Cleveland Amory profoundly stated, “What this world needs is a new kind of army-the army of the kind.”
Portions of Surry, Yadkin and Wilkes counties of North Carolina are fortunate to have the “army of the kind” in the form of Tri-County Christian Crisis Ministry. (Tri-C) It has been a worthwhile venture of great merit that began 25 years ago in October of 1986. It is a mission that is rooted in coming to the aid of families in need. It began as an outgrowth from the Tri-Country Ministerial Association. Rev. Doug Gilbert of the First United Methodist Church proposed this idea for the community. He had had previous experience with this type of ministry.
Additionally, Tri-C initially drew from the wisdom of Ginny Britt who was, at that time, involved with the Winston-Salem Crisis Control Ministry. It was adapted to fit this community. It is run by a volunteer board of 12 representatives from the community with one paid executive director. Heather Macy is the current director and is dedicated in her efforts to serve the community. Her philosophy follows a quote by John Wooden, “It is amazing what can be accomplished when you don’t care who gets the credit.” Macy refers to Tri-C as a perfect example of how 60 volunteers can work together for the good of the community serving those in crisis.
Tri-C is located at 440 West Main Street/Jonesville, North Carolina. It serves the communities of Elkin (28621), Jonesville (28642), Ronda (28670), Roaring River (28669), State Road (28676), Dobson ( 27017) Boonville (27011) Hamptonville (27020), Thurmond (28683), and Traphill (28685). Their hours of operation are on Mondays from 1 p.m. to 4:00 and Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Tri-C is available to serve the community with food, fuel, clothing and medications. It helps to prevent disconnects of water and power services and to cut on power and water. In addition, this summer it is distributing childhood hunger prevention bags from Second Harvest Food Bank. It is also involved in backpack and school supplies given in preparation for a new school year. In 2010, they helped 5881 people with their emergencies and gave out 117,937 pounds of food. Tri-C coordinates with other agencies which include: Salvation Army, Yokefellow, Wilkes Ministry of Hope, Yadkin Christian Ministries and Department of Social Services in order to provide aid for its clients. It is funded by churches, individuals, civic groups, United Ways, Duke Power funds and Salem Presbytery Hunger grants.
The atmosphere in Tri-C is personable as it tries to make it as comforting as possible. They have a well-formatted structure to meet each person’s needs in a timely manner. Upon arriving, they pick up a number and then sit in a waiting room until their number is called. There are some toys and books to occupy the children as they wait. Some days are quite busy, while the traffic is not as steady on others. Patience is always necessary on the busy days.
It is a requirement for each person to come prepared with a social security card for each household member, an ID picture and their utility bill and cut off bills, along with proof of income and outgo. When their numbers are called they are clerked in and then see an interviewer. An in depth interview is done regarding the current crisis. Since Tri-C deals in crises, it must be 10 days or less before cut off for the disconnect portion of the bill to can be paid. There are criteria and limitations as to how much and to whom this is paid. Quite often the needs of those being cut off that day are paramount.
Out of sincere appreciation, there are some people who were once helped by the ministry and are now donating their own time and energy in working for Tri-C. It is always looking for volunteers to add to the 50 that are already committed to working there. One day a month of helping at Tri-C as a clerk, food packer or interviewer means so much to so many. This “army of the kind” has obviously proven to be a full-circle process as it promotes generosity and caring in the community.