial assistance, Thrift Shop items, loan of medical equipment, etc. With your generous financial assistance, our efforts will be greatly enhanced toward implementing increased assistance to persons in temporary crisis…with the overall goal of assisting clients to become less “aid dependent.”