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In case you haven’t heard, ECCCM (Eastern Catawba Cooperative Christian Ministry) is now Ashure Ministry. The name change occurred a few weeks ago to better reflect the expanded scope of the agency.

It all began in 1969 as a cooperative effort by local churches to avoid duplication and maximize available resources for people in need.

I was a board member for ECCCM (E Tri-C M) when the current building was under construction in the early 2000s. At that time, the ministry still occupied the former nurse’s quarters for the former Catawba County Hospital in south Newton.

Back then, ECCCM was bursting at the seams. Dry staples and canned goods were stacked high on metal shelves in what had been nurses’ bedrooms. Clothing was sorted and sold in cramped quarters. Staff could accept minimal produce and a limited amount of frozen food—just what would fit into one or two chest freezers.

Today, the ministry has spacious walk-in facilities for refrigerated and frozen goods arriving from local growers and grocery stores.

Warehouse space allows for sorting and display of clothing and household items in the ministry’s in-house Thrifty Threads and Treasures store.

Recently, Greater Hickory Cooperative Christian Ministry closed their food pantry and shuttered their thrift store in order to focus on medical services and crisis assistance. As a result, Ashure now serves all of Catawba County.

The “ashure” name better applies to coverage of the entire county to “assure” help to those in need. The name also has a Biblical meaning. “Ashure” (or ashura) It is believed to be the celebratory meal Noah served when he and his family came off the Ark in eastern Turkey. Some say it’s the oldest dessert in the world.

I’ve been familiar with the Noah’s Ark story all my life, but had never noticed the reference to this dish in the book of Genesis, so I looked it up online. Sure enough, it’s a Turkish pudding made of grains, nuts and fruit.

This treat has come to symbolize celebration, but it also stands for peace, community and a bright future. It’s a fitting reference to the mission of the Ashure Ministry which is all about bringing folks from crisis to a brighter future. 

A factsheet given on my recent tour of the facility revealed some staggering statistics. Last year alone—when the ministry served only residents outside Hickory--nearly 10,000 individuals were helped. Last year’s tally of crisis assistance (rent/mortgage payments, power, water, heating and cooling) totaled a staggering $1.4 million.

At the same time, more than 2.5 million pounds of food were distributed while more than 4,000 vouchers were given to clients in need of clothing and household items.

I asked the staff why needs are expanding when our area is seeing so many businesses opening and housing units going up. In spite of all that, many of our neighbors continue to be faced with financial challenges—the end of COVID funding coupled with rising prices. Inflation, in fact, is the main reason cupboards are bare. And it’s not just costs of food and fuel; indeed rents, utilities and other household essentials are stretching budgets to the breaking point.

Most of us are all too familiar with price increases of food and other essentials. Now, consider coping with those expenditures on a minimal income while facing a medical crisis, job loss, or recovery from a house fire. Ashure can be a lifesaver in such circumstances.

Case managers help clients set goals and learn how to better budget their resources.

In addition, the ministry staff often advocates for clients who don’t know where the turn for specific needs, such as installing a handicap ramp or funding school supplies. Often, member congregations are asked to pitch in.

Most anyone can be part of this ministry. If you’d like to get involved, contact Ashure at 828-465-1702. Send them a check to P.O. Box 31, Newton 28658 or donate on-line at ashureministry.org.  This ministry can use your help now more than ever.              

---Tammy Wilson is a writer who lives near Newton. Contact her at  [email protected]                                                                           

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