Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry
History
In 1986, Polk County was identified as one of 200 counties in the country with the greatest amount of poverty per capita. Based upon this information, a five-year study was conducted to document and determine the needs of the Polk County community. The evidence was clear and the action was immediate.
In 1991, a small number of compassionate people set-out to address unmet needs and deliver services with a helping hand. Through the generosity of the Columbus United Methodist Church, a room was designated to establish a base for the fledgling organization that would become Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry (Outreach). Since that time, Outreach has grown to meet the numerous ongoing and challenging needs of those in crisis within Polk County.
Today, Outreach's programs include Financial Assistance (utilities, housing, prescriptions, etc.), Food Assistance (Food Pantry, Feed-A-Kid and Produce Day), School Supply Closet and much more.
In 1991, a small number of compassionate people set-out to address unmet needs and deliver services with a helping hand. Through the generosity of the Columbus United Methodist Church, a room was designated to establish a base for the fledgling organization that would become Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry (Outreach). Since that time, Outreach has grown to meet the numerous ongoing and challenging needs of those in crisis within Polk County.
Today, Outreach's programs include Financial Assistance (utilities, housing, prescriptions, etc.), Food Assistance (Food Pantry, Feed-A-Kid and Produce Day), School Supply Closet and much more.
Important Milestones
1986 - 1990
Study of of 200 counties reveals Polk County with the greatest amount of poverty per capita. Local chapters of church women united together under the leadership of Eloise Thwing (Founder of Outreach) to begin a 5-year study of the problem and to implement "change".
1991
The long awaited 5-year study is completed and presented to Rev. Tony Sayer at Columbus United Methodist Church. Columbus United Methodist Church agrees to provide a room and utilities while the Church Women United donated funds to purchase telephone equipment.
Bylaws were established along with a constitution and Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry opened its doors in September, 1991. Founder, Eloise Thwing becomes Outreach's first Board Chairman.
Bylaws were established along with a constitution and Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry opened its doors in September, 1991. Founder, Eloise Thwing becomes Outreach's first Board Chairman.
1992
Mrs. Fran Ruthven is selected as Outreach's first Executive Director. Later, Mrs. Ruthven moves from Polk County and Eloise Thwing is selected as Outreach's second Executive Director. Petie Kaericher is elected as new Board Chairman.
Under this leadership, Outreach receives a separate 501(c)(3) not-for-profit tax exempt status. The first board meeting is held at the Congregational Church in Tryon in September. The operational budget was set at $14,000 and programs and services for helping the underserved and poverty level families in crisis were put into motion.
Under this leadership, Outreach receives a separate 501(c)(3) not-for-profit tax exempt status. The first board meeting is held at the Congregational Church in Tryon in September. The operational budget was set at $14,000 and programs and services for helping the underserved and poverty level families in crisis were put into motion.
1997-1998
The needs of families in crisis quickly outgrow the current one-room facility at Columbus United Methodist Church. In 1997, Outreach purchases 1-acre of land from Mr. Charlie Feagan and begins fundraising for a new facility.
A grant is submitted to the Polk County Community Foundation and $50,000 (covering 1/3 of the cost) was awarded toward the construction of the new facility.
On June 8, 1998, Outreach opens its newly constructed facility for services with the Executive Director and 1-staff member as the only paid employees. All food pantry programs from various churches were combined at Outreach which then became the primary Food Pantry Program for Polk County.
A grant is submitted to the Polk County Community Foundation and $50,000 (covering 1/3 of the cost) was awarded toward the construction of the new facility.
On June 8, 1998, Outreach opens its newly constructed facility for services with the Executive Director and 1-staff member as the only paid employees. All food pantry programs from various churches were combined at Outreach which then became the primary Food Pantry Program for Polk County.
2005-2006
After a study with local agencies, it was determined that children in Polk County were in severe need of a dental clinic to improve overall dental care and health. Again, it was Outreach who helped lead the charge. Outreach acquired property adjacent adjacent to its current facility and with the leadership of Becky Collins and Mark Woodbridge, the Collins Dental Clinic was completed and opened in 2006.
2007-Present
In 2008, the Feed-A-Kid Program was established to serve nutritionally at-risk children.
The School Supply Program was launched to help needy families struggling to make ends meet by providing backpacks and school supplies for their children.
In 2010, Eloise Thwing (Founder and Past Board Chairman) retired as Executive Director of Outreach and, Carol Newton, the third Executive Director in the history of the organization was hired.
Thanks to many partners, present and past board members, donors, and volunteers, Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry continues to serve the growing needs of families in crisis. To learn more about our current services, click here, or see it first-hand by taking an informative tour of Outreach.
The School Supply Program was launched to help needy families struggling to make ends meet by providing backpacks and school supplies for their children.
In 2010, Eloise Thwing (Founder and Past Board Chairman) retired as Executive Director of Outreach and, Carol Newton, the third Executive Director in the history of the organization was hired.
Thanks to many partners, present and past board members, donors, and volunteers, Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry continues to serve the growing needs of families in crisis. To learn more about our current services, click here, or see it first-hand by taking an informative tour of Outreach.
