Not just help for a day, but for life.
Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry
page 3 .... Letters from Pastor Jason Garris and Elder Alfred E. Blount
page 4 .... Letter from Reverend Scott Rogers
page 5 .... Crisis Ministry
page 8 .... Special Events and Christmas Angel
page 9 .... Letter from Jim Brewer, PhD
page 10 ... Jail Ministry
ABCCM Servant Leadership Center
Reverend Scott Rogers, Executive Director
Kami Doty, Chief Financial Officer
Jay Lee, Chief Operating Officer
Jim Brewer, Altruism Officer
Pastor Nick Honerkamp, Church Development Director
Reverend Caleb Bradshaw, Volunteer Administrator
CRISIS MINISTRY
Four locations, serving people emergency assistance such as food, clothing, furniture and financial support for heat, utilities and rent/mortgage.
Downtown Crisis Ministry
Reverend Mary Messara, Director
24 Cumberland Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801
(828) 259-5300 (P) | (828) 259-5307 (F)
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 4:30pm
South Crisis Ministry
Bryan Prather, Coordinator
10 Buck Shoals Road, Arden, NC 28704
(828) 259-5302 (P) | (828) 684-9825 (F)
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 4:30pm
Hominy Valley Crisis Ministry
Christy Shortridge, Coordinator
1914 Smokey Park Hwy, Candler, NC 28715
(828) 259-5301 (P) | (828) 670-1220 (F)
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 4:30pm
North Crisis Ministry
Sheryl Olsen, Senior Coordinator
403 Weaverville Highway, Asheville, NC 28804
(828) 259-5303 (P) | (828) 259-5313 (F)
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 4:30pm
MEDICAL MINISTRY
page 11 ... Medical Ministry
page 12 ... Transformation Village
page 13 ... Veterans Restoration Quarters
page 14 ... Veterans Services of the Carolinas
page 15 ... 2021 Honor Cards
TABLE OF CONTENTS DIRECTORY
ABCCM HOMELESS SERVICES
The ABCCM Medical Ministry provides urgent care and medication assistance for uninsured adults between 18-65 in Buncombe County. Many patients are working two or more jobs to make ends meet.
Beth Reeves, FNP-BC, Director
155 Livingston Street, Asheville, NC 28801 (828) 259-5339
Clinic and Pharmacy
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday opens 9am plus telephone triage all day Thursday: telephone triage and pharmacy pick up Call for times to pick up prescriptions Refille Line: (828) 398-6687
JAIL MINISTRY
The ABCCM Jail Ministry serves the Buncombe County Detention Center (BCDC) through Bible studies and library services for detainees who need hope and direction in order to re-enter the community responsibly.
Chaplain Vanessa James vanessa.james@abccm.org
Chaplain Don Johnson don.johnson@abccm.org
20 20th Street, Asheville, NC 28806
DONATIONS MINISTRY AND WAREHOUSE
No pick ups since covid. Drop offs welcome at ABCCM South (9am-4pm), ABCCM North (10am-1:45pm), and ABCCM Hominy Valley (9am-4pm). Downtown: Clothing and linens only (10am-3pm)
The Veterans Restoration Quarters (VRQ) is 246 bed facility that serves 166 Veterans in transitional housing, fifty Veterans in permanent supportive housing, eighteen Veterans/civilians in nightly emergency shelter and twelve civilians in a six month housing program.
Tim McElyea, Director 1329 Tunnel Road, Asheville, NC 28805 (828) 259-5333
Transformation Village is a 100 bed facility for single women, Veterans and moms with children. Our vision of taking every homeless woman off the street or out of a car became a reality when the move was made from Steadfast House in March of this year.
Carolyn Cronin, Director 30 Olin Haven Way, Asheville, NC 28806 (828) 259-5365
VETERANS SERVICES OF THE CAROLINAS
ABCCM serves Veterans across 74 counties (three-fourths of the counties in North Carolina) in three regions - Easterns (34), Piedmont (14), and Western (26).
Brandon L. Wilson, Managing Director 24 Cumberland Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801 (828) 398-6773
Toreadmorein-depthinformationortodonatetoa specificministry,foracalendarofspecialevents,etc. gotoabccm.org
ABCCM LEADERSHIP
Partnership with ABCCM is a MUST! As a smaller church in the Asheville area, we recognize that trying to kick off, recruit for, and sustain new ministries can be fairly weighty on shoulders that are already carrying so much. This fact that people are really busy doesn’t mean that they don’t care about the hurting, it just means that we simply don’t have the bandwidth to get new initiatives that practice care, started. Starting new ministry work can be really intimidating. JOINING a ministry work already in progress presents us with so many more options as church leaders.
Partnering with likeminded people toward a common goal allows us a church to get so much more done. So many times, people think to themselves, “What can one person get done to make a dent in all the needs in this city?” When you join up with ABCCM, you are stepping in with many who may have started their ABCCM journey thinking just like you, but found out through collaboration, that we aren’t alone in our desires to help the hurting AND there is a practical plan for serving in place!
As a pastor, part of my responsibility is to paint a picture of why the church SHOULD serve, but also to paint a picture of HOW. People want to know, “how can I help?” Whenever folks ask about this kind of care for the hurting in our city, I get a big smile on my face, because I’m about to invite someone into a really big picture of Christ’s love for the most vulnerable in our city. I get to tell them that for years, here in Asheville, there has been a church partnership going on, that links up those who can help with those who need help.
At Highland Christian Church, we have a volunteer page for our folks to get involved. At the top of that page is an invite to sign up and serve with ABCCM. We know people are looking for practical ways to be a part of Gospel work and I honestly cannot think of an easier way for that to happen then through calling people to volunteer through ABCCM. I am so thankful that God has knit our city together in this special way. I continue to pray that God will use this mission to serve as a way for The Church to express the kind of unity that Jesus said would help the world believe that God sent Him to save.
-- Pastor Jason Garris, President ABCCM Board of Directors
Serving as pastor of a church comes with many challenges and opportunities that provide a unique approach to ministry. In a perfect world, it would be nice for a church to be able to address all the challenges and opportunities that present themselves to the local church; however, we know that we do not live in that perfect world that would afford us that opportunity. Many of the requests that our church receive eventually crossed my desk not being able to address all the needs presented to me was an area of concern.
We have been blessed to be able to partner with ABCCM to help address many of the needs that come to our church. Because of the broad range of services offered at ABCCM, those things that we may not be able to handle on a local church level, we are able to refer to ABCCM.
Our youth of Tried Stone Baptist Church have ministered through the Veteran’s Quarters and on several occasions, they have been able to serve meals at the Veterans Quarters. Serving meals provided them with the chance to meet and to interact with the veterans who have served our country and now find themselves trying to adjust to society for reasons that we may never fully understand. Our youth walked away not only having served but also with more compassion for their fellow man. They also had the chance to hear the stories of these people who have served to keep us free.
Tried Stone has also made it a point to help support the work of ABCCM on a financial basis. For several years, we have made ABCCM part of our yearly budget because we understand the fact that together we can do more than we can individually. By joining with all the churches that are part of ABCCM, it allows for a greater impact to assist those who find themselves in need.
On a personal level, I have been afforded the opportunity to serve ABCCM as a board member and currently serve as vice chair of the Board of Director. Serving on the Board of Directors has given me an opportunity to understand the depth of the work that ABCCM really does. Most people will never be able to grasp the magnitude of all the moving parts and how they come together to form ABCCM and to direct the mission.
I would encourage everyone to look at ABCCM and the many opportunities for ministry and to take an active role by becoming a volunteer. By volunteering with ABCCM, it will become more than just some letters that the citizens of Asheville and Buncombe County are familiar with, but it will take on a whole new meaning--a meaning that will continue to help change lives.
-- Elder Alfred E. Blount, Vice President ABCCM Board of Directors
GOD’S FOOTPRINTS IN 2021
God has been moving in amazing ways throughout 2021. Being a part of lives that are being made whole is wonderful to see and to share. Do you remember reading where Jesus went around teaching and healing all manner of illness and diseases (Mt. 9:36-38)? As I go to each of ABCCM’s Ministries, I hear and see how God is working through so many volunteers and staff to bring about miracles through His mighty working power. Some of these you can see in their video testimonies on our website. When both parents came to the Crisis Ministry, they started off saying to the volunteer receptionist, “We’ve never asked before, and I don’t think you can help us, but our friends at church told us to come down anyway.” As they waited outside, I passing by heard the husband say, “We should just go on, this is a waste of time.” Before I could say anything, a volunteer counselor was at the door calling their name and inviting them in, and I thought, “Only God could have that timing just right.” Later, I asked about their situation and what happened. The volunteer shared how they were convinced the landlord would not work with them, but when the volunteer called, they were able to work out a win-win. The most important discovery was that the landlord had been praying for their tenant and the tenant praying for their landlord…and God received the Glory as another eviction was stopped.
We see God’s handiwork in these simple acts of grace. A volunteer physician was treating a patient with an unusual condition. The doctor and pharmacist did their research to come up with the right medication with a treatment plan. Unfortunately the medication and a special apparatus that were needed were not available anywhere. They sent the patient home saying that they would keep trying. A couple of hours later, a donor knocked on the door and said that they had an unusual medication and medical supplies to donate and hoped the Clinic could use them. The donation was the exact medication and apparatus needed. When the patient heard about the gift, they were as astonished as the volunteers and staff at how God works.
A Veteran mom with two boys fled a bad situation and were homeless in a hotel. With funds dwindling fast, she called the Veterans Crisis Line and was connected right away with a case manager at ABCCM Veteran Services of the Carolinas. As hard as it is to find housing, the perfect place came up for rent,
not far from the VA Medical Center. Then funding for her education at AB Tech got her three health care certifications over the next six months as a Med Tech, Phlebotomist, and CNA. Her dream job was to work at the Charles George VA Medical Center, but she was told that those jobs were hard to come by. Nothing is too hard for the Lord who opened the doors and she got the job. She shares freely with all, “ABCCM helped me get my dream job and dream home.” See the VSC article for more about her progress.
Transformation Village was a 10 year process that culminated in one of the greatest models for transforming lives when it opened in March, 2021. We are full now. Everyone walks in with a greater sense of respect in this beautiful new building. One woman said, “I have been on the streets and as low as you can go, but I was loved and accepted and then given all the support I needed to become my best self. Being back in church and working and having my family all around me is a miracle.”
Veterans Restoration Quarters (VRQ) is still fulfilling its mission to make sure that our community is at ‘functional zero,’ where no homeless Veteran is ever turned away and no homeless Veterans have to be on the street. We are separating two words, homeless and Veteran, so every Veteran is restored through healing, stability, equipping with life-skills, education and jobs that lead to permanent housing. One Veteran shared how he stood on a bridge and was going to kill himself. A VA Medical Center Social Worker talked him down and got him first to the hospital and then into the VRQ. He thought it was just another “program” but now tells everyone that ABCCM saved his life. “The caring volunteers and being around people who genuinely cared about helping him toward his goals led to him restoring his relationship with God. Then God gave me a great job, then God gave me my wife and I own my home. I never thought that could happen for me.”
When God uses us as His vessel, the miracles are evident and His power to restore and redeem lives is amazing. As you read the stories and possibly reflect on how you and/or your church were part of ABCCM, we want you to be proud of being part of Jesus going around our community healing and teaching and equipping others. Kingdom work is always about stronger persons that lead to stronger families where our work and homes build stronger communities. Thanks for all you make possible by letting God work through you to serve one another in the name of Christ.
-- Reverend Scott Rogers, Executive Director
CRISIS MINISTRY
feedingthehungry
DOWNTOWN CRISIS MINISTRY: VOLUNTEER FAMILY
Ken and Marilyn Harmaning have volunteered at ABCCM since 2013 but they might not be familiar faces to the clients we serve. They do most of their volunteer work behind the scenes, so to speak, in the back office. “Anybody can do it (volunteer),” said Ken, “it doesn’t matter whether you think you don’t have the necessary skills. Be aware of what you can do and more importantly what you want to do. There’s a variety of tasks and different opportunities and all kinds of ways to help (at ABCCM).” Ken is a lead data entry volunteer in Charity Tracker for the Crisis Ministry while Marilyn manages the waiting list for women who need housing help at Transformation Village.
Ken worked in higher education information systems and libraries while Marilyn was a high school teacher. They met at college in Idaho on a blind date and have been married almost 50 years. They have 2 children and 4 grandchildren. Most people would think visiting grandchildren and enjoying retirement would suffice, but when asked why they volunteer, they answered, “It’s a calling. We want to do what we can in our community. When we moved from Idaho to North Carolina, we researched our options and chose ABCCM. We like that it is church-based and we believe that this is what God has called us to do.”
Marilyn started at Steadfast House. “It grabbed me,” she said. “I am often the first contact these women have with ABCCM,” Marilyn explained, “and I often hear some heart-breaking stories. Almost a year ago, a mother with a two-year old boy came to Cumberland (downtown Crisis location). She was pregnant, fleeing an abusive situation. They needed a place to live and she needed help finding a job to support her son and soon-to-arrive baby. She was downtrodden and discouraged. A few weeks ago, I saw her at Transformation Village. She came up to me holding a certificate that she received for completing one of the job training programs offered at Transformation Village through AB Tech. She was a whole new person, with a new lease on life. That was a ‘WOW!’ moment for me because I knew that simple piece of paper meant everything to her. And that I had helped her get it!”
Ken’s work in Charity Tracker is critical to make sure that our clients receive all the assistance they deserve. “Charity Tracker is useful to steward resources,” He explained,” and to coordinate with other agencies throughout the county.” Clients can be referred to other organizations and government agencies for financial assistance while ABCCM will ‘fill in the gap’ between what the other agencies gave and what the client needs. This approach provides the best approach to helping the most people. While Ken and Marilyn volunteer to help others, three years ago, they needed help too. Ken suffered a serious injury that severely impacted their lives. Marilyn described how other volunteers came to their aid. “It was amazing,” she said, “everyone kept checking on us and helping us in all kinds of ways. Roberta, at Transformation Village, was like a sister to me. The outpouring of love and support was overwhelming. Volunteering to help others brought us together. And we couldn’t ask for a better group of people. I realized that we, the volunteers of ABCCM, we’re a family.”
Busy at work
Ken and Marilyn Harmaning at Downtown Crisis Ministry
SOUTH CRISIS MINISTRY: A HEART FOR HELPING
Tudie Allen is the volunteer receptionist at ABCCM South Crisis Ministry. You will find her there answering the phone or welcoming people with her South Dakota accent and a cheerful smile. She has volunteered at ABCCM and at South for 20 years. “My husband was an Air Force Veteran and we served for 15 years. And I mean we, because even though I was not in uniform, spouses serve just as much. After the service, we bought a small farm and I was a teaching assistant for over 30 years. When he passed, I retired, sold the farm, and moved closer to my children. But I still wanted to do something. I love being a Christian and I love helping people, especially children. I attend Montmorenci United Methodist where, after a service, a friend told me about her volunteering at ABCCM. I volunteered at Hominy Valley Crisis Ministry for a while then came to South .. and now they can’t get rid of me,” she laughed.
That dedication to helping others has inspired others to volunteer. Steve Chapin said, “Tudie is the reason I’m here. She is a good listener, always has nice things to say about everyone and always tries to reassure them that things will work out. “Well,” added Tudie, “I remember what Rev. Scott (Rogers) said when he took me and another woman on a tour of ABCCM. As we were driving in downtown Asheville, he said, ‘dope addicts, alcoholics, the homeless, the hungry, the cold - God loves us all and it is our calling to remind these people of His love.’ And I never forgot that and it reminds me to help others using His love.
“Even with my health issues and age, I feel very comfortable volunteering here. We installed plexiglas barriers and those terrific air purifiers and I always wear a mask. I think the precautions have been wonderful. I have no worries about coming here. Just last week, a woman was standing outside at the check-in desk and it was so cold that morning. I asked Byran if she could come inside where it was warm. I don’t worry about being exposed because of everything that was done to protect me and other volunteers.
When asked about what she enjoyed most about volunteering, she answered, “I can’t explain how it feels when I am able to help someone or a client say, ‘I love you!” I feel blessed that I am able to do it (volunteer) at my age. And I always tell my friends at church to ‘come volunteer at ABCCM. You’ll love it. You won’t be alone and at home watching the idiot box and eating too much. You’ll be useful and helpful and you’ll feel just like me, happy and content.”
HOMINY VALLEY CRISIS MINISTRY: “IT’S GOING TO BE OKAY”
Before Bonnie Cave was a volunteer at ABCCM Hominy Valley, she volunteered with AB-Tech teaching English as a Second Language (ESL). Just as it had with so many others, the pandemic put a stop to her volunteer career at the college. But the retired educator wouldn’t let that pandemic put a stop to her acts of service and caring for others. “It’s just part of the Christian experience. It’s great to go to church and do Bible study, but Jesus called us to feed his sheep. There are some people that are just missing out on why Jesus left us behind
on the earth!” she says with a laugh.
“My neighbors volunteered at the Medical Ministry, so I thought I would give this a try since it was close to my home. I’ve worked with families and kids from all across the economic spectrum, so this seemed like a good fit. I really liked Christy and the other volunteers, and I just decided to stay on.”
Bonnie’s empathy for ABCCM’s clients is evident from the get-go. Having worked in the school system for over 30 years, Bonnie has an exceptional gift for easing clients’ anxiety. “I’m very calm, and I think it helps them be calm. I see a lot of people at their wits’ end, just so upset and nervous and afraid. I just listen and don’t judge, and it just opens a door. You get to say, ‘How can we help you? Then you get their story.
Bonnie Cave at Hominy Valley Crisis Ministry
Tudie Allen and Steve Chapin at South Crisis Ministry
As an example, she tells the story of a mom and her little girl who came in, looking for assistance. “You know how you can just tell someone is just barely holding it together? Her arms were just wrapped around herself real tight, and once she got into the counseling room, she just started crying.”
“It’s going to be okay,” I told the mom. “Tell me what you need and then we will problem solve.” When the mom continued to cry, her daughter came over, hugged her, and said, “Mama, it’s going to be okay. That lady said it’s going to be okay.”
The story unfolded that the mom was facing eviction and she was terrified that she would lose not only her house but her kids. After Bonnie was able to
successfully resolve the financial problem, she asked, “What else do you need?”
Bonnie said, “She needed some clothes, so we went to the clothing room. I let her look around and have some quiet time while I walked around with her little girl. There was a big bag of dress-up clothes and she started going through it and found some fairy wings and a crown.” Here, Bonnie begins to tear up. “And she was so excited and dancing around and she said to me, ‘Ms. Bonnie, this is the best day ever.’ How many kids do you know would be that happy in the middle of a warehouse? I think she knew that her mama’s problem had been resolved. She believed it was going to be okay before her mama did.”
NORTH SAMARITAN CRISIS MINISTRY: COMING BACK
“I like to stay busy. I like to get things done.”
Cathy Byers volunteered five days a week at different charities and nonprofits across the county, including ABCCM’s North Samaritan Ministry. She knitted blankets for the Linus Project, she served at 12 Baskets, and she tutored at Woodfin Elementary, all while serving as a deacon at Grace Covenant Presbyterian. Unfortunately, the pandemic brought her service to a screeching halt. She and her husband Tom couldn’t risk venturing out. March 2, 2020, marked Cathy’s last day with ABCCM. Well, not her last day.“Sheryl [Olsen] gave me a call earlier this year and asked if I
wanted to come back. She said the offices had air ionizers, that everyone was required to follow CDC guidelines, and that ABCCM was taking measures to protect volunteers and clients. There were some sensible restrictions and changes, and that really impressed me, so I agreed to come back on March 3 of 2021, after a year and a day of being away.”
An ABCCM volunteer of five years, Cathy first heard about ABCCM after Reverend Scott Rogers spoke at her church’s Minute for Mission. At the time, Grace Covenant was collecting food for the Crisis Ministry. She retired from teaching after 20 years with Asheville City Schools, but remained determined to serve her community. “I like to give back. I’ve been very blessed, and I like to give back into my community. You get a good feeling when you help people who are in need. And, you know, it could happen to me or you. You could be in a crisis situation, and you’d want someone to be there for you.”
When asked what Cathy would say to those considering volunteering, she said, “If you’re nervous about coming to volunteer, talk to the director of that site. Ask about their safe practices and what their time frames look like. I’m sure it will vary a little bit by location, but I feel safe coming back to North.”
Pray: for families in crisis with hunger, with being evicted, needing warmth.
Serve: M-F 8:30-12:30 or 12:30-4:30 shifts. Areas: Receptionists – Charting - Counselors Food Pantry boxes/bags – Clothing Room - Soup Kitchen. Give: Have a food drive, collect blankets/coats/hats/gloves in church/business/neighborhood.
Food: $1 = lunch - $10 = bus tokens - $25 = food bag, Emergency financial help: $50 = keep water on, $100 = keep lights on Utilities/Rent: $250 = propane fill - $500 = oil tank fill/ rent - $1000 = stop evictions
Cathy Byers, North Samaritan Crisis Ministry Volunteer
PRAY. SERVE. GIVE.
CHRISTMAS ANGEL 2021
Hosted by Ingles
At ABCCM, we believe in the wonder and meaning of Christmas. We believe in wideeyed children opening their presents from their parents on Christmas morning. We believe in sharing the love of Christ with families going through some of the hardest of times. We believe that every child should feel loved and cared for.
So many families are in crisis and worried about jobs, how they will pay the rent, the utilities, and put food on the table. ABCCM’s Christmas Angel program is committed to fill those gaps for families by providing Christmas presents for parents to give to their children.
Please join us in “Sharing Your Love with a Child and Family” and be one of our many Christmas Angels who make Christmas a reality for families, and make Christmas morning bright for their children.
For more information, visit the Christmas Angel webpage at www.abccm.org/ christmas-angel-2021. You can also contact us at christmasangel@abccm.org or 828-259-5337.
2022 SPECIAL EVENTS
Safe and Warm
A four week drive to collect blankets, coats, and heating assistance funds to save lives of the frail elderly, the sick, the homeless. Mid-January to midFebruary; collection sites will be announced with collaborating businesses, churches and at all ABCCM Ministry locations.
Mountain Classic Golf Invitational
Tuesday, May 3, 2022 at the Cliffs at Walnut cove.
Chair: Rusty Pulliam - Sponsorships at $10,000 and $5,000. Invitational.
Transformation Celebration: Gala and Auction
Friday, August 26, 2022 at 6:30pm.
Chair: Pam Barbee – A Virtual event with auctioneer, Ben Farrell.
ABCCM Honor a Veteran
Celebrating on Memorial Day (May 30) – July 4th – Veterans Day (November 11). Veterans Day luncheon across in Buncombe County, Haywood County, Madison County, Transylvania County, Henderson County. Virtual - Veteran Honor Wall at www.abccm.org/honorveterans.
Return to Bethlehem
ABCCM.ORG
Thursday and Friday 6-8:30pm, Saturday 2-8:30pm and Sunday 2-6pm. Hosted by Groce UMC, 954 Tunnel Rd. Asheville, NC 28805. Proposed dates: TBD pending any pandemic restrictions. Pray for the Return!
Scan to visit Christmas Angel webpage
PRAY, SERVE, GIVE
Every year, thousands of people, representing hundreds of families, face crises in our communities and turn to ABCCM for help. And every year, volunteers like Tudie, Ken and Marilyn, Bonnie, Cathy, Tammy, Jim, Barina and Marcia welcome them with warm smiles and open hearts then help them with food boxes, rent and utilities, medical services and housing, clothing and hygiene items, limited only by available resources.
Through our Pray, Serve, Give model for helping others, ABCCM offers churches and volunteers ways to act through their faith and values. The power of prayer is manifest throughout ABCCM. When someone enters a Crisis Ministry Jail Ministry Transformation Village Veterans Restoration Quarters or the Medical Ministry they see and feel the power of our volunteers’ faith in everything from the first hello to the good-bye, all accomplished with prayer.
ABCCM’s model of service is founded on volunteers doing the work that other organizations do with paid staff. Many volunteers testify about the joy and fulfillment they feel working with their neighbors in need. Serving others is so rewarding and meaningful, imparting a sense of self-worth and value to the volunteer as well as the person being helped. Those who have been helped by our volunteers talk about how the volunteers made them feel valued and respected as human beings. Every person has worth in the view of God and volunteers reflect the heart of God.
ABCCM and our volunteers fill in the gaps for families all through the year, especially during this time of year. We fill these gaps through donations of food, clothes, blankets, medical supplies and money. We brighten Christmas morning for children through the Christmas Angel program. For 2021, requests for food have increased 80%; for rent–511% increase; for utilities–207%; and for medical services–131%. Your gift is essential to help fill gaps like these.
Gifts of any amount are welcome and appreciated. Like loaves and fishes, we are able to multiply your gift to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, care for the sick and comfort the afflicted. Please fill out the attached envelope by choosing the donation amount, completing the information section, enclose your check or credit card information and return it to ABCCM. We also have secure online giving at abccm. org/donate.
The volunteers and staff are truly thankful for each one’s generosity and faith in our ministry. Your gift invests in the Hope, Joy, Peace and Love of Christmas and offers deeper meaning all year long. You have our heartfelt thanks and the gratitude of those we serve. May God Bless you and yours.
-- Jim Brewer, PhD, Altruism Officer
Volunteers praying at Transformation Village
Volunteer cook team serving at the Veterans Restoration Quarters
Volunteers receiving donated food at the Crisis Ministry
JAIL MINISTRY
visitingthoseinprison
Jim Sherar loves the outdoors. A civil engineer and forester, he moved his family to Asheville in the 70s for a job with the U.S. Forestry Service, so he could work outside instead of sitting behind a desk. So it is surprising that he chose one of the most opposite passions; Jim leads Bible study classes at the Buncombe County Detention Center.
Jim has volunteered with ABCCM for 30 years in different roles and ministries. He started through his church, Arden Presbyterian, serving meals when the ABCCM men’s shelter was located on Coxe Ave. “It was an opportunity to do something to help the homeless,” Jim said, “and that was important to me.” When he retired in 2005, he wanted to be involved with more volunteer opportunities in the community. Shortly, and after his youngest son, Paul said “Dad, just pray about it,” he learned that another church member was leading Bible studies at the Detention Center which sounded interesting to him. “In Scripture,” Jim said, “Jesus talks about helping, widows, orphans and prisoners so I saw this opportunity as a way of fulfilling my faith by serving the detainees. There are a lot of volunteer opportunities in Buncombe County, but at ABCCM I could share the Gospel while serving and this is where my heart is.”
Over the years, Jim has led Bible study classes for hundreds of men at the Detention Center. He looks forward to seeing them every Sunday after he leaves the church service where sometimes he hears a word or passage that inspires him to share with his class. “I developed my Bible study classes with a focus on the main themes and issues that these men face. The individuals will change, but all have the same issues – hopelessness, pain, anger, rejection, fear. I use Scripture to show them that Jesus understands their plight. Some say they’re falsely accused and imprisoned. I share the story of Paul, imprisoned in Rome. But I emphasize that Paul did not waste his time but knew that God was using him to share the Gospel with other detainees and through his letters to the brethren. I urge these men not to waste their time but to seek God and to decipher His plans for each of them.
How would you feel if you were locked up in a place where you had no contact
with the outside world and not knowing when you would be free? Hopeless, angry, confused, scared? The men are in that situation; they have been charged but they have not had a trial. Most are too poor for bail or have no place to go, so they remain in limbo, often for months. “I try to get to these men to share the Good News,” Jim said, “to equip them to share the good news of the Gospel message with others within the walls.” Jim remembered one inmate, Ray, who was incarcerated for 4-5 months. He was a repeat offender with minor crimes, never violent or dangerous, but this go-round, he was beyond angry because he, as many of the men do, felt wrongly charged. But over the months that Ray attended Bible study, Jim witnessed a change from anger and impatience and a “get me out of here” attitude to a realization that he was in the Detention Center for a reason. He had accepted Christ’s work on the cross for himself, and soon he began mentoring other men and leading his own Bible study in the evenings. 10-15 men would gather around the table where they would listen, talk, pray for each other, read God’s work and share the Gospel. Another time in the study behind the locked door to the meeting room, while men were halftalking and half-involved in the study, a big man, detained because he could not raise $300 for bail, stood up, tore open his orange jumpsuit and said, “I’ve been stabbed 3 times and shot twice. This (slamming his Bible down) is God’s word and every word is true and you have to believe it and live it.” Jim knew this was the time to let God work through this man.
Ray’s story is not rare. During Jim’s service at the Detention Center, he has seen the results of several inmate-led revivals that have occurred in the Center. It is stories like Ray’s and these revivals that keep Jim returning. “Jail ministry is not for everyone,” Jim said,” but it is for me. But that’s the good thing about ABCCM, that although men and women can start their own ministry or mission within their church, as many do have a servant’s heart to serve and volunteer, it takes time and effort to organize and implement. With ABCCM, many opportunities exist. It is easy to plug in to one of the ministries wherever their heart leads them. For me, for now, God has given me a heart to serve those men at the Detention Center.”
PRAY. SERVE. GIVE.
Pray for: detainees at the crossroads needing meaning, purpose, reconciliation. Serve: Bible study leaders (2 each) in 1 hour blocks, morning, noon, evening. Clergy, Chaplains to engage with their denomination parishioners. Give: Large print paperback Bibles, spiritual formation and light reading. Reading glasses. Christmas stuffers of toiletries (list on website).
$10 - $25 -$50 - $100 to help with re-entry into community with needs such as transportation, phone, food, work clothes.
Jim Sherar, Jail Volunteer
MEDICAL MINISTRY
Tammy Nix is quiet and reserved when we sit down to talk about her volunteering at the Medical Clinic. She answers the questions quickly and efficiently, as an RN is trained to do. But as we talk about her experiences as a volunteer, she begins to open up and share her amazing story.
“I knew from an early age that I wanted to be a nurse; but because of my family circumstances, I did not begin my nursing career until my mid-20s. I retired from Mission Health four years ago after 35 years in the OB department helping with high-risk pregnancies. I enjoyed my career and am happy to know that I helped with the births of many amazing babies.”
Even after she retired, Tammy still felt like “I needed to help people. It’s in my personality.” Through her church, Biltmore Baptist, she connected with a group of ladies who were volunteering at ABCCM. “The thought of volunteering was daunting for me,” she explained, “I am an introvert. But the other women seemed so happy and fulfilled for volunteering. I knew ABCCM had a Medical Clinic so I thought they could use my skills and experience. As a Christian, I know we are supposed to help others. After praying and talking about it, one day I just picked up the phone. It was hard for me to start volunteering. But Beth and the other nurses and staff quickly made me feel that this was the right decision for me.”
“I interact with many patients who are so grateful that we are here to help.” A typical morning might mean she will see 5-15 patients. “I talk with them to hear their stories and I share stories from my career at Mission. I want patients to know that they are just like everyone else and that someone cares for them. I see a lot of high blood pressure cases in my patients and encourage them to enroll in our study to see if we can help them long-term.” ABCCM has been involved in a long-term study sponsored by the NC Association of Free and Charitable Clinics to identify and help low-income patients with high blood pressure, including free medications and therapies.
The covid pandemic stopped her volunteering for a while, but she feels very comfortable in returning. “The protocols ABCCM has put in place are top-notch. We follow all the safety procedures. As a nurse, I know there’s always a possibility but I am not worried about being exposed or infected.”
Now Tammy volunteers every Tuesday morning, keeping one of her grandchildren during the rest of the week. “I love volunteering now. It makes me feel happy to help.” When asked what she would advise others who are considering volunteering, she said, ”Just pick up the phone. We will be happy to talk with you and find the right place for you.” And for those who are hesitant, she advised, “Look at me as an example. I wanted to help but felt so nervous and uncertain. But if you feel called to help and to fulfill your faith, sometimes you have to get out of your comfort zone.”
Pray for: healing for working uninsured persons and for the medicine for treatment.
Serve: Mon, Tues, Wed. open 9am Clinic sessions; Care management in afternoon. Check for specialty clinic hours.
Volunteers needed: Receptionists – Charting – Intake - Physicians – Nurses – CNAs –Pharmacists - Pharm Techs – Students – Residency
Give: Unopened prescription and over-the-counter medications, dental supplies (such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss), and cleaning supplies. $5=antibiotics, $10=medicine, $25=labs, $50=medical visit, $100=medication assistance, $500=health care navigation, $1000=morning medical session.
Tammy Nix, Medical Ministry Volunteer
Medical Ministry at work
caringforthesick
PRAY. SERVE. GIVE.
TRANSFORMATION VILLAGE
When you visit Transformation Village (TrV), chances are that you’ll be greeted by Christine Tipton’s smiling blue eyes. Chris is the volunteer receptionist at Transformation Village, three mornings a week. Chris has been a volunteer at ABCCM for 4 years, specifically helping at our homeless women and children facilities—first at Steadfast House and now at Transformation Village. “The church I attended was taking food to Steadfast House once a month. I helped with the delivery and then served on a volunteer cook team and became really interested in wanting to help these women and children who had nothing.”
Volunteering comes naturally to Chris through her family. Her father was a member of the The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and helped others his entire life. It was important to Chris to continue the family tradition so she became a member of the Benevolent Patriotic Order of Does and participated in several volunteer activities throughout her career. When she came to Steadfast House, it just felt right to volunteer.
When the pandemic struck, ABCCM restricted volunteer opportunities to protect our residents and volunteers. For a year, Chris was unable to volunteer at Steadfast House. “I didn’t like it,” she said, “especially when I heard that they were moving to Transformation Village. I understood the precautions and the need to protect everyone but I missed it.” During this time, Chris took up card-making as a hobby that has proven very beneficial in her new role. “I make ‘Welcome To Your New Home’ cards for all the new residents.”
Chris returned to volunteering at TrV about one month after the move-in. Shannon Paris, the volunteer coordinator, asked her if she would be interested in being a receptionist. “I didn’t know what being a receptionist meant but decided to try it out, and I am glad I did. It’s awesome to me,” she added, her eyes lighting up, “getting to know the residents and watching them grow as adults and mothers.
“Faith is an important part of my life and shapes my volunteering. I chose ABCCM because it was a faith-based organization and ministry.” Chris and her husband attend Sardis United Methodist. “It’s a small church but warm and welcoming. I invite new residents to visit with our congregation as soon as they feel able.” She tells her friends at church about her experiences as a volunteer at Transformation Village. Recently she took a two-week leave and a friend wanted to “take her place” to see if volunteering at Transformation Village was right for her. Chris said her friend loved volunteering and wants to do it again. When asked about the procedures and improvements that ABCCM has made to all of its locations to reduce the impact of covid and to keep our staff, clients and volunteers as safe as possible, Chris said, “I appreciate all of the steps ABCCM took for our safety and think that ABCCM has done a good job. But I was coming back anyway. I was not going to let anything keep me away from here.”
She added, “I feel good when I volunteer. I feel good about what’s happening here in the lives of these women and children. And I feel good about being a part of everything and helping in some way.”
Pray for: resident’s spiritual formation, emotional and physical wellness. Pray for Hope, Healing, and Honor so that they can be equipped with whatever they need to achieve stability, life-skills, education, job-training, getting a job, getting an apartment as they reintegrate into the community.
Pray for patience for the moms with children as they navigate life’s challenges.
Serve: Monday through Friday in shifts from 9-12, 1-5, or 7-9; Cook teams, receptionists, data entry, beauticians, life-skills teachers, Bible study leaders, child enrichment leaders, after school tutors, mentors.
Give: food/meals, work clothes-uniforms and shoes, cleaning supplies and toiletries. $10= 3 meals a day, $25= education materials, $30 bus tokens, $50=work clothes, $75= one day stay, $100= trauma care, $250= recovery care, $350= 4 weeks of classes, $500= health care, $750= 1 semester class training and materials, $1000= reintegration assistance.
Volunteer Christine Tipton, giving a new resident her keys
takinginthestranger
Chris makes cards for new residents at Transformation Village
PRAY. SERVE. GIVE.
VETERANS RESTORATION QUARTERS
Barina Bailey and Marcia Quade have volunteered at the Veterans Restoration Quarters since 2009. They oversee the “Points Room” where residents can exchange points earned through their work and achievements for clothing, shoes, hygiene and other items. But their volunteerism goes far beyond that program.
Barina has volunteered at ABCCM for over 30 years, since ABCCM was located on Coxe Ave. After she retired from the postal system, she wanted to do something meaningful. At Oak Hill Methodist where she attended, she joined a group that was preparing dinners for the homeless at ABCCM and enjoyed helping. But one night, she learned what the impact of her simple actions really were. She still remembers the night as vividly as if it were last night.
“It was a cold night -freezing- and I almost did not come,” she recalls. “One of my kids had a cold, too. But I told the other members of the group that I would be there so I drove to Coxe and unloaded my contribution to that night’s dinner - applesauce. I had made some for my family with cinnamon, brown sugar and other spices so I just made a large batch for the dinner group. Anyway, that night, an old man came in from the cold. He had a scraggly beard, dirty, ragged clothes and pitiful boots. He went through the line and sat down by himself apart from the others. A few minutes later, he asked for seconds of the applesauce, then thirds. I went over to where he was sitting and said something like ‘you must really like the apple sauce’. He looked up at me, with some apple sauce in his beard and tears in his eyes, and said this was the best applesauce he ever had and reminded him of how his momma used to fix it. I sat down with him and we talked for over an hour. Then he stood, said “Thank you ma’am” and walked out. I never saw him again. But from that moment, I knew that volunteering and helping others were what the Lord expected of me and I was hooked.”
Marcia began volunteering almost as soon as the Veterans Quarters opened. In 2009, her friend, Barina, encouraged her to volunteer. She had heard about ABCCM through her church, Freedom Baptist. “When Barina told me that ABCCM was opening a place for homeless Veterans, I knew I wanted to help.” She has a brother who served in the Navy and often heard him speaking about the special relationship he had with his shipmates. She spoke firmly when she said, “There shouldn’t be homeless Veterans. Those two words should not go together!” She and her husband, Alan, helped build shelving and with installing HVAC in the ACTS building which adjoins the Veterans Quarters where some Veterans classes are held. They also helped with carpeting and painting there.
Barina and Marcia have been involved in many aspects of the VRQ. “The guys are special,” said Marcia, “and really appreciate our help. When I had knee replacement, a Veteran whittled a walking stick for me so I could still get around and help.” At the Points Room, Marcia and Barina assist Veterans with picking out the best clothing for their needs. “We often help a guy put together a nice outfit for a job interview,” Barina said, “And after they leave the Quarters, they return to say thank you and to donate clothing and other items to help other Veterans.”
Both ladies missed volunteering during the outbreak of covid. “It was a hard time,” Marcia reflected, “I missed the guys.” Barina said, “We are almost like strong mothers to them. We don’t let them slip anything by us. We love them and they love us. Sometimes they bring us candy. So we missed the interactions with them.” Once volunteering was reopened, they didn’t hesitate to return. “We feel real safe with the protocols-the air filters system and everything else,” said Marcia. “I feel very comfortable,” added Barina.
When asked what they would say to someone interested in volunteering, both said, “Everyone should volunteer. You’ll get blessed much more than you know.”
PRAY. SERVE. GIVE.
Pray for: Veterans’ spiritual formation, emotional and physical wellness so that they can be equipped with whatever they need to achieve stability, life-skills, education, job-training, getting a job, getting an apartment as they reintegrate into community.
Serve: Monday through Friday in shifts from 9-12, 1-5, or 7-9; Cook teams, receptionists, data entry, barbers, life-skills teachers and Bible study leaders, mentors
Give: Give: food/meals, work clothes-uniforms and shoes, cleaning supplies, toiletries. $10= 3 meals a day, $25= education materials, $30 bus tokens, $50=work clothes, $75= one day stay, $100= trauma care, $250= recovery care, $350= 4 weeks of classes, $500= health care, $750= 1 semester class training and materials, $1000= reintegration assistance.
Volunteers Barina Bailey (l) & Marcia Quade (r)
takinginthestranger
VETERANS SERVICES OF THE CAROLINAS
servingacross74NCcounties
SUCCESS STORY: JESSICA CASE
Veterans Services of the Carolinas is honored to recognize one of its remarkable success stories in Jessica Case, a Navy Veteran who has taken advantage of the many services provided through ABCCM. A native of Asheville, Jessica has frequently acknowledged how ABCCM and the staff at Veterans Services of the Carolinas, particularly her Case Manager, Tera Jabs, helped to transform her life. From transitioning out of homelessness to education and earning a job in her field, Jessica has credited her enrollments in SSVF and HVRP as invaluable tools in her journey. Ms. Case arrived at VSC in August 2020, and over the course of a year, achieved stable housing and employment; she now lives in her own apartment with her family and works as a medical support assistant at the Charles George VAMC in Asheville. Additionally, she became a nationally certified phlebotomist in December of 2020 and is currently finishing coursework to complete her Medical Office Administration degree at AB-Tech Community College.
Jessica’s story is unique and yet typifies the kind of work being done at VSC and ABCCM. Recently, Ms. Case was selected by the US Department of Labor to appear in a one-on-one video with Secretary Marty Walsh in Washington, DC. Jessica highlighted her experiences with VSC, specifically her time in the housing and employment programs, and ultimately, she was featured in a segment on ABC World News Tonight with David Muir
on November 8th. As an individual in crisis who was connected to local support services though VSC to becoming a voice for Veterans and Veteran advocacy at the state and national level, Jessica Case continues to inspire our staff across North Carolina, as well as the Veterans whom we serve.
THANKS TO THE BOB WOODRUFF FOUNDATION
Thanks to the Bob Woodruff Foundation, Veterans Services of the Carolinas has been able to buy groceries for hundreds of Veterans across the state of North Carolina over the course of this year. Many of our clients that experience homelessness also face food insecurity. The funds from BWF have been pivotal in making sure that our Veterans are 100% taken care of.
It has also given us the ability to bless Veterans who are not clients. Several team members all over the state have surprised Veterans at the grocery store by paying for their food purchases on the spot. VSC’s Coastal team has taken up to 10 Veterans at a time on shopping trips to fill their pantries with groceries. Our Piedmont and Foothills teams have found the funds very helpful for filling Veterans’ fridges and cabinets with food after being placed in new housing. Our Western-based team got the most “bang for their buck” by taking Veterans shopping at the economically priced grocery store, ALDI. We are grateful for the funds allocated by the Bob Woodruff Foundation and we look forward to being able to continue utilizing this organization’s resources in the future as well!
PRAY. SERVE. GIVE.
Pray for: Veterans families to prevent evictions and rapidly rehouse, food for families, education and job training, finding good jobs and apartments/homes. Pray that they will be receptive to VSC’s outreach.
Serve: Call center agents, stand-down volunteers to do mental health screenings, benefits screenings,
Give: Food (nonperishable), toiletries, clothes- especially socks and underwear.
$25= education materials, $30 bus tokens, $50=work clothes, $75= one day stay, $100= suicide prevention, $250= recovery care, $350= continuing education class, $500= transportation assistance, $750= 1 semester class, $1000= reintegration assistance.
Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh speaking with Veteran Jessica Case
“A NEW WAY”
Now in its 34th year, the Honor Card program grew out of William Magnum’s chance meeting with a homeless man, Mike Saavedra. As their friendship grew so did Bill’s perspective and heart for the homeless. Realizing his artistic talents could be utilized to help those less fortunate, Bill began to annually create a painting and Honor Card, sharing a subtle message about the homeless.
Since 1988, the annual Honor Card has raised over $9 million to aid agencies and their outreach missions. Today, fourteen agencies across the state utilize the Honor Card as a fundraising and educational tool, with 100% of every donation going directly to local agencies to support their programs. ABCCM is honored to be included.
This year’s card “A New Way” is how many of us are seeing the world around us having faced the changes and challenges brought about as a result of the pandemic. It is also a reminder to reach out and help the homeless in your community find “A New Way.”
It has been a privilege for ABCCM to participate over the years and to be an intricate part of God’s love for others in this meaningful way. These two verses remind us of His love for all.
Psalm 34:4 “I sought the Lord, and He answered me; he delivered me from all my fears” and Psalm 34:6 “This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; he saved him from all his troubles.”
WAYS TO ORDER
• Online at www.abccm.org/honor-card
• Available at any of our Ministry locations (see Directory, page 1) - suggested donation $5
• Contact Ashley Starnes at ashley.starnes@abccm.org or 828-259-5305
• Mail a check to 20 20th Street, Asheville, NC 28806 with the number of cards requested. Or, ABCCM staff will personalize and mail cards for you; just include names and addresses of your friends and family.
Asheville Buncombe Community
Christian Ministry 20 20th Street
Asheville, NC 28806
ASHEVILLE BUNCOMBE COMMUNITY
CHRISTIAN MINISTRY
ABCCM is generously supported by 300 churches of all denominations and over 2500 trained volunteers during the pandemic. We provide anyone in need regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, or disability. ABCCM stimulates doing together what individual congregations and individuals cannot do separately. While responding to meet emergency needs, we develop strategic plans to address root causes of poverty, take steps to achieve independent living skills and restore lives in the community. We accomplish this through these ministries: Crisis Ministry, Jail Ministry, Veterans Restoration Quarters, Transformation Village, Medical Ministry and Veteran Services of the Carolinas.
