ABOUT US
“Kindness is not
what you do, but
who you are.”
We are a non-profit (501c3), multi-denominational Christian partnership of churches and community partners who prioritize spreading the transforming news that God loves the world. Through Jesus Christ’s ministry, death, and resurrected life, His followers continue to move the life-changing message of the Gospel forward. Led by God’s Holy Spirit, we proclaim hope and justice to a broken humanity and attempt to demonstrate acts of service and kindness to all.
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Our Vision
The CARE Center seeks to rid our communities of intergenerational poverty – where family units are strong and our neighbors are educated, employable, self-sustainable and believe in the transforming redemption of Christ’s love.
Our Mission
Sharing the love and hope of Christ while strengthening families and empowering our neighbors through education, employment and crisis support.
Core Values
Maximizing Faith as the foundation for all ministries.
C Empathy: Showing COMPASSION for one another.
A Unity: Having AUTHENTIC relationships with each other.
R Humbly Confident: RESPECT others in actions, words and deeds.
E Community Minded: EMPOWERING all by being vested in our mission.
S Growth Mindset: STRIVING for excellence together.
Our Journey
In 2000, four area churches (Cove Church, Rivertree Church, Big Cove Presbyterian, and Acklin CME Church) put their denominational preferences aside to come together and launch The CARE Center after recognizing the unmet needs of our under-resourced neighbors in Southeastern Madison County.
Initially, the mission provided emergency food, toiletries, baby products, school supplies, and financial assistance to an average of sixty families per month. However, by 2005, The CARE Center Executive Board and volunteers realized the importance of community development to help our neighbors become self-sufficient and began designing higher education opportunities.
Today, because of God’s grace, The CARE Center has grown significantly, impacting the lives of so many of our neighbors. Volunteers and staff are dedicated to walking through the crisis while offering hope & opportunity to our neighbors regularly. We are currently partnered with over 1,500 students and families through our engagement with local schools, including Madison County Elementary, Madison County High School, New Hope Elementary and High Schools, and Owens Cross Roads School.
2000
founded as four local churches set aside their denominational differences in support of poverty alleviation
2005
transitioned from a charitable organization to an increasingly developmental model
2008
created a partnership with New Hope Elementary and High Schools to provide resources, mentors, and tutors
2009
moved business offices from the Berkley Center to Main Drive in New Hope
2010
opened our first thrift store location in New Hope and received 21st CCLC grant funding
2011
launched the New Hope Community Learning Center and Bags of Blessings
2014
added school partnerships with OCRS and MCES/MCHS and began the Fuel Their Hunger to Learn initiative
2016
received additional 21st CCLC grant funding to launch the Owens Cross Roads Community Learning Center
2017
started the Ignite Your Potential program for young adults to pursue higher education and workforce development
2018
updated the Food Pantry and Bags of Blessings application process to know better and understand our neighbors
2020
served on the frontlines of localized crisis support efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic
2021
consolidated all ministries within a renovated, single campus and opened the Gurley thrift store location
2022
began a Recovery Support group and opened the Guntersville thrift store location
2023
paid off all existing debt, including the main campus and the NH Thrift Store and Warehouse
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Every month, around the fifteenth day, our Executive Director will send you updates about the latest events and opportunities at The CARE Center through your inbox. Stay informed about breaking news with ease.