HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 05-14-1996 - IX-F r
ORANGE C O U N T Y
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: MAY 14, 1996
Action Agenda
Item # �
SUBJECT: ORANGE CONGREATIONS IN MISSION PROPOSAL (OCIM)
DEPARTMENT: COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PUBLIC HEARING: Yes _X—No
ATTACHMENT(S) : BUDGET AMENDMENT NEEDED: Yes _X-No
PROPOSAL INFORMATION CONTACT:
BILL CROWTHER, COUNTY COMMISSIONER
EXT. 2130
TELEPHONE NUMBERS:
Hillsborough - 732-8181
Durham - 688-7331
Mebane - 227-2031
Chapel Hill - 967-9251/968-4501
PURPOSE: Commissioner Crowther brings to the Board' s attention
the proposal for community support from OCIM to build
a new facility that will provide improved service to
Orange County citizens.
BACKGROUND: See attached proposal.
RECOMMENDATION: As the Board decides.
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Orrntge Congregations In Mission Proposal
Change Congregations In Mission(OCDQ is an ecumenical ministry located in
Hillsborough,North Carolina that seeks to offer hope in the face of hopelessness through our
emugency service programs. Organizad in 1981 by four churches OCIM now has 40 member
congregations. Its purpose is:"To minister to the urgent needs of citizens of Orange County
through the volunteer efforts of diverse congregations and individuals inspired by faith in God,
and to enhance self-suff dwxy w d awareness of commaumty remitm"We wO*in dose
cooperation with our mernbar clergy, the Orange County Department of Social Services, Health
Department,and the Orange County Schools,assisting persons who have no other resources
available.
OCIM is s mainstay in the northern Orange County community,as we are the major
source of assistance to the needy and to those who have fallen through the cracks of social aid.
OCIM's primary gals arc to reach needy residents in our service area with emergemy food,
doh►utility payment assWanm and shelter through our SanrtaFAW Relief Uldsvies and Meals
on Wheels programs. Through our Commmity Ovid Carr Cenkr,OCIM provides quality,lovins
care to children from birth to four years of age,with emphasis on serving tow pareses who are
finishing high s heml (WW m'e"the spiritual needs of those pbywaliy aecl mewany a hafle rgM
by providing a"Special Needs 1Yorslrrp Service,"and an Fawre*cai Worship program allows
our congregations to worship together as one. OCIM 3ponsora the Northern Orange CROP Worth
for WWU Manger vduch generates funds locally as well as worldwide.The OCIM T Irrifr Shop
offam quality merchandise at bargain prices,and the resulting reverma supports our other
Our programs seek to help alkvide,d5cuk situations for people and,wore importarttly,
find solutions to the problems which have led to their economic condition. A supportive
community and dedicated volunteers Leers help us to accomplish our mission and to maintain our
reputation for quick and compassionate responses to human needs in Orange County-
In an effort to meet the growing needs of the poor.OCIM hopes to raise$550,000 for a
new 10,000 square feet facility►. This building would allow OCIM to increase its service to the
poor,support outreach efforts, and create an endowment to help secure OCIM's future.Between
eight and ten percent of the$550,000 would be used for expanses,while the remainder of the
fund:would go towards the actual concuuction and the creation of an endowrnant. This agency is
committed to beoamz mole self=Sdeat and ksa depumb at on fatadadm for its ongoms
support.T'he endowment income would support outreach efforts as well as community and fund
anduvors.
in the cans offour small offices,OCIM served 4,352 individuals with emergency
usistarrce in 1995(isrr;hxft 2,603 Wild=).The rapid growth of our ministry in response to the
inaaast daswuls has had a critied impact on our need for more space. Many cornprortaisea
have to be made in dealing with the community we serve as a result of our small and aging facility.
OCIM can better serve its diertts with additional space. Of aiticel importance,in our
dealings with clients is ca>ffideaRiaiity when they come to us seeking food and finances.Dignity
for our diem is importata as they seek to retain their self-esteem;however,in our cturrent
building, solving problems in confidence is "difficult. There is no waiting room for clients.only
V, The Doke ltwo Caspan Feandiam 3
OrMV CONVV80 ions In Fission wpokatioa Pmpoest
seats in the reccptioniat's room. Also,the food pantry is located in the 7hrft,Shop(the oily space
we have available),and clients rrutst carry their food orders out past Thrift Shop customers.
The new hciky will allow us to provide direct intake service to our clients with the
addition of inuke/interview rooms and volunteers. We currently depend on other agencies to
conduct detailed interviews,as we do not have the space required for this task.
OCIM's bimonthly worship services could be held at one,handicapped-accessible location
at the new facility,rather than constantly having to search for new places to hold service.
Wonderful donations dance into our T hih Shop every day from all over the county.
Because of space,donations of large items have to be kept to a mires and our safes suffer.
The Thrift Shop offers the most consistent revenue for OCUW With additional space,furniture
and other large items could generate additional dollars for our Meals on Wheels ministry and
Samaritan Relief Mimsdy.
Our volunteers have also been impacted by the lack of space at our current location.
Dedicated volunteers have to adjust their schedules,as we can only accommodate so many people
on the premises. Committees crust now find meeting places in other buildings and churches across
town, and space for volunteers who have to work in the office is minimal. With a new facility,we
can vastly bxmise our vohunter base.
The effectiveness of this additional space will be measured by the quantity and quality of
our service to clients. An anticipated 50 percent increase m demand for services to families in our
Samaritan Relief Ministries will be reflected in our monthly financial statements.
ANTICIPATED GRANT SUPPORT:
A. J. Fletcher Foundation
Stewards Fund
Kirby Foundation
Triangle Community Foundation
Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation
Deciom3imation Support
Congregational Giving(Member Churches)
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