In 1986, Polk County was identified as one of 200 counties in the United States with the highest level of poverty per capita. In response, local church and community leaders began a five-year study to better understand the needs of Polk County residents.
The findings helped inspire the creation of Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry, now known as Outreach. Since opening its doors in 1991, Outreach has continued to grow in response to the needs of individuals and families throughout Polk County.
1986–1992
The Beginning of Outreach
After Polk County was identified as one of 200 counties in the United States with the highest level of poverty per capita, women from multiple local churches came together under the leadership of Eloise Thwing to study the needs of the community. Their five-year effort helped lead to the creation of Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry, now known as Outreach.
With support from Reverend Tony Sayer and Columbus United Methodist Church, Outreach was provided space and utilities and officially opened its doors in September 1991. In 1992, Outreach received its 501(c)(3) nonprofit tax-exempt status and began serving Polk County with an annual operating budget of $14,000.
1997–1998
A Permanent Home
As the need for services grew, Outreach outgrew its space at Columbus United Methodist Church. The organization purchased one acre of land and began a capital campaign to build a larger facility.
With support from the Polk County Community Foundation and the wider community, Outreach moved into its new building on June 8, 1998. Around this time, local church-organized food pantries consolidated, and Outreach became the primary food pantry serving Polk County.
2005–2008
Expanding Support for Children
A local study revealed a significant need for dental hygiene care among children in Polk County. Outreach helped lead the effort to address this need and acquired property next door to build what became the Collins Dental Clinic.
During this same period of growth, Outreach expanded its support for children and families. In 2008, the Backpack Snacks Program was established to help serve Polk County children experiencing food insecurity, and the School Supplies Program was launched to help students begin the school year prepared.
2010–2015
Leadership Transitions
In 2010, Outreach founder Eloise Thwing retired as Executive Director after years of leadership and service to the organization. Carol Newton became Outreach’s third Executive Director that same year and served for five years.
In 2015, George Alley became Outreach’s fourth Executive Director, continuing the organization’s work to respond to the needs of individuals and families throughout Polk County.
2020–2021
A New Chapter
In 2020, Outreach refreshed its brand and updated its logo to better reflect its mission. While the organization remains officially incorporated as Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry, the public-facing name was simplified to Outreach.
In 2021, Outreach completed construction on the first two homes in Horse Creek Village, its affordable housing neighborhood. That same year, WNCSource purchased 2.6 acres of Outreach property to build an Early Childhood Development Center for children ages 6 weeks to 3 years old. In December 2021, Margot Carter became Outreach’s fifth Executive Director.
Today
35 Years of Service
For 35 years, Outreach has grown in response to the needs of the Polk County community. What began as a small church-based effort has become a community-supported organization providing food, shelter and connections to local residents.
Thanks to the support of community partners, board members, volunteers, donors and staff, Outreach continues to serve Polk County while building on the work started by those who recognized a need and chose to respond.