HISTORY

     The Anson Crisis Ministry had its beginnings with a recognized need for shoes and various items of clothing for school children. Help was given for shoes for school children through a program called "Happy Feet." The program was begun by the Wyatt House led by Fred Poisson and Mararuth Cox.
     Mrs. Cox recognized a need to expand the program so that used clothing could be made available to all who needed it. She voiced this concern to her pastor and others. Soon afterward, the possibility of setting up a clothes closet with regular hours was presented to the Inter-Church Council with the idea that the Inter-Church Council would sponsor such a venture until a Board of Directors and a paid part-time director could be obtained.
     The council agreed and a Board of Directors was set up with Dr. Fred Senter as chairman. A building owned by Mrs. Cox was made available to this organization at a cost of $100 a month, enough to cover insurance and taxes. This organization became known as the Anson Crisis Ministry.
     Rev. Leslie English, pastor of Believers Christian Ministry, became the part-time director. The initial purpose of this entity was to take in used clothing and some used furniture for distribution to those who needed it. Volunteers cleaned the building and donated and constructed clothing racks. Clothes started pouring in and the operation was under way as of December of 1992.
     Hours of operation were from 1 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Clients were to be served by referrals from churches, schools, the Health Department, Social Services and the Red Cross. Funding was provided by churches, individuals, civic clubs, businesses and eventually by the United Way and several local foundations. In February of 1993, the organization was finally awarded non-profit status, largely due to the persistent efforts of Mr. Dudley Partrick, assisted by attorney Bill Mason.
     As time went on, the Board of Directors recognized the need for a food pantry, so in the fall of 1994 the Anson Crisis Ministry became an agency of the Metrolina Food Bank and is now a distribution point for food for individuals and families in need. The distrbution of food has now become the main thrust of the Anson Crisis Ministry.