How did JCOC originate?

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In 1995, the Jacksonville Ministerial Association voted to form a ‘one-stop’ place to help people who suffered from hunger, sickness, no income stream, medical needs, or nowhere to turn. At that time, many went from one church office to another, asking for assistance. The office staff spent part of everyday handling assistance with many duplications. The ministers thought that having one central location that all supported would be a great solution – and it was.

Twenty-three churches committed to give money, volunteers, foods, and time to this new endeavor which was called Jacksonville Christian Outreach Center. It was a success from day one. In the past 26 years, thousands of Jacksonville residents have been helped by JCOC. Hundreds of dedicated volunteers have given their time and hearts to helping.

The present team took the reins of JCOC in December 2018 when the leaders were unable to continue serving. We organized the house and updated the policies. hoping to serve better while optimizing our resources (ex: utilities policy, groceries). Next, we bought computers and enrolled JCOC in Charity Tracker, which is a very robust data management software system. We can track our clients, how often they are coming to us, for what, and other agencies they visit. This cuts down on redundancy. We helped with School Supplies and Toyland ministries. We continuously review to see how to better serve the children in J’ville.

Next, we decided to help those affected by the govt shutdown – both government workers furloughed and contract workers for independent companies connected to the govt. We stepped out in faith and God provided – Presbyterian church and so many others.

Currently, JCOC offers Slow Cooker classes, participates in Feeding America food bank, offers first aid kids to each family, provides dog and cat food, and distributes fresh vegetables from our ‘Garden of Eatin’.

Where do you fit in? Anywhere you want. We need people to talk about JCOC. We need volunteers, money, food, publicity. Perhaps you might be interested in the Crock Pot Meal prep class. Or a budget class? Or something for children? Of school supplies? Or Undie Sunday at your church? Think outside the box. We will listen to any suggestion. Please pray for us always. God bless you.

Gift Ideas for JCOC

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Looking to donate to JCOC? Oftentimes, food is the most important thing for us to collect. However, sometimes random hygiene products are greatly appreciated, or even the occasional gift card. See below to see how you can help now!

Gift Ideas for JCOC

* Personal hygiene products – lotions, shampoo, disposable razors, shaving lotion, soap, hair spray or hair style product. 

* Lip balm, facial moisturizer, nail polish, nail file, bubble baths, bath oils, eye sleep mask.

*Aloe vera gel (good for burns and skin).

*Deck of cards to play war, match, Solitaire.

*Card games – like Uno, Hearts, Rummy, Skip Bo.

*Rubik cube and other puzzles for pre-teens.

*Chargers for cell phone.

*Coffee mug or tea mug and tea bags.

*Covid Flu preparedness box – hand sanitizer, Clorox wipes, soap, tissue, gloves, (laundry detergent and paper towels?).

*Covid food box – chicken noodle soup, broth, crackers, Gatorade, tea, etc.

*Movie tickets.

*Gas vouchers for local service stations.

*Gift cards to fast food places – $5 or $10.

A Typical Day at JCOC

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Today, we had over 50 calls, asking for every conceivable thing under the sun. Many clients and new folks showed up for help. One person was a convicted felon, looking for help with an I.D. and some food. He had no idea where he should go. We spent a lot of time with him, telling him we were praying for him and knew he could stay off drugs this time. Beth delivered food items to a homeless person who has no heat. We helped several who had no documents. We gave food to the hungry who were walking by.

JCOC received a lot of extra candy from Halloween which volunteers put in baggies for Christmas.

Two families from outside Jacksonville came for food. They lost all their food from the electrical outage due to the hurricane. Many came to sign up for Christmas Assistance. We already have 90 children and teens with the deadline not until November 19. A friend brought 5 large flats of peppers-all sorts of beautiful peppers. We left them on the porch so anyone could take what they wanted. Come by if you want some.

We passed out First Aid Kits – such a wonderful declaration of our concern for the welfare of our neighbors. We passed out a Fall surprise meal – Brunswick Stew – all the ingredients and the recipe. This was a love gift from JCOC to each family who came to us.

We handed out bookmarks with the names and phone numbers of helping agencies in Calhoun County. We advise clients who can help. We gave out postage stamps because one person had filled out his food stamp request but had no stamp. We gave him stamps and envelopes and pointed him to the post office. We are determined to help!!

We began sorting undies and socks, in anticipation of making individual bags according to the information given by parents. We are still passing out masks, made by out wonderful volunteers. We also copied forms, filed forms, and entered information into Charity Tracker. We confirmed our order for almost 4000 pounds of food coming Friday from Feeding AL. We checked the shelves for an order. Here is a sample of things needed:

Mac and cheese, hygiene products-such as shampoo and lotion, soups, jelly, tuna or chicken helper, and crackers are critical needs, in case you can donate.

Lastly, we found a few weevils in the chickpeas. Our volunteers came late to get rid of chickpeas and check the rice and navy beans. Rice and beans were good!

JCOC is spreading love and care to all who come to us. Thank you for praying for us and blessing us with your food and financial gifts. Without your support, JCOC would not be.

A Story of Giving

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Why we do what we do

Recently, JCOC received a notice of food at the post office.

We had no idea what the cryptic note meant, and it was put aside. After more notices, I put on my mask, went to the post office, and claimed our food. There were several plastic Walmart bags with 2 or 3 cans of food in each. Attached to each bag was a note, written in pencil, on lined paper. The first note mentioned that the writer had seen a sign that JCOC was collecting food for the hungry. Each additional note stated ‘here are a few more cans’ and an apology that ‘this is all I have’. We were so touched by this generous act of sharing – giving when you had so little. On the note were initials and the post office had scribbled an address. If the mail personnel had not been sensitive and caring, this food would not have gotten to us. There would have been no story.

I was so touched by the generous gift that I wrote a note to the initials on the notes at the address. I received a three-page letter on lined paper in pencil. Here is her story:

     She was 65 years old and had lived in public housing all her life. During the isolation, she lost several family members. Due to this and other events, she was able to pack her few belongings and move into a tiny house not far from JCOC. She was shy and lacked education. She had driven by JCOC but was scared to stop. Yet, she wanted so badly to help. She continued her story which was a moving description of strength and compassion. She enclosed a check for $25.00 which she said was all she could give. This reminded us of the widow who gave a few coins which was all she had.

You might ask why we work daily, load and unload heavy boxes of food, stack food everywhere in the small house, take food to those with no transportation, pay utility bills, hand out school supplies, give Christmas assistance, minister to those we do not know. This beautiful lady is the reason.

God is so good to us. He rewards us with meaningful reinforcement daily.

Undie Sunday, 2021

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Undie Sunday

JCOC is asking churches to sponsor an “Undie” Sunday on November 21st. . We want all our children to receive new underwear and socks at Christmas Toyland. Please ask your congregation to participate in this. We need new underwear and socks for ages 3 to 18. We need large sizes, both children and adult, as we have many big older children.

Bring the ‘undies’ and socks to JCOC by November 25. Last year, we served 200 children.

JCOC OPERATIONAL UPDATE, 8 April 2021

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  1. Governor Kay Ivey’s mask directive will expire Friday, April 9.  Businesses will determine what measure of COVID safety they should have.  The JCOC will continue to receive clients OUTSIDE of the building.  Transactions will continue to take place via telephone—or in those cases where clients do not have a phone– on the front porch.  Clients and staff should wear masks when interacting with the public on the porch or in person anywhere else on the property.

The CDC has determined that individuals are safest (even with both COVID vaccinations) when individuals wear masks and remain six feet apart.  However, it is  ultimately up to our volunteers to conduct their shift in the manner they deem safest for the group. 

Please…only one client on the ramp or the porch at a time.  It reduces the risk of exposure to us all. 

 

Thank you for your cooperation.