CCM ready to face growing challenges in slow economy
By Karen Cimino Wilson .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Cooperative Christian Ministry of Concord recently announced its plans for meeting the challenges ahead as the economy declines, forcing needs to soar and donations to shrink.
The 2010 & Beyond Strategic Plan includes reorganizing some of the agency’s staff to address the needs.
“One of the keys to our success will be the strength and vitality of our volunteer program,” said Ed Hosack, executive director of Cooperative Christian Ministry. Joyce Berry-Biles will concentrate her efforts on the role of volunteer coordinator under the new plan.
“This change will significantly increase our commitment to our volunteer program and greatly increase our ability to recruit, train and attend to our volunteers,” Hosack said.
Mike Wojciechowski will fill the crisis ministry director position, which is responsible for the food and financial assistance programs. Wojciechowski joined the staff of Cooperative Christian Ministry on March 2.
“I, personally, am pleased with Mike’s passion for helping people and with his team approach to managing processes and problem solving,” Hosack said.
Barry Porter will report directly to Wojciechowski and will continue to be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the food pantries as food program coordinator.
Doug McLain, the Samaritan’s Table coordinator, also will report to Wojciechowski. The Cooperative Christian Ministry’s pantry has experienced an increase in need as the economy has weakened. The pantry provides nonperishable groceries to families in need in Cabarrus and southern Rowan counties.
More than 700,000 pounds of food groceries with a retail value exceeding $1.4 million were distributed in 2007. September 2008 distributions were up by 50 percent over the previous year, Hosack said.
Cooperative Christian Ministry also has had additional calls for help with heating bills and other emergency assistance it offers.
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