Hickory – Greater Hickory Cooperative Christian Ministry has selected Hickory native Molly Sain as its new Administrative Director of Health and Client Services. This position has special significance for Sain, who began volunteering for GHCCM in 2008 after wanting a way to make a difference in peoples’ lives. Encouraged to apply by her mother, Susie Tolbert, who was a longtime GHCCM employee, Sain began working in the ministry’s health clinic as an employee in 2016. The two worked alongside one another until earlier this year, when her mother passed away unexpectedly.
Molly Sain
“I am so honored to be selected for this key leadership position, carrying out the ministry’s mission to help the people of Hickory and Catawba County. It holds special significance for me, knowing that my mom would be especially proud of the work we are doing and the vision we have for the future.”
The ministry is already in the process of refocusing on its core services and will continue offering specialty medical, dental and pharmacy services, alongside some crisis services, including rent and utility assistance and showers. “Crisis services are still in place, with the goal of transforming lives – walking alongside people and giving needed support as they move from poverty into a more secure situation,” said Sain.
Food distribution is being approached through a wellness lens and will be offered in conjunction with other health services at GHCCM. Eastern Catawba Christian Ministry is enhancing its food pantry to ensure access for everyone in the community.
GHCCM is also strengthening its relationship with Kintegra Health, which will be offering enhanced primary care services in the space where the old food pantry and thrift store were located. Kintegra is a Federally Qualified Health Center and has been providing primary care services, regardless of a person’s ability to pay, next door to the ministry for many years.
“By focusing on core services – medical, dental and pharmacy – GHCCM is positioning itself as an organization that will be able to serve the needs of Catawba County residents for many years to come,” said GHCCM Board Chair Jennifer McCracken.
GHCCM will also continue its partnership with other organizations to ensure individuals’ other needs are met. “Greater Hickory Cooperative Christian Ministry has been a strong community partner and a source of hope for people in need for a long, long time,” said Catawba County United Way Executive Director Mark Bumgarner.
“The medical, dental and pharmacy services impact thousands of clients a year and meet a critical need in our community. We are looking forward to see how the ministry’s changes improve the long-term health and wellbeing of people in our county.” Sain said she is excited about the ministry’s future.
“This shift toward core health services is exciting and we are looking forward to making a continued impact in the health and wellbeing of individuals and the community as a whole,” said Sain. “To meet these health needs, we will need the community to work alongside us, and volunteers and donations are both a welcome way to help serve the community.”
To get involved in GHCCM’s health work or crisis assistance work, please call (828) 327-0979.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
GREATER HICKORY COOPERATIVE CHRISTIAN MINISTRY IS NOT CLOSING
The ministry is refocusing on its core medical, dental and pharmacy services. It is also offering nutrition-based food distribution to some medical clients and will continue current operations in the Whole Life Center, across the street, to provide resources for GEDs, employment and assistance in setting attainable financial goals.
I HAVE BEEN USING THE FOOD PANTRY AT GHCCM. WHERE WILL I GET THESE SERVICES NOW?
Eastern Catawba Cooperative Christian Ministry and other food distribution groups throughout Catawba County have enhanced their food pantry services. Former GHCCM food pantry clients can receive those services there.
WHY IS GHCCM CLOSING THE THRIFT STORE?
The thrift store is closing to provide space for enhanced primary care health services provided by Kintegra Health. This better aligns with the core medical, dental and pharmacy services offered by GHCCM.
WHAT SERVICES WILL GHCCM CONTINUE TO OFFER?
Core services, including crisis rent and utility assistance, showers, dental, pharmacy and specialty medical clinics will continue being offered through GHCCM. The partnership with Kintegra allows people to also receive primary care services in the same building as GHCCM.
