Bradley County Tennessee has long been recognized by the Appalachian Regional Commission as an area of poverty in the United States. Currently classified as being transitional versus distressed by the ARC, the county’s poverty rate in the 2000 US Census was 12.2%.  In 2000 Census reported that the county is the fifth lowest in the Appalachian region of Tennessee for poverty. So now what does the face of poverty look like in 2010 Bradley County?

One example is our clients Mr. and Mrs. Hall*. This couple worked hard all their lives and retired with a nice pension and Social Security benefits. After several years of enjoying their retirement, Mr. Hall became ill. His illness led to hospitalization, which led to full time nursing home care. The expenses of the nursing home left Mrs. Hall with only $300 dollars each month to purchase food, pay for utilities and transportation as well as many other basics of life items.  At 72 years of age, Mrs. Hall faced the question of “do I buy food for myself or pay my utility bill?” Retirement became a place of poverty for this family. 

This change in the face of poverty is seen each day at The Caring Place. We see families that have worked all their lives and now find themselves without a job that can cover the cost of living in 2010 Bradley County. Our clients have experienced illness, economic crisis, disability, and poor choices that have led to a place of poverty.

Addressing these needs is a large part of what we do at The Caring Place. Using the Federal Poverty Guidelines we certify that a client is at poverty level. We then are able to provide food and clothing to stretch their meager budget. We are also able to point them to other programs and agencies that can provide resources such as job skill retraining, Legal Aid, health and dental care, as well as drug and alcohol treatment. Working together with other agencies, we are making a difference in the lives of the poor of Cleveland and Bradley County Tennessee.

*names changed to protect clients confidentiality

The numbers from 2009 are inspiring. The Caring Place distributed 14,148 bags (325,000 pounds) of food to more than 3,243 household with 87% of those households also receiving clothing. Heather Carlson, the social worker for the Caring Place, ministered more than 550 times during 2009 to those with needs that cannot be met by food and clothing alone. The Caring Place, a place where they minister to the whole person, was successful in fulfilling our mission for 2009.

We look forward to the ministry opportunities in 2010.

October saw the induction of five new board members, which brings our board to capacity at 12 members. Rafael Lastra, Coleman Foss, Don Goff, Beth Bird, and Bob Hardin all began their three year term October 2, 2009. Each new member brings a unique perspective and heartfelt desire to serve the needy of Bradley County.

Dr. Henry Smith, Rev. Randy Bonner and Dr. Rick Denning

Rev. Bonner who currently serves at the Bradley Baptist Association as a regional missionary for the North American Mission Board, has  a deep respect for the poverty he has seen in Cleveland and Bradley County. Working through Ocoee Outreach, he has seen first hand the affect of poverty in the southeast area of the county.  Rev. Bonner  served on The Caring Place Board for more than 9 years.

Dr. Henry Smith is currently retired from the pastorate but is teaching at Lee University.  Dr. Smith has worked along side Westmore Church of God for many years addressing the needs of the people of Cleveland. He has worked tirelessly promoting The Caring Place and provided priceless support for the staff as board chairman. Dr. Smith also has served on the board for more than 9 years.

Dr. Rick Denning, the Cleveland City Schools Superintendent, understands how poverty and need affects families. His position with the school system has given him a unique insight into Cleveland’s needy.  Dr. Denning has served on the board since December 2005 and has been instrumental in promoting community awareness.

The staff of The Caring Place will miss these three gentlemen but know that they carry the mission of The Caring Place into their daily lives.

That is an interesting question and has an equally interesting answer.  The Caring Place began as an endeavor of four churches to meet a need more effectively by pooling their resources. After several years,  this initial idea of joining together to help more has grown to  52 churches of 12 denominations and more than 100 local business. Yet this is not all that makes The Caring Place unique.

It is the feeling you get when you walk in the doors.  There is an attitude of gratitude at The Caring Place. This atmosphere of caring is created by the volunteers who serve each day.  Every morning is began by a time of staff-led devotion. This 30 minutes is dedicated to sharing from God’s word an encouraging or challenging message. There is also time for sharing personal burdens and praying for each other. Each devotional time is ended with prayer for the volunteers and for the clients.  Devotions are a daily reminder for the staff and volunteers of the true focus of The Caring Place, meeting needs with Christ’s love.

Volunteers who care enough  to serve with prayer, that is what makes The Caring Place different.

Beginning a day with staff led devotions

“Rain, Rain Go Away.  Come Again Another Day“

The Drought is over according to our local weather forecasters.  After such a long period with out rain it almost feels mean spirited to wish it would stop. Waking up with the rain, working in the rain, watching  clients  get soaked as they came to register for food. Unlike the drought, hunger and need did not stop with the rain.

March was incredibly busy. We saw a 47% increase year to date over the previous year and we are in an economic slow-down. The best surprise was witnessing the faithfulness of God. The Caring Place was blessed by individual’s, churches, businesses, and several organizations with donations of clothing and food. We met this increase of need through God’s wonderful blessings.

April was not quite as busy as March but we continued to see the trend of more than 1,000 bags of food given away.  In fact, The Caring Place has not fallen below 1,000 bags per month since July 2008.  Our many volunteers worked very hard to pack food bags, sort and hang clothing, and to reach out in love to each consumer.

May began with a rush of need. Many families are coming to The Caring Place for the first time. It is an awesome responsibility given by God  to be His servants to hurting people. Remeber The Caring Place with your prayers and donations.

Several volunteers from The Caring Place enjoyed a night of baseball and fun April 18th.  Volunteer Manager, Angela Malone organized a group outing to the volunteer night at the Lookouts.  In addition to watching the Lookouts and the Montgomery Biscuts, volunteers were treated to the antics of the Zooperstars from America’s got Talent tv show.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer at The Caring Place please contact Angela at 423-472-4414.

The Caring Place recently held our first annual training event.  All active volunteers from various jobs came and updated their skills.  Questions, games, and meeting new people gave the day a festive feel.  The Caring Place staff came in fatigues but with great smiles for the commitment shown by our volunteers.

Empty Bowl Projec

On Jan. 22, Ocoee Middle School art teacher Amanda Duncan and the OMS Art Club, Art I and Art II classes presented a check for $860 to The Caring Place. The art students made 68 ceramic soup bowls in class and then held a soup night where they charged $20 per family to attend.  The families kept the handmade bowls after the event and all donated money went to The Caring Place.

Ms. Duncan got the idea from the Empty Bowl Project, which is an international effort to fight hunger.  For more information about the Empty Bowl Project click on this link:  http://www.emptybowls.net/EmptyBowlsProject.htm